“IF THIS IS HOW CARERS ARE TREATED, I’LL NEVER PUT MY HAND UP AGAIN,” KINSHIP CARER SAYS SEEKING HELP LED TO FEARS OF CHILD REMOVAL IN PILBARA
BY TANGIORA HINAKI
A Pilbara Aboriginal carer says her decision to seek help from Western Australia’s child protection authorities has left her fearing children in her care could be removed.
The woman, who cannot be identified to protect the privacy of the children involved, told Ngaarda Media she contacted the Department of Communities earlier this month seeking support to manage serious behavioural concerns involving a teenager in her household.
She says the situation escalated after allegations were raised against her — claims she strongly denies.
“I went there asking for help,” she said.
“Now they’re talking about removing kids who are safe, loved and cared for.”
Allegations denied
The carer said she was shocked to learn child protection officers were considering removal based on claims her household was unsafe.
She denies the allegations and says they do not reflect her home environment.
“These accusations are not true,” she said.
“I’ve opened my home to family who needed stability.”
She said all the children in her care are relatives and that she stepped in after becoming concerned about issues such as school attendance and health.
She described the experience as leaving her feeling “angry, hurt and powerless”.
Impact on carers Department response
The woman said the situation has made her reconsider continuing as a carer.
“If this is how carers are treated, I’ll never put my hand up again,” she said.
She said the stress has affected other adults in the household as well as younger children.
Department response
Ngaarda Media acknowledges that the Department of Communities cannot comment on individual matters due to legislative obligations and the risk of identifying children.
However, our questions relate to departmental processes, safeguards, and decision-making frameworks, not case-specific details.
To ensure accurate and balanced reporting, Ngaarda Media sought clarification on policy-level matters that can be addressed without identifying any child or family.
Despite this, the department said it was unable to comment further on departmental processes in this instance.
In a statement, the department said the safety and well-being of children is its top priority.
It said it is required to investigate all child protection reports and conduct safety and risk assessments to determine the likelihood of abuse or neglect.
It said removal only occurs after an application for a Protection Order through the Children’s Court and a magistrate determines a child cannot safely remain at home.
The department said complaint mechanisms and independent oversight options are available for families involved in child protection matters.
Call for support
The carer said she believes authorities should have focused on targeted support rather than escalation.
“What I wanted was help,” she said.
“Help for a young person who clearly needs it — not punishment for the whole family.”
She said she is now seeking legal advice and hopes her experience prompts broader discussion about child protection support services in regional and remote Western Australia.
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