Hello,
We need to dispell how docs keep up their mantra that 'we are protecting the child'and use this to justify their actions. But what if their actions end up causing more harm then good?
Many of us in this forum are recognising this basic fact. DOCS can't hide behind this mantra forever.

DOCS have an increasingly poor reputation with other community service providers. Other services don't trust docs. (DOCS and corrections for that matter) do not operate from the same treatment paradigms that other government bodies come from.
They are on a different page and think they are above everything else; 'we are the law' they say.

DOCS are draconian in their approach to issues.
What positive stuff do docs really do? Please I am serious I am ill informed if they are doing anything positive in our communities.

DOCS should employ a system that the community can have trust in.

How do they measure their outcomes? By their statistic of quoting how many children were removed from their homes in the state? But then we know that a large percentage of these statistics are propped up by false allegations. So is that really a viable outcome measure?

Are docs collecting data on how many children are suffering more than before being initially removed from their home/ primary care giver?

There is lots of good and easily obtained data that could steer docs current practices into reform.

If DOCS are not getting the basic structure (policies & procedures) that drives their operating practices into being transparent and accountable then of course these coal face docs workers, the CSO's that like to exploit their power, are given lots more muscle.
The values, beliefs and attitudes of these CSO workers underpins their personal judgement and hence their reporting processes.

Prevention is better than cure.
Government if you spent more money on (for e.g.)positive parenting groups that are easily accessible to all care givers (ones with child minding services attached, various hours). Market these so they are attractive to all sorts of community members, then that for one should bring the number of notifications down.

Government if you had (for e.g.) mental health workers that accompanied the CSOs on their witch hunts (oops did I say that?)then a more accurate assessment could be made instead of over powered and under knowledged staff making judgements.

Government if you started networking more with other government agencies and non-government agencies (the specialist in certain fields) instead of dictating to the parent and these other service providers 'we want you to do....'
then there would have to be healthier outcomes.

Government the whistle is being blown on this office (it seems to be getting louder), so what are you doing about it? Are you planning to keep your head buried in the sand because it is really hard to win against you legally so this is not an important issue to you?

Government is there a working party that is looking at rectifying these problems identified and other issues ?

Government please wake up, please start being proactive, please communicate with the community.

DOCS need to have an accountability in their relationship to the community.