The government has launched an investigation into a contracted care provider following allegations over the treatment of children, which were aired in Parliament.
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Human Services Minister Jacquie Petrusma confirmed in Parliament that the government was investigating the not-for-profit Tasmanian foster provider, Key Assets.
Opposition Leader Bryan Green told Parliament that he was made aware of six siblings being placed into a four-bedroom house with second-storey windows that would not open, and that the children were sleeping in a semi-covered garage.
But Key Assets Tasmanian director Caroline Brown denied this claim.
“There is absolutely no children sleeping in a garage of any sort,” Ms Brown said.
“In one house, which is a Housing Tasmania property, some of the upstairs windows are painted shut from previous tenants, however the house has a fire escape which out-weighs the temporarily closed windows, which are due to be fixed by Housing Tasmania.”
Key Assets currently has 56 children in its care.
Mr Green also told Parliament of a case of an 11-year-old with “severe emotional problems” from the North-West in the care of the provider who allegedly received only $900 of the $6500 a week budgeted for care.
The child was allegedly not receiving enough money for the intensive emotional care needed, and the foster parents resigned from the role.
Ms Brown said the carer received a weekly payment of $900.
“The remaining funds contributed to a dedicated social worker, a teacher aid at school as well as mentoring and recreational support and therapeutic care,” Ms Brown said.
“We pride ourselves on providing quality support to our carers.
“Our aim is to make a positive and lasting difference to the lives of children and supporting carers is key to achieving this.”
Ms Petrusma said the department could not find information on the North-West child.
“At this stage these claims are untested, and it is very important they are not pre-judged,” Ms Petrusma said.
“Key Assets is a not-for-profit organisation with 20 years of experience in supporting foster carers, children and young people in care, especially those with complex needs.
“There is no suggestion that any of the 56 children under the care of Key Assets are not safe or well cared for.”
Mr Green told Parliament that some carers were receiving small amounts of money for their care services.
“Some carers looking after children funded by Key Assets, are being paid as little as $35 a day for each child,” Mr Green told Parliament.
Greens leader Cassy O’Connor said she only became aware of the allegations in Parliament on Tuesday.
“It is concerning that another series of very serious allegations have been made about a child protection provider,” Ms O’Connor said.
“It’s little wonder that Tasmanians are becoming increasingly concerned about this Minister’s handling of her portfolio, because she has, as her responsibility, some of our most vulnerable people.
“If they were proven to be true, they could be shocking allegations.”
The news came just months after for-profit out-of-home care provider Safe Pathways had 11 children removed from its care following allegations of neglect.
