'Unheard and uncared for': Children in state care exploited by adults

Children in state care in Queensland have been subjected to severe exploitation by adults, according to a 19-month investigation by the Australian Broadcasting Corporation. The case of Zoey*, a 14-year-old girl, highlights the systemic failures within the child protection system. Zoey has been missing for days, though multiple adults are aware of her whereabouts. She is currently living on the floors of "trap houses", illegal premises where drugs are used and sold, where she is among other children who are addicted to substances. These trap houses operate as social hubs where vulnerable youth are drawn in, often under the pretense of casual gatherings. Zoey’s journey through Queensland’s child protection system began shortly after birth. At just four weeks old, she was removed from her family due to domestic violence and parental substance abuse. Over the course of her early years, she endured numerous placements, including 14 residential care homes and seven foster care families. Each transition brought new challenges, with reports indicating emotional and even physical harm. A departmental letter obtained by the ABC revealed that at age 11, Zoey was removed from a foster home because the caregivers failed to meet minimum standards. The letter detailed incidents of verbal abuse, shouting, and physical punishment, which led to substantiated claims of emotional harm against Zoey. Zoey also alleged that she was sexually abused by her foster father during this period. He is now deceased. By the time she reached 12, Zoey had entered residential care, where she faced further instability. Her mental health deteriorated significantly, leading to multiple hospitalizations for treatment of an eating disorder and related psychological issues. Despite her efforts to seek stability and connection, Zoey described residential care as a place devoid of warmth and support. She claimed that two of the residences she lived in caused substantiated harm, reinforcing her belief that the system failed to protect her. At 14, Zoey and another child she met while in care began sleeping rough. They sought shelter in laundromats and eventually found themselves in trap houses. There, they encountered adults who encouraged drug use, creating an environment rife with danger and exploitation. Zoey recounted that these adults manipulated them into continued use by promising comfort and belonging. During these gatherings, she witnessed disturbing behavior, including the sharing of needles and instances of violent conduct. She described feeling trapped and powerless, with no means of escape. Queensland’s child commissioner, Luke Twyford, has expressed alarm over the extent of the problem, stating that the situation would shock Australians if fully understood. He emphasized the endemic nature of the issue, suggesting that such cases are not isolated incidents but rather indicative of broader systemic failures. Zoey herself has become a vocal advocate for change, having recently come forward to speak publicly about her experiences. She believes that trap houses are prevalent throughout the state, operating in plain sight yet remaining largely unnoticed by authorities. Zoey’s story underscores the urgent need for reform within Queensland’s child protection framework. With her current circumstances raising serious concerns for her safety, the situation demands immediate attention from both local authorities and national policymakers. As investigations continue, the focus remains on ensuring that vulnerable children receive the protection and care they deserve.