Australia doubles child protection spending yet fails to prevent investigations

Australia's child protection spending nearly doubled to $10.2 billion between 2014-15 and 2023-24, yet investigation rates remained flat, a Deakin University study found. Researchers say the system prioritizes expensive out-of-home care over family support services that could prevent children entering the system. Experts call for a national prevention strategy and early intervention investment to break the cycle.

Summary by Glance · Brisbane Times