The state minister for families and communities has announced a new Acting Children’s Guardian, following “serious and disturbing” allegations levelled against the previous guardian, Stephen Kinmond.
Kate Washington said in a statement that Mr Kinmond would ‘step aside’ from the role while the inquiry was taking place, to interrogate accusations
“The Governor of NSW appointed Ms Rachael Ward as the Acting Children’s Guardian while a Special Ministerial Inquiry is conducted into the Office of the Children’s Guardian,” Ms Washington said
“Ms Ward has more than 23 years’ experience specialising in child protection law and is a member of the Children’s Court Advisory Committee. She has, most recently, served as Director of Child Law within the Department of Communities and Justice.
The Children’s Guardian and the office of the children’s guardian form a statutory state government agency which oversees organisations that provide services to children. The office of the children’s guardian manage working with children’s checks, voluntary and statutory out-of-home care, and reducing the risks of harm at home for children.
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Key responsibilities include promoting the quality of child safe practices, , educating employers and organisations, monitoring organisations and individuals to achieve child-centered culture and compliance and working to facilitate sector-wide cultural change to achieve safe places for children.
“I am confident Ms Ward’s knowledge and experience will be an asset to the Office of the Children’s Guardian during this time,” Ms Washington said.
