Victoria's Child Protection Failures Exposed: $3M Spent on Troubled 12-Year-Old

A damning report reveals systemic failures in Victoria's child protection system, highlighting the case of a 12-year-old girl charged with murder.

The 12-year-old girl, referred to as WD, was charged with murder but had charges dropped due to her inability to form criminal intent.
WD was moved through 10 inappropriate care placements over three years, costing the state over $3 million.
The report highlights profound failures in the child protection system, with WD facing significant trauma and intellectual disability.
There were 190 reports of sexual exploitation and a 30% increase in child abuse allegations in Victoria's care system over the past year.
The Commissioner for Children and Young People made 19 recommendations to improve the system, emphasizing better oversight and response to vulnerable children's needs.