Abc Collapse Sparks Child Safety Fears

Illawarra Mercury

Thursday November 20, 2008

By MARIO CHRISTODOULOU

THE collapse of ABC Learning Centres could drive parents into the arms of unlicensed child-care providers, Illawarra Children's Services said yesterday.

Illawarra Children's Services chief executive officer Bill Feld believes parents may turn to less reputable child-care providers in their desperation to find a place for their children.

"It is conceivable that operators will spring up outside the licensed system which would give cause for concern about the standard of care and children's safety," he said.

He said there was "already evidence" that some child-care operators were doing the bare minimum, potentially compromising the quality of care for families.

"It is something that we as a sector and Department of Community Services should watch very closely."

Illawarra Children's Services has been forced to disappoint parents hoping to find a place for their child in the wake of company ABC Learning entering voluntary administration.

Mr Feld has had to tell parents to look elsewhere because waiting lists were already full.

"Some of our centres have between 50 or 400 on the waiting list," he said.

Mr Felt believes parents hoping to abandon ABC Learning Centres may be faced with some hard decisions about where to place their child.

"Some parents will rely on extended families and some will go to alternate forms of care ... and some will make significant work-related decisions which may not be in the family's interest," he said.

It comes as the ABC Learning receivers say there is still a future for the company despite parents turning their backs on the organisation.

"ABC has excellent staff and facilities and as receivers we are looking at ways of maintaining the service they provide into the future," ABC Learning receiver and manager Chris Honey said.

He said he was undertaking a centre-by-centre review of the company and was working as fast as he could to try and make a decision on its future.

"We encourage parents and staff to bear with us.

"We expect to be in a position to say more soon," Mr Honey said.

© 2008 Illawarra Mercury

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