Privacy Act 1988 - Part VI - Public Interest Determination No. 13A - Disclosure and collection of personal information to improve outcomes for children and young people at risk of serious harm
The nature of the public interest objectThe nature of the public interest objectives served by the proposed interference with privacy
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The nature of the public interest objectives served by the proposed interference with privacy
A key determinant of public interest in this decision is that permitting the relevant disclosure and collection will enable the provision of coordinated human services and, ultimately, improved child protection outcomes through effective early intervention.
In particular, the applicant noted that disclosure and collection of this type of information is used to improve service coordination and inform effective early intervention. Human services organisations support a number of essential aspects of life such as education, family support, housing and health. Information held by one of these organisations may hold significant importance for the work of another and a full picture of the circumstances of the child or young person and the adults they relate to may only emerge if these organisations can collect, use and disclose relevant personal information. This view is shared by the Guardian for Children and Young People (South Australia) who submitted that ‘when faced with co−existing issues like homelessness, mental illness, family violence, drug and alcohol abuse or gambling, an informed interagency and multi−disciplinary response is required.’
All the submitters identified that there is clear public interest in assisting families at risk through early intervention strategies to avoid circumstances deteriorating to a crisis situation. Anglicare SA noted in its submission that ‘identifying and responding to at risk children and their families, reduces the risk of harm to children and their possible entry into the state's child protection system.’ Similarly, SACOSS submitted that ‘effective early intervention can help prevent homelessness, family violence, crime, abuse and neglect, poverty and promote social inclusion.’
The Australian Children’s Commissioners and Guardians, the Guardian for Children and Young People (South Australia) and SA Health pointed to a number of recent inquires and reviews of child protection systems that have consistently recommended improved information sharing to allow for earlier intervention when a child is at risk of harm. Submitters agreed that a stronger focus on prevention of harm at an early stage and improved collaboration between service organisations is necessary.