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WARNING: Distressing content
The Queensland government will adopt recommendations put forward by a disability royal commission report after two autistic teens were subjected to abuse, neglect and violence.
Child Safety Minister Craig Crawford apologised on behalf of the government when the findings were handed down last week and said all five recommendations would be accepted in full or in principle.
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The boys, known by the pseudonyms Kaleb and Jonathon, were subjected to the deprivation of their human rights in the care of their father between 2000 and May 2020.
In 2020 the boys were found by authorities virtually naked in a bedroom with the door handles removed, in soiled nappies and with their dead father in a nearby room.
The Queensland government has apologised over the treatment of two autistic boys. Credit: Supplied
Details of the boys’ plight were unearthed at a public hearing of the national disability royal commission in May.
Crawford told parliament the whole-of-government response should have been much better.
“I’m pleased to advise the house that we have accepted or accepted in principle all five recommendations,” he said on Tuesday.
The government will increase training and resources for government employees, and review the Child Protection Act to consider if mandatory child safety reporting requirements should apply to all Queensland police officers.
An independent review will be undertaken, and consideration for compensation to Kaleb and Jonathon has also been fully accepted.
The two boys lived in squalid conditions in their Brisbane home. Credit: 7NEWS
The further incorporation of voices and experiences of people with disabilities in the child protection system has been accepted in principle.
The government has also accepted in principle expanding the Queensland public guardians’ child advocate scheme beyond categories of children in the tertiary child protection system, to children and young people with disabilities at risk of entering the child protection system.
The final report for the Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of People with Disability is due by September 29.
If you or someone you know is impacted by sexual assault, domestic or family violence, call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732 or visit 1800RESPECT.org.au.In an emergency, call 000.
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