SNAICC – National Voice for our Children is calling for an immediate investigation into the leaking of confidential information relating to child protection notifications involving Kumanjayi Little Baby and her family.
SNAICC CEO Catherine Liddle said she was horrified to read details in national media about confidential information regarding a mother and children fleeing domestic violence.
“Leaking these details has only served to demonise a mother trying to keep herself and her children safe” Ms Liddle said.
“In the Northern Territory, exposure to family violence is a mandatory child protection report. This does not necessarily mean a child is at risk and should be removed from family.
“Notifications do not mean substantiation.
“The safety of children is of course always paramount and I am pleased to see the Northern Territory Minister asking questions about the actions of workers in her department.
“But I would urge her to investigate the leaking of information that could very well place the mother of Kumanjayi Little Baby in danger.
“The leaking of this information also erodes trust in the very system that is meant to keep our children safe.
“I don’t know which NT agency is responsible for the leaks but the details leaked to media would narrow it down as to who has access to this information.
“I am also very concerned at plans we are hearing that the Northern Territory Government plans to erode the Child Placement Principle.
“Again Aboriginal families and communities are being targeted and blamed when we know this is fairly and squarely a failure of government systems such as justice, corrections and public housing.
“This was a child who was very loved and her family are shattered at her loss.”
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For all media queries, please contact Charlie Bowcock on 0417 042 308 or media@snaicc.org.au
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