Child death reviews

The Ombudsman is responsible for reviewing and investigating the deaths of certain children known to the Department for Child Protection (DCP) and where appropriate, recommending changes to:

  • the policies and practices of DCP and other individual agencies responsible for the well being of children to reduce or prevent future deaths of children; and
  • cross agency arrangements in relation to child safety and wellbeing.

In particular, the Ombudsman is responsible for:

  • Monitoring and reviewing certain deaths of children;
  • Reviewing the circumstances in which and why the deaths occurred;
  • Exercising existing powers to investigate administrative actions that relate to investigable deaths;
  • Identifying any patterns or trends in relation to the deaths; and
  • Making recommendations to the Department for Child Protection (DCP) and other public authorities within the Ombudsman’s jurisdiction, relating to policies, practices and systems for the prevention or reduction of deaths of children and to advance good decision-making practice.

In addition to reviewing those deaths of children known to DCP, the Ombudsman can investigate the death of children where it appears that the actions of other government agencies may have been relevant to the life of the child. In reviewing and investigating child deaths the Ombudsman:

  • Has wide powers of investigation;
  • Is able to examine a wide range of government departments who may have been involved in the life of the child;
  • Can consider cross-agency solutions for the prevention of child deaths; and
  • Can recommend changes, including changes to strengthen cooperation and interdepartmental approaches to services provided to Western Australian families in relation to child safety and well being.