“In recent years the volume and the. unique needs require that we establish a dedicated use services team.”
Bishop noted that only 20% of the referrals are related to extreme abuse.
“Some of the difficulties that our families face include mental health concerns, addiction, socialized isolation, trauma and extreme financial stress.”
Bishop continued, “In 2019, 2020 the society recorded 3,903 child protection intakes. Sixty-one percent of these intakes were assessed as requiring service. Investigations with the community etc. More than 1,350 families are assessed for concern about their children each year. and approximately 637 families are provided with ongoing services and support. In approximately 93% of all family services involvement at Highland Shores, the children are living in the family home.”
“The main reason children were admitted to care in 2019 and 2020 is caregiver capacity. This made up 43% of children in care.”
Bishop noted that an analysis of admission to care spoke to the complexity of needs of children resulting in a number of situation where children come in to care due to the care of service rather than child protection concerns.
“The majority of our calls are received from law enforcement and then from education personnel. There’s also cases that are self-referring, mental health personnel, medical personnel and community organizations play a big role in contacting us with concerns.”
