Media Release
8 February 2007
Children’s Commissioner has role in monitoring Child, Youth & Family
Children’s Commissioner, Dr Cindy Kiro, has reacted to recent calls for the set-up of an independent compliants
authority to monitor the activities of Child, Youth and Family (CYF) by pointing out that the Children’s Commisioner’s
Act 2003 already provides the Children’s Commissioner with certain functions in relation to monitoring Child, Youth and
Family Services (CYF) and other persons, bodies and organisations exercising any function or power conferred by the
Children, Young Persons and Their Families Act 1989.
“As Children’s Commissioner, I am an Independent Crown Entity with powers to investigate any decision or recommendation
made by CYF and monitor and assess the policies and practices of the Department. Another important function of my role
is the promotion of the establishment of accessible and effective complaints mechanisms, in key agencies, for children
and monitoring the nature and level of complaints,” says Dr Kiro.
“My Office routinely deals with public enquiries and complaints about Child, Youth and Family, canvassing a whole range
of issues such as social work practice, removal and the placement of children.”
“There are a number of elements that are needed to build a robust complaints mechanism, and many of these are already
under discussion with the Chief Executive and Minister of Child, Youth and Family. These are essential parts of a
quality system,” says Dr Kiro.
Ends