OT slightly, but having worked in the child protection area (not Qld) for many years, I know that you are damned if you do and damned if you don't. We did the best we could with the resources we had, but the 'system' eventually got the better of most of us and we left. Since Australia closed many group homes in favour of foster care, we were constantly seeking foster families for everyday kids and the really disadvantaged kids with challenging behaviours. Any inquiry should look at motivation to foster - not what they say, but what they do.
In Qld there is the 'working with children' blue card. This system was introduced quite a few years ago. I was working in international education (homestay) at the time. Was better than nothing and did give some protection, but it really only weeded out the people already with a record in Qld. I relied more on my gut reaction in approving people, along with the blue card. This certainly did not weed potential murders, abusers or even suicide within a family. No one really knows what goes on within a family.
Having said that, there appeared to have been warning signs that all wasn't well with this foster placement. Tia had been in foster care for 2 years before this without incident (apparently). I wonder why she was in long term care with strangers and not with extended family. The latest foster family in my opinion was inappropriate from the outset due to the 2 older boys - never would I have placed an under 18yo female in a family with older sons. Not to discriminate, but to avoid any possible sexual abuse or perceived abuse.
Sometimes in being so politically correct, we forget - or can't say "I don't think these people are suitable - I just have a gut feeling" or "Someone in this family can't get a Blue Card, has a criminal conviction from 35 years ago for driving a get away car in an armed robbery when he was 16 and for the past 30 years has been religious and has a family and have been a great homestay family in the past" What I am trying to say is that we really never know, but if in doubt, err on the side of caution.
Let's not forget the wonderful foster/homestay families!
AMOO