Inadequate Support and Lack of Accountability in Queensland's Child Safety System

A 14-year-old orphaned teen, Bradley Smith, died in a stolen car crash on February 14, 2022, after receiving inadequate support from the Department of Child Safety. Despite being under the department's care, Bradley's child safety officer met with him only twice in 10 months, and failed to contact his family members or himself by mobile phone, despite a policy that required monthly contact.

Key Takeaways:

Bradley's child safety officer met with him personally just twice in the 10 months he was under her care, despite a policy that required monthly contact.
The officer made no attempts to contact Bradley's family members, who had expressed interest in guardianship, or to contact him directly by mobile phone.
Bradley's care needs were "complex," but the officer relied on third-party providers to manage his residential placement and day-to-day care, rather than staying in direct contact with him.
Bradley's case manager acknowledged that the department was "ultimately responsible" for his well-being, but failed to take adequate steps to ensure his safety.
Bradley's family members took steps towards guardianship, including completing paperwork and relocating to a rural area to reduce risks, but their follow-up phone calls were not returned by the department.
The relatives of Bradley expressed frustration with the lack of accountability and support from the department, stating that they had made calls and filled out paperwork, but received no response.

Statistics:

10 months: The length of time Bradley Smith was under the care of his child safety officer, during which time he received inadequate support.
2: The number of times Bradley's child safety officer met with him personally.
20-25: The number of children the officer was case managing at the time.
14: The age of Bradley Smith when he died.
11: The number of "packages" of support, including gym membership and psychological support, that Bradley was entitled to but failed to utilize.

Sources:

Coroner's inquiry into the death of Bradley Smith (2022)
Department of Child Safety (unnamed) documents
Interviews with Bradley's relatives
Queensland Government publications on child safety policy and procedures.