"Yet ASCA receives no ongoing government funding."

I don't see any advantage in government funding another non-government organisation, it just disperses effort and government funds and introduces yet another co-ordination problem.

Delivery of mental services is already in chaos through lack of resources and lack of direction. The first priority of the federal government should be to simplify, not introduce more complexity and set in place proper goals and MEASURABLE performance targets.

There is too much money invested in administrations and bureaucrats already and more professionals are needed in the field, for example in school counselling, where almost all children who are encountering problems fall through the gaps. There is a strong correlation between failing in school and becoming part of the long-term unemployed, with the connection with drugs, crime and other problems that youth unemployment entails.

Health is already under scrutiny by the federal government and we need to see what comes of that. There are too many balls up in the air already.

Dr Kathy writes

'A Victorian study released in February this year revealed that people sexually abused as children are more than 18 times likely to commit suicide than the general population.'

Given that surely the reduction of child abuse should be the highest priority.

A far better question is how long can we deny the causes. We know that children who don't live with their natural mum and dad have a much increased chance of abuse. Blind Freddy can see the link between the increase in child sex abuse and pornography and yet many want to defend their right to indulge in this garbage as adults. We also know that pedophiles are almost never cured so castration of offenders would quickly decrease abuse.

Even one evolutionary Psychologist was able to make one correct observation when he said "Living with a step parent has turned out to be the most powerful predictor of severe child abuse yet" One study revealed that a preschooler living with a stepfather is 40 times more likely to be sexually abused than when living with both biological parents. Young children left with mother's boyfriends are at extremely high risk.

The inevitable result of family breakdown helped along by the porn industry does and will continue to increase rates of abuse and suicide. No amounts of band aids at the other end will stop this.

Hi all,

To be quite frank I am yet to be convinced whether Australian governments are very concerned over potential suicides or the protection of children.
I know they give lip service but are the commitment really there.
As a Community Advocate I come across many instances where one could only assume that bureaucracy have a qualification in the “lack of decision making” and “buck passing”.
One case involved child protection. When an attempt was made to support a family and have an Order or investigation carried out, the question asked by Child Protection was whether the children were in immediate danger. Told not at the moment, it was to pre-empt such a situation as the Children’s Helpline had refused assistance. The request was refused.
The children went on the access visit and returned home physically and emotionally abused. Followed through to have an investigation and a protective order. This was refused as the children were now back safely with the mother. We have a situation where assistance was refused prior to the access visit and also refused on their return. There is the question of any validity given to the request for help from the children. This possibly one reason for child suicide. No one takes them seriously. Children are on property of a marriage and have no say in their future.
Although Australian has ratified the International Convention for the rights of the Children there seems to be considerable resistance of vested interests in have it brought into legislation. Little of the reasons seem related to the rights of the child but relate to other matters.
Australia is ideally suited for buck passing and blame sharing with its three tiers of government, i.e. local government, states and federal. Instead they should accept responsibility and be working cooperatively together for the benefit of the Australian people.
continued:

I know some will argue I am wrong and tell me this cannot happen in Australia, but follow me when I am asked to help.
Had I had not been speaking to a police contact on another matter, nothing would have been done. An investigation was initiated and charges will be made.
Another case was a Homeless teenager, suffering severe depression and suicidal. Rang the crisis line for help. Asked whether he had tried suicide before, he said no and was told they could not help. What do they want? A successful suicide? What good would that do?
Fortunately I have been able to get him help but it is a worry because he is at a critical stage where something minor could well tip the balance and we could still lose him.
Waiting lists for medial, dentistry and hospital is in a serious situation despite government claiming it is improving. Those with mental illness are in an even worse situation.
Help for youth in Victoria is approximately 8-9 months. Let them turn eighteen then as an adult the waiting list increases to around 2-3 years unless there is an emergency.
In the first case the children themselves had rung the Children's Helpline and said they did not want to go on the access visit because they did not want to be hit or yelled at for doing "nothing", just because daddy was angry.
Hence you may understand my cynicism although that will in no way stop me from fighting for justice for the vulnerable in our society, but rather increase the commitment.

professor-au,

I am sure that many politicians are just as concerned as you are and similarly wonder what can be done to get more of the $$ approved from the Budget to translate into well targeted, practical services at the sharp end.

As well, with the day-to-day concerns of fire-fighting (the media needs stories hourly) and the terms of government being far too short, Government just loses sight of priorities. Besides, how many children vote and since when did any political party really take notice of youth?

There needs to be regular review of government to sort the 'must dos' from the 'should dos' and 'could dos' to slough off all but essential expenditure. Then the health and wellbeing of children and youth would get prioity.

Annually there are thousands of children who, through experiencing often only minor problems are eventually lost to education and are destined to become part of the long-term unemployed and possibly becoming drawn to a life of drugs and crime. Where are they shown on the government books? Where is the accounting for them?

runner,
You're quite correct, of course.
Lots of luck convincing anybody else.