DCJ
Inside the towns where kids wear balaclavas and carry machetes – and locals live in fear
Violent break-ins and car thefts in some country towns have become so normalised – even glamorised – that it’s regarded by some kids as a standard night out.
- Jordan Baker
Latest
The short, difficult lives of boys allegedly murdered by their grandmother
The brothers, aged six and seven, were found dead in their home on the outskirts of Coonabarabran. Police are investigating their deaths as a double homicide.
- Sally Rawsthorne
- Exclusive
- Child protection
Jack’s mother thought he was being looked after. He died desperate and alone
Jack died in the Blue Mountains the day after his birthday. For his mother Renee, it was the tragic end to years of pain that should never have happened.
- Amber Schultz
- Exclusive
- Crime
Search for answers as town comes to terms with alleged murder of young boys
The boys aged 6 and 7 – one of whom lived with cancer – were found dead at a Coonabarabran home. Their grandmother is accused of killing them.
- Sally Rawsthorne and Riley Walter
- Exclusive
- Courts
Sydney toddler’s child protection case closed before ‘extremely cruel’ murder
The two-year-old girl was repeatedly failed by the NSW child protection system in the year before she was killed by her mother’s boyfriend, a coroner has found.
- Sarah McPhee
- Editorial
- Courts
Bravo, Premier Chris Minns, for a sensible change that will make a difference
It is often said that a good leader has the capacity to listen. On this score, NSW Premier Chris Minns has demonstrated excellent leadership skills.
- The Herald's View
Housing young offenders in motels and caravan parks needs to end, advocates say
A final report on children in care suggests bail accommodation for underage offenders could help bring an end to children being housed in hotels and motel
- Amber Schultz
- Exclusive
- Child protection
‘People are crying at their desks’: Department with one in 11 staff on workers’ comp
Nearly one in 10 child protection workers are on workers’ compensation amid a dire shortage of staff who assist the state’s most vulnerable children.
- Amber Schultz
‘Horrifying’: Alarm over NSW’s child protection failures
A scathing report by the NSW Ombudsman has raised a raft of concerns about children in care.
- Amber Schultz
- Exclusive
- Domestic violence
Sydney’s worst DV hotspot faces new crisis
A service which has saved hundreds of lives and been lauded as the gold standard for dealing with family violence is on its knees.
- Sally Rawsthorne