Media Release

8 February 2007

Children’s Commissioner has role in monitoring Child, Youth & Family

Children’s Commissioner, Dr Cindy Kiro, has reacted to recent calls for the set-up of an independent compliants authority to monitor the activities of Child, Youth and Family (CYF) by pointing out that the Children’s Commisioner’s Act 2003 already provides the Children’s Commissioner with certain functions in relation to monitoring Child, Youth and Family Services (CYF) and other persons, bodies and organisations exercising any function or power conferred by the Children, Young Persons and Their Families Act 1989.

“As Children’s Commissioner, I am an Independent Crown Entity with powers to investigate any decision or recommendation made by CYF and monitor and assess the policies and practices of the Department. Another important function of my role is the promotion of the establishment of accessible and effective complaints mechanisms, in key agencies, for children and monitoring the nature and level of complaints,” says Dr Kiro.

“My Office routinely deals with public enquiries and complaints about Child, Youth and Family, canvassing a whole range of issues such as social work practice, removal and the placement of children.”

“There are a number of elements that are needed to build a robust complaints mechanism, and many of these are already under discussion with the Chief Executive and Minister of Child, Youth and Family. These are essential parts of a quality system,” says Dr Kiro.

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