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Restraints Likely On Preying Adults THE State Government is considering a proposal to place restraining orders on adults who prey on vulnerable young people. Families and Communities Minister Jay Weatherill yesterday outlined plans for Child Protection Restraining Orders to give authorities the power to intervene to stop adults from exploiting young people. "There has always been the difficulty of proof," Mr Weatherill said. Under the proposal, police would seek a restraining order in court when there was reasonable suspicion that the young person was at risk of being abused, or was in a harmful situation. A breach of the restraining order by the adult would be a criminal offence, Mr Weatherill said. Opposition families and communities spokeswoman Isobel Redmond agreed that adults needed to be stopped from preying on vulnerable children. But she said action was needed immediately. Robyn Sutherland, team leader at Ruby's - a shelter for young people at risk of homelessness or leaving home early - said it was "just about impossible" to force a young person to stop living with the adult. Mr Weatherill said the Mullighan inquiry into the abuse of wards of the state had identified concerns about young people who lived or associated with inappropriate adults who exploited them. The Layton review into child protection had raised similar concerns. The Government's proposal will be submitted to Commissioner Ted Mullighan, QC, within weeks. AAP (6-1-2006) Laura Anderson |
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