This is a massive problem with significant life-long human and economic costs. Yet when the confronting findings of the study were made public last year, they received very little media attention and not a single front page report. This reinforces that culturally we have a blind spot about “childhood”, which we tend to see through rose-coloured glasses as a time of innocence when we are shielded from the realities of life.
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The truth is that childhood is when we are most traumatised if we live in dangerous circumstances and our most important family relationships are compromised, harmful, or are taken away from us.
The harsh reality is that our service systems are simply not fit for purpose to address the unique needs of our most vulnerable children, needs that are different to those of the adults around them. And as the adults are struggling with their own challenges, children can end up with no one to turn to for help.
In the 60 Minutes program, we heard from Conor Pall, a young leader and advocate for children who experienced being turned away by services that should have helped him. Conor puts it plainly, pointing to “the illusion that if you are kind and thorough with adults, the needs of children will take care of themselves. They won’t”.
In Australia, we have opportunities to improve our service systems, but prioritising child safety, rights and wellbeing comes with a cost. So, we have important choices to make.
As I conclude my five years as National Children’s Commissioner, I am optimistic about Australia – a rich, developed and smart country, without the challenges and barriers that some other nations face. I am optimistic that in Australia, we can act on the evidence to improve our systems, and to make child safety, rights and wellbeing a national priority.
Taking action to prioritise the unmet needs of our youngest citizens is a choice. Let’s hope we make the right one.
Anne Hollonds is Australia’s National Children’s Commissioner.
