State Member for Wallsend, Ms Sonia Hornery MP, has welcomed the news that an audit and review will be conducted into Premier Youthworks operation of residential group homes in the Hunter.
It was revealed on ABC program Four Corners that children were being exposed to widespread abuse and neglect in residential care centres across NSW – this follows other recent examples such as the tragic case of ‘Girl X’ who died in residential care in 2014.
Ms Hornery wrote to the Minister for Family and Community Services in November last year calling on the Government to conduct a full scale inquiry into the capacity of residential home care facilities to provide appropriate care to vulnerable children, and to review and potentially tear up the contracts of those providers who were failing in their duty to keep children safe.
Quotes attributable to Member for Wallsend, Sonia Hornery
“I am pleased that there will now be an audit and review conducted into Premier Youthworks.”
“Although I am disappointed that the Government has dragged its feet, it has been more than 6 months since I asked the Minister for a review.”
“Like everyone, I was deeply disturbed by the report of widespread abuse and neglect of children in residential homes across NSW. The community needs to have confidence in the Government’s ability to look after the most vulnerable children in the State.”
“Since the Four Corners program went to air last year, a number of former staff and children in care have come forward to tell of the issues they experienced with Premier Youthworks.”
“It is important that this review be wide reaching and give those people an opportunity to have their concerns addressed.”