New and repeat clients
Examining client data provides some insight into whether child protection services are primarily received by new children or those with a prior involvement with child protection, and whether this differs across the system components.
In 2017–18, almost three-quarters (72%) of children receiving child protection services were repeat clients (Figure 3). However, the proportion of repeat clients was substantially higher for those on a care and protection order or in out-of-home care (94% in both cases) compared with those who were the subject of investigations (59%).