A new Human Rights Watch report reveals Western Australia has the highest rate of Aboriginal child removals in the country, with children more than 20 times more likely to be placed in out-of-home care than non-Indigenous kids.

Human Rights Watch is calling for urgent reforms, including better support services, legal representation for families, and a state commissioner for Aboriginal children. 

For families facing domestic violence and housing instability, the report highlights that authorities are quick to take children away. Many parents avoid seeking help for fear of losing their children.

Image: Image: Unsplash/ Liv Bruce

Produced By: Asad Khan

Featured In Story: Annabel Hennessy- Researcher, Human Rights Watch Australia

First aired on The Wire, Monday 31 March 2025