child deaths annual report

Minister for Family and Community Services the Hon. Pru Goward has launched the inaugural Child Deaths 2010 Annual Report at a seminar at Parliament House.

The report reviews Community Services’ involvement with the families of the 139 children and young people who died in 2010, what has been learned from reviews of their deaths, and what is being done to improve practice and reform systems.

Six key themes emerged from an analysis of child deaths in 2010 which are explored in depth in the report. 

The report reveals that 52 children (37%) died from illness or disease, 25 children (18%) died from prematurity while 5 children (4%) died from suspicious injuries. The report also found that domestic violence and parental substance abuse were the most common reported risk factors.

The report was discussed at a seminar on December 14 at Parliament House with child protection experts including government and non-government partner agencies and academics. The seminar also included an address by Eileen Munro, Professor of Social Policy at the London School of Economics, on how organisations can learn to reduce risk to children.

To report suspected child abuse or neglect, call the Child Protection Helpline on 132 111 (24 hours/7 days)