The outgoing Child and Youth Advocate has released another investigative report concerning a child with significant disabilities who was in care for most of her life.

Jackie Lake Kavanagh says the young person, diagnosed with global developmental delay, had complex social, emotional and behavioural needs and functioned at the level of a 4-6 year-old.

She had difficulties with emotional regulation, impulse control, attention and focus and required assistance with basic activities like hygiene, dressing and the preparation of food.

She had her first out-of-home placement at just two months of age.

It was the first of eleven placements for the child.

At one placement, 75 different staff provided care for the child within a 6-month period.

The investigation identified gaps in residential training, a lack of continuity and consistency in residential staff and deficiencies in collaboration with the various professionals involved in the child’s care.

Lake Kavanagh says the care the young person received during the focus of the investigation did not meet her special needs as a disabled youth, and a lack of proper staff training undermined the nurturing and structure she needed to thrive.

She recommends the department conduct an audit of residential care providers for children and youth to ensure the best level of care is delivered.