Murray Legro, a spokesperson for the Australian Adoptees Network has made a submission to the Legislative Council Legal and Social Issues Committee regarding a Victorian parliamentary inquiry into the Children, Youth and Families Amendment Bill 2015.

Mr Legro made his submission following a call for the public to have an input into the legislation before Parliament.

In his submission, Mr Legro pointed out issues in the current legislation he believes should be amended, including the reduced role of the Children's Court of Victoria and a lack of therapy provided to vulnerable children.

Mr Legro said while some changes made to the legislation last year were a step forward for the state’s vulnerable children, amendments such as the change to the role of the Children's Court of Victoria was impacting on the future of children who may find themselves in a situation through no fault of their own.

“The old legislation passed a lot of the responsibility onto the Department of Human Services secretaries. To me that is like putting police in charge of trials,” he said.

“The more and more involvement by the court in the decision making process will reduce the situation of mistakes being made by over-worked and understaffed secretaries who only ever see the bad side of society.” 

Mr Legro also made a suggestion to the committee that all children removed from their family should have access to intensive support and therapy to avoid issues later in life.

In his submission, Mr Legro referred to his own experience of being diagnosed with a low-grade continual depressive disorder he has suffered ever since being removed from his own family as a child. 

He said he believes the addition of therapy for all children removed from their homes will help reduce the number of mental health and emotional instability issues developed by children in similar circumstances to his. 

“Being removed from your family is a traumatic event. It shapes the way you live your life,” he said.

“From any removal there needs to be that intensive counselling from an early age. But at the moment there doesn't seem to be a lot.

“For me this is a must.

“I hope they take them (submissions) on board. This needs to be handled in a bipartisan manner.”

The committee will present a final report on August 4.