Victoria's underfunded child protection system fails to identify at-risk children, leading to preventable deaths
Original framing: “Dozens of vulnerable children were deemed not at risk by Victoria’s child protection system. They are now dead” — The Guardian - World
The current crisis echoes colonial-era child welfare policies that removed Indigenous children from their families, causing intergenerational trauma. Historical patterns of neglect and assimilation continue to shape contemporary child protection systems.
Victoria’s child protection system is failing due to chronic underfunding, outdated risk assessments, and a lack of cultural responsiveness.
Indigenous models and trauma-informed care offer proven alternatives that prioritize community and prevention over intervention. By integrating these approaches with increased investment and community participation, Victoria can build a more effective and equitable system. The historical legacy of colonial child welfare policies and the current marginalization of affected families must be acknowledged and addressed to prevent further preventable deaths.