A Queensland inquiry has revealed that the state has a significantly higher number of children in residential care compared to other Australian states, examining the reasons behind this trend.
A recent Commission of Inquiry into Child Safety in Queensland has highlighted that the state has the highest number of children in residential care in Australia. Since starting its investigation in July 2025, the inquiry aimed to explore and improve the child care model in Queensland, where approximately 2,200 out of 12,500 children in out-of-home care are located in residential facilities. This alarming statistic indicates a pressing issue in the state's child welfare system, drawing attention to the living conditions and general well-being of these vulnerable young individuals.
The inquiry, which concluded with public hearings in Toowoomba this week, has gathered extensive evidence regarding the state of residential child care. The hearings brought forth various testimonies and data that documented the challenges faced by those in residential care, including a lack of individualized support and resources, as well as the emotional and psychological ramifications of being removed from a familial environment.
Commissioner Paul Anastassiou KC is set to present the findings of the inquiry to the Queensland state government on May 22, which will potentially lead to significant policy changes and reforms in the welfare system. Advocates for children in care hope that the inquiry's outcomes will spur a more compassionate and effective approach to caring for the state's most vulnerable children, ultimately prioritizing their safety and well-being over the current prevailing practices.
