The Crisafulli Government is launching a pilot program in Cairns to embed Child Safety Officers (CSOs) with police, following a state-first census that revealed hundreds of children were missing from state care.
The census found 772 children absent from their placements, including 27 under the age of 12. Among them, 51 were young offenders on bail, and 81 were already subject to youth justice orders. The audit also highlighted additional vulnerabilities, including children with diagnosed or suspected disabilities, mental health disorders, and some experiencing homelessness.
The pilot will see CSOs working after hours alongside police and youth justice officers to conduct risk assessments, analyse child protection information, and assist in returning children to safe placements.
Cairns is one of three trial sites, alongside Caboolture and Logan, aimed at improving information sharing and protecting vulnerable children while supporting communities.
The initiative comes as the Commission of Inquiry into the Child Safety system holds its first public hearings in Cairns this week, examining systemic issues within the state’s child safety framework.
