Affidavit of Michael Bear - Phoenix Sinclair Inquiry

developed, but it is clear that more spaces in residential facilities are
necessary to tackle the numbers involved that need 24 hour support.
[57] "There are huge gaps in the child welfare system and law enforcement
system that allows for this to happen and despite the good intention and
efforts of all those working within both those systems. - Discussion Paper
These are the gaps that must be filled through a multi-disciplinary approach
— child welfare, police, aboriginal agencies, community groups, justice
officials, etc. Collaboratively the players in the system must look for the
tools to fill these gaps. Specialization of personnel with specialized
knowledge of the problem is required. Every possible tool should be on the
table for consideration — accepted or rejected.
[58] The problem is immense:
"Povertv, class, racism, social isolation, marginalization, peer
pressure, past abuse and trauma, sex abuse discrimination„
mental health, neurological and developmental disorders,
system gaps„ inaccessible services and other social, financial
inequalities contribute to children's and youth's vulnerability to
sexual exploitation."
[59] The solution will be difficult and requires a specific and directed
response beyond a prevention strategy.
[60] In conclusion, this inquiry has had the advantage of reviewing the
present legislation, law enforcement and educational responses now being
employed to deal with the problem of street drugs and exploitation of youth.
Although there have been renewed efforts particularly in the educational and
preventative area, more needs to be done. This problem cannot be
adequately attacked without dedicated, full-time, specialized and multidisciplinary
resources to examine and implement new strategies to attack
this unacceptable plague on our youth.
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