Overview

• Public hearings began in Cairns for the 17-month inquiry into Queensland’s out-of-home care system, with the regional sessions chosen in part due to the high proportion of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children in care.
• A July census counted 772 children missing or previously unaccounted for, including 586 frequently absent, 27 under 12, 51 on bail and eight sleeping rough.
• The audit detailed intersecting risks, with more than 130 subject to youth justice orders or bail and hundreds with diagnosed or suspected disabilities or mental-health disorders.
• Two teenagers from residential care remain unaccounted for, and the department says it is in constant contact with police as searches continue.
• Foster carers described thin support, lost income and dangerous incidents, while the state prepares a pilot to place child safety officers with police in Cairns, Logan and Caboolture and to enable 24/7 information sharing.