Those whose job it was to safeguard a vulnerable minor in Victoria’s state care were discovered to have abused her.
According to Liana Buchanan, the state’s children’s commissioner, this horrific case of abuse was the worst she had ever witnessed in Victoria.
The charges were withdrawn due to the 12-year-old’s age; she was in government care at the time of the murder in a Footscray residence.
Then, apparently, the caregivers assigned to her case engaged in systemic violence and abuse.
The commissioner’s investigation revealed that the youngster had endured “significant trauma” for a considerable amount of time following her placement in state care.
Buchanan found out that the girl had been passed around to ten different houses.
In addition to engaging in sex work, she was discovered to have escaped numerous times.
“There were a number of times that she disclosed carers, whose job was to look after 24 hours a day, that some of those people had been violent towards her,” said Buchanon.
According to Buchanon, who is the commissioner for Victoria’s children, this was the most severe case she had encountered so far.
“I think it is a story of missed opportunities to protect this child and do the right thing by her from very, very early in her life,” according to her.
Following the girl’s removal from her home, the state spent $3 million over the course of three years providing for her care.
Because of a failure to coordinate, the study concluded that all relevant agencies had consistently let her down.
“The system as a whole is designed to offer protection for children in care,” stated Lizzie Blandthorn, Minister for Children in Victoria.
Is it always possible to do that better?
That’s our goal. Indeed, we certainly can.
Buchanon made history by breaking her silence to inform Victoria Premier Jacinta Allen of the report’s devastating conclusions.
