Foster Care Victoria

We have posted a couple of times on this blog concerning the strain on the child protection system in New South Wales.  DOCS was in the media again over the weekend - see this article from the Australian on Saturday, and this post on the ABC website. 

 Both articles compare the situation in New South Wales with other states, notably Victoria.  Victoria is seen as being in a stronger position in terms of fewer notifications and better management of Out of Home Care because the bulk of the work is carried out by non-government organisations.  Interestingly, DOCS has been given until 2013 to prove that it meets the standards to be an accredited Out of Home Care provider.   I am not sure it is particularly helpful to compare states.  At least not without also comparing demographic differences,  substantial variations in legislation and policy, and the host of other variables that contribute to both successes and strains on child protection.    Given the common national goal of keeping our children safe, state differences in practice are quite remarkable.