UNICEF Australia calls for coordinated national action following reports of child protection breaches inside childcare and residential systems.
UNICEF Australia is deeply concerned by the findings of two recent ABC investigations that expose serious and systemic failures in the protection of children—both in residential care homes and early childhood care settings.
Every child has the right to grow up in a safe, nurturing environment—free from harm, exploitation, and fear. The evidence presented in these latest reports, including instances of physical abuse in childcare centres and children being exposed to known abusers and subjected to violence while in state care, is unacceptable and demands urgent action.
The voices of the young people and families who have bravely come forward must be heard and their safety and wellbeing must be prioritised.
Coordinated action to enhance safeguarding in childcare and residential settings is essential to ensure no child is left vulnerable in systems meant to protect them. This should include:
- Immediately reviewing and strengthening of child safeguarding protocols in all childcare and residential settings.
- Developing a national approach to sector regulations and compliance to uphold these standards.
- Establishing a statutory, independent body tasked with monitoring child safety across all care and residential services in Australia.
- Establishing a national approach to Working with Children Checks that applies consistent eligibility criteria, renewal periods, and disqualification thresholds.
A National Child Safety Review is currently underway and offers a critical opportunity to embed stronger protections and accountability measures across all child-related services. We urge all stakeholders to engage with this process and ensure that the voices of children, families, and frontline workers are central to reform.
The failures to protect children within childcare and residential settings revealed this week underscore the urgent need for a coordinated national plan for children ensuring that children’s rights, safety, and wellbeing are prioritised at the highest levels of government.
UNICEF Australia remains committed to working with governments, service providers, and communities to ensure that every child is safe, supported, and given the opportunity to thrive.
15 May 2025