more positive outcome for the health and wellbeing of mothers and babies.157 183. The Royal Australasian College of Physicians submitted: that governmental paid parental leave policies in Australia should provide support for up to 6 months of paid parental leave … international outcomes following institution of paid parental leave suggest that paid parental leave may be an effective intervention for reducing inequities in health and child achievement.158 6.2 Children deprived of their family environment 184. Child protection systems in Australia are under substantial pressure, with increased reported incidents of harm requiring investigation, and increased rates of removal of children and placement in out-of-home care. There have been 24 separate inquiries since Australia last reported to the Committee, as well as a Senate Inquiry in 2015 at the federal level. Reform recommendations have been made in each inquiry. 159 185. Despite this, evidence suggests that the situation is worsening, with increased numbers of children becoming involved with the child protection system. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children continue to be overrepresented.160 186. The number of children receiving child protection services has increased by 25% in the last five years,161 from 135,139 in 2012–2013 to 168, 352 in 2016–2017.162 187. The number of children in out-of-home care has increased by 18% over the last five years.163 Of these children, 47% were in relative/kinship care, 38% were in foster care, 7% were in third-party parental care and 5% were in residential care.164 188. In 2016–2017, over 37% of all children in out-of-home care were Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander,165 and ten times as likely to enter out-of-home care compared with non-Indigenous children.166 189. Throughout Australia, various inquiries have recommended urgent changes across care and protection systems.167 190. Reporting the numbers of children in the system and the nature of their abuse is not sufficient, and should be expanded to include outcomes for children, for example in relation to educational attainment, health status, and post care pathways. 33