Every conversation matters and this approach is a powerful tool to safeguard the well-being of children and young people.
During National Child Protection Week (1 to 7 September), the Mackay HHS Child Advocacy Service is encouraging staff to voice concerns about vulnerable families, as “every child in every community deserves a fair go.”
“Healthcare providers should view all interactions with patients and families through a child protection lens,” Child Protection Liaison Officer Sally Roberts said.=.
“It is everyone’s responsibility to address any concerns with the families we work with—whether in the ED, surgical units or other settings. Everyone who engages with vulnerable families and children needs to be brave and speak up.”
Sally emphasized that early detection, intervention, and advocacy are critical.
“Any health professional with concerns about a vulnerable child is welcome to reach out to us for advice.”
National Child Protection Week aims to engage, educate, and empower Australians to better understand the complexities of child abuse and neglect and how to work together to prevent it.
The Mackay HHS Child Advocacy Service team, which includes Dr Aster Kuriakose (advisor and paediatrician), Sally Roberts (Child Protection Liaison Officer), Kerry Hamilton (administration) and Susan Ralph (social worker), operates out of Mackay Base Hospital.
They primarily support children in out-of-home care with complex health needs.
Currently, there are approximately 450 children in out-of-home care across the Mackay and Whitsunday region, living in kinship care, residential facilities or foster homes. Many have been removed from environments involving domestic violence, substance abuse, mental health issues or inter-generational trauma.
Dr Aster said vulnerable children often presented with poorer physical, mental and developmental health outcomes compared to their peers.
Many faced complex care needs, including conditions like Autism, ADHD, cerebral palsy, foetal alcohol syndrome, often combined with psychosocial issues, post-traumatic stress and trauma-based behaviours.
“Children in out-of-home care are at higher risk for health problems, and they can sometimes fall through the cracks due to placement instability and limited coordination between service providers,” Dr Aster said.
“Mackay is one of the only child advocacy units in the state designed to address and follow up on these complex care needs.
“We offer a comprehensive service that includes specialist review and follow up. We also offer outreach clinics to Proserpine and telehealth services to Sarina and the hinterland.”
Many children had been lost to follow-up in the past due to issues like frequent placement changes, multiple foster carers, and high turnover of child safety officers, Dr Aster said.
“Our unit works to prevent this by maintaining accountability and aiming to collaborate with other agencies, ensuring these children don’t fall through the cracks again,” she said.
There had been a significant rise in case numbers over the last two years with vulnerable children in regional areas often disadvantaged by complex care requirements and limited access to services.
Providing stability, routine, and consistency in care is a priority for the team.
“These kids often lack attachment and stability, so by offering consistent medical care, we can help rebuild trust,” Sally said.
“You need a lot of resilience in this role, but it’s incredibly motivating to work towards better health outcomes for these vulnerable children.
“The stories can be distressing, but we hold on to the hope that even small steps can improve their situations.”
