Children in care at high risk of suicide but national data is patchy
Children in out-of-home care are more than three times as likely to attempt suicide as children outside the care system, according to an Australian Catholic University review. Researchers say a lack of consistent public data prevents them from identifying which types of care carry greater risk. Sue-Anne Hunter, National Commissioner for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children and Young People, said data collection is fragmented across states and territories. Some jurisdictions withheld figures, citing the risk of identifying families. First Nations children are over-represented in the care system and face higher suicide risk.