"The Victorian Ombudsman is calling for "major reform" of the state's residential care system, after investigating allegations that five children, as young as 11, were physically and sexually assaulted while in the state's care," says this article from ABC News in Australia. "Ombudsman Deborah Glass said the children had needed a safe home, but in residential care ended up 'more damaged, with even greater odds to overcome to lead meaningful and productive lives.'" In her report to the Victorian Government, Glass made several recommendations for change to provide children with better care.
These include:
- Reducing residential care units from four beds to two beds, with greater access for children to mental health and educational services
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Creating an independent advocate to promote the rights of children in care