Dozens of Victoria’s most vulnerable children can’t get foster care

Dozens of Victoria’s most vulnerable children are being housed in hotels and serviced apartments.

It’s because there is a lack of foster care available.

Known as contingency placements, the children are supported by department staff in neighbouring rooms.

The shadow minister for child protection, Matt Bach, said the Commission for Children and Young People found 57 kids were being kept in those settings in 2018.

The problem is now worse.

“These kids in our care system, are the most vulnerable, most traumatized and most disadvantaged kids in the whole state,” Mr Bach said.

“They need mental health support, educational support, physical health support and you can’t get that in this setting.”