WA’s Most Vulnerable Child Missing from State Care for Two Weeks

A 12-year-old boy, referred to by a magistrate as Western Australia’s “most vulnerable child,” has been missing from state care for two weeks. Due to legal restrictions, media cannot disclose his identity.

The boy has a troubled history, having faced a criminal trial in Perth Children’s Court last year, where it was revealed he was under a “complex care arrangement.” Concerns about his well-being were previously raised by magistrates, one of whom expressed significant worries regarding plans to relocate him within the state.

A spokesperson for the Department of Communities confirmed that the boy has been missing since last month. Compounding his vulnerabilities is an outstanding arrest warrant related to several criminal charges, with a hearing initially scheduled for later this month.

The boy’s mother, who is also protected by legal anonymity, expressed deep concern for her son, stating she has not heard from him in the past two weeks. “I’ve called the placement where he usually stays, but they haven’t heard anything from the police either,” she shared.

The mother emphasized that her son was supposed to be under 24-hour care, with rostered carers assigned to look after him. “He was supposed to be with the carer at all times,” she noted, adding that this was a condition of his bail.

As the search continues, the community remains anxious about the boy’s safety and well-being.