In a feature published in The Australian on 19 January, SNAICC CEO Frank Hytten has contributed to an important discussion on the current state of child protection within the Northern Territory.
The article comes amidst news that the NT child protection system is considering reassessing its definition of harm, and making changes to the way in which allegations of abuse are handled.
Mr Hytten has questioned the pressure child protection staff have become accustomed to, with the understanding that workers must be stretched thin incorrectly considered a part of the job within the sector.
It is this pressure on child protection workers that leads to children being removed from their families unnecessarily.
“The system has got to the point where the childcare worker cannot afford not to make the executive decision (to remove the child) because they don’t have any back-up,” Mr Hytten said.
“We’re very concerned about cases where children are removed for ridiculous reasons, and we hear of cases where children aren’t removed in pretty horrific circumstances.”
To hear more voices on the discussion, read the complete article via the Australian website.
