A two-year Senate investigation into the mistreatment of children in institutional care has released its final report, calling for the appointment of a national commissioner for children.The committee's unanimous second report found the number of children in foster care is increasing and they are facing more complex problems.
It recommends a commissioner oversee reforms on child protection, the establishment of a "year against child abuse" and a new schooling model for foster children.
Democrats Senator Andrew Murray says it has been a stressful and emotional experience hearing stories of neglect.
"What all this means is that far too many children in out of home care continue to be abused," he said.
Liberal Senator Sue Knowles says governments now need to work together "to make sure that what we have seen never happens again".
Labor says there needs to be better national leadership.
Sounds like there also needs to be some accountability as well!
By Just Us 17 March 05
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