Abuse 'should have been exposed sooner'

A Families SA insider has told 7News the latest child sex scandal could have been discovered sooner if social workers were allowed to do their job.

It was revealed on Tuesday a 32-year-old Families SA carer had been charged with unlawful sexual intercourse with seven young children under his watch at an Adelaide residential care facility.

Now a former Families SA social worker, who will remain anonymous, says the alleged abuse could and should have been exposed sooner.

“Social workers are working within a system whereby they’re prioritising administrative duties and bureaucratic responsibilities that takes up about 80 per cent of their time,” he said.

“Therefore they have very limited time to have face to face contact with their clients.”

He claims a restructure of the department means vulnerable children in care are not seen by social workers as often as they should be.

“There would have been more watchful eyes on these children, they would have picked up the indicators as to their abuse,” he said.

Today the South Australian Government closed ranks over claims the carer at the centre of the abuse allegations was previously investigated, before being cleared to continue working with children.

According to News Corp reports, the worker was investigated a year ago for alleged inappropriate behaviour involving a female toddler in his care.

“The only information not in the public sphere is information we’ve had specific advice that we can’t share with the broader community,” Premier Jay Weatherill said.

Police also refuse to comment on the report.

In a statement, the department said its highest priority is to protect the integrity of the investigation.