'Unheard and uncared for': Children in state care exploited by adults

Children in Queensland's state care system are being lured into dangerous environments and exploited by adults, an investigation has revealed. Vulnerable youth are being drawn to "trap houses" – homes where illegal drugs are used and sold – under the guise of parties, only to be preyed upon. One 18-year-old, identified as Zoey, shared her harrowing experiences, describing how she felt "unsafe, unheard and uncared for" in residential care homes. She recounted instances of adults sharing needles and engaging in drug use while children were present, stating that she and other children were "hooked on drugs" to ensure their return to these environments.

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The state was my parent, but it didn't act like one.

Zoey, who entered the child safety system at four weeks old, experienced numerous placements, including 14 residential care homes and seven foster families over her young life. She described the state, which was her guardian, as failing to act like a parent. Her experiences included emotional harm in foster care and witnessing severe neglect and abuse in residential settings. The investigation, which spanned 19 months, involved experts, advocates, and residential care workers, highlighting the "endemic" nature of the problem.

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They got us hooked on drugs, so we'd keep coming back.

Queensland's child commissioner, Luke Twyford, stated that the extent of the exploitation would "shock" Australians if they fully understood it. Zoey, now 18, decided to speak out to expose what she believes are systemic failures within the child protection system. She emphasized that these "trap houses" are prevalent and "hiding in plain sight" in many suburbs, a reality she wants the public to acknowledge. The article includes a warning about discussions of suicide and descriptions of abuse.

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In every suburb, there's at least one trap house, it's kind of hiding in plain sight.