A decade of data: Trends in child protection system activity and expenditure in Australia between 2014–15 and 2023–24

BACKGROUND: Child protection systems are critical in responding to and resolving child maltreatment concerns. Mapping trends in system activity and expenditure can highlight opportunities to better support vulnerable children and families. OBJECTIVE: To describe national and state/territory trends in child protection system activity and government expenditure in Australia. PARTICIPANTS AND SETTING: All children aged <18 years who had contact with Australian state/territory child protection systems between 2014-15 and 2023-24. METHODS: We conducted a descriptive analysis of publicly reported population-level data from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare and the Productivity Commission. Child protection system activity indicators included investigations of alleged maltreatment notifications, substantiated investigations, care and protection orders, and out-of-home care (OOHC) placements. Expenditure included the total and per child costs of child protection system activity to the government. RESULTS: National child protection activity remained largely stable from 2014-15 to 2023-24, despite notable variation across states/territories. Over 50% of children were repeat clients (i.e., had previously been the subject of an investigation). Substantiated notifications for emotional abuse rose from 43.1% to 57.0% over the period, and government spending on child protection services nearly doubled from AUD 5.4 billion in 2014-15, to AUD 10.2 billion in 2023-24. CONCLUSIONS: Despite increased national investment in child protection, overall system activity has remained stable, with notable variation across states/territories. High proportions of repeat clients suggest persistent unmet needs among children and families. These results highlight the value of earlier, preventive support to create more sustainable pathways and reduce reliance on statutory response systems.