Children in care—Whereabouts unknown
690. Hon Nick Goiran to the minister representing the Minister for Child Protection:
I note that this is National Child Protection Week and refer to the information provided during the budget estimates hearing on 26 August 2025.
(1) Have the three children that the department reported to WA police as missing persons been found?
(2) Have the three children recorded as "unaccounted for, not in contact" been found?
(3) Are the whereabouts of the seven children recorded as "unaccounted for, in contact" now known?
(4) For how many days were the whereabouts of the 13 children unknown and have any reports been received of the children being victims of crime during this period?
(5) How many children who are in the care of the CEO have their whereabouts currently recorded as:
(a) unaccounted for, in contact;
(b) unaccounted for, not in contact; and
(c) missing?
Hon Jackie Jarvis replied:
I thank the Leader of the Opposition for some notice of the question. The following response has been provided by the Minister for Child Protection. The Department of Communities advises the following, as at 9 September 2025, the date the question was asked.
(1) The whereabouts of one young person is now known. One young person was located and is currently missing. One young person was located and is currently unaccounted for, not in contact.
(2) The whereabouts of one young person is now known. One young person was located and is currently unaccounted for, not in contact. One young person was located and is currently unaccounted for, in contact.
(3) The whereabouts of five of the seven young people are now known. Two of the young people remain unaccounted for, in contact.
(4) The period the 13 young people's whereabouts were unknown ranges between one day and 25 days. All reported or disclosed allegations or incidents relating to a child in care being a victim of crime are treated as a priority and investigated accordingly. These matters are reported to the Department of Communities' senior leadership and the WA Police Force as appropriate. Communities will actively engage with the young person to ensure they have access to any counselling, services and supports they need for their safety and wellbeing.
(5) There are:
(a) five;
(b) seven; and
(c) four.
