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Evidence-based Practice in Child Protection: The Queenland Context (From Symposium on Evidence-based Practice in Child Protection, P 3-9, 2001, -- See NCJ-187318)

NCJ Number
187319
Author(s)
Penny Gordon
Date Published
2001
Length
7 pages
Annotation
This paper from a Symposium on Evidence-Based Practice in Child Protection, held in Brisbane, Australia, on November 28, 2000, sets the context for discussion about evidence-based practice by outlining some of the key issues and challenges as well as promising developments for contemporary child protection policy and practice in Queensland (Australia).
Abstract
In Queensland, the basic needs of children in care are not often met. They do not receive even services for the most basic needs of food and shelter, let alone health and educational needs. Specialized treatment programs for highly traumatized children are the exception rather than the rule. Queensland still spends close to the least amount on child protection of all the States and Territories in Australia, in spite of a recent increase in child protection funding. Although media coverage of child abuse has assisted in an increase in community awareness of the issue, the coverage is often sensationalist and advocates simplistic solutions to complex long-term problems. Further, there has been an avoidance of the use of measurement and evidence collection to improve the quality of the child protection system. Some positive developments, on the other hand, have been an increased focus on protecting children within the context of their family and community whenever possible. Alternative care is viewed as part of an integrated system that includes a range of intervention types. The proclamation of the Child Protection Act in March 2001 has provided an opportunity for Queensland to engage in significant practice and policy development. Along with this, there has been an increased focus on an evidential knowledge base to inform practice.