A vulnerable young girl in state care in Victoria was found to be abused by those who were paid to protect her.
Victorian children’s commissioner Liana Buchanan told 9News the horrifying case of abuse was the worst she’d ever seen in the state.
The 12-year-old had been accused of murdering a woman in a Footscray apartment while in government care, but the charges had been dropped because of her age.
What followed was systematic abuse and violence allegedly perpetrated by carers appointed to her case.
An inquiry by the commissioner found the girl had been subject to “significant trauma” long after she was taken into state care.
The girl was shuffled around 10 different homes, Buchanan uncovered.
She was also found to have run away hundreds of times and was engaging in sex work.
“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,” Buchanon told 9News.
Buchanon said it was the worst case she’d seen so far as Victoria’s children’s commissioner.
“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,” she added.
The state government had spent $3 million over three years caring for the girl after she was removed from her home.
The report found all agencies had systematically failed her because of a lack of coordination.
“The system as a whole is designed to offer protection for children in care,” said Victoria Minister for Children Lizzie Blandthorn.
“That is what we are seeking to do, can we always do it better? Of course, we can.”
Buchanon took the extraordinary step of sharing the heartbreaking findings of the report with Victoria Premier Jacinta Allen – the first time she’s done this.
Support is available from the National Sexual Assault, Domestic and Family Violence Counselling Service at 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732).
Kids Helpline 1800 55 1800.
