Bendigo Foster Carers Charged with Child Sexual Abuse Offences
A Bendigo couple, once lauded as foster carers, have been charged with child sexual abuse offences. The charges against Andrew Clifford Grey and Daniel James Grey include allegations of sexual assault and possession of child abuse material.
A couple from Bendigo, once praised for their work as foster carers, have been charged with serious child sexual abuse offences.
Andrew Clifford Grey, 28, and Daniel James Grey, 26, were charged by the Australian Federal Police in May. A suppression order had previously restricted the media from identifying Andrew Grey until recently.
According to court documents, police allege Andrew Grey sexually assaulted a child under 16 years of age and produced, transmitted, and possessed child abuse material. Daniel Grey has also been charged with online child abuse material offences, using a carriage service to prepare or plan to engage in sexual activity with a child, and failing to disclose sexual offences against a child to police.
Both men have been charged with engaging in sexual activity in the presence of a child. Daniel Grey's lawyer told Bendigo Magistrates' Court last month that more time was needed to review the case and speak with police.
The magistrate adjourned the matter until November, given the volume of material. Andrew Grey is due to return to court in October.
In September 2022, the couple was profiled in various media outlets for Foster Care Week. At that time, they said they had been foster carers for 11 months. Andrew Grey said he was inspired to follow in his parents' footsteps as foster carers.
"I just thought, they're making such a big difference, the kids would always come so traumatised but then by the time they would leave they were in such a better place in their own lives," he said.
Anglicare Victoria said it was unable to comment as the matter was before the courts. Andrew Grey lists himself online as a foster carer with Anglicare Victoria since 2021. He also lists himself as a Team Leader at Northern Health, where he has worked for seven years.
A Northern Health spokesperson said it was unable to comment on matters currently before the court. "However, we can confirm that the role held by the individual did not involve working with children," the spokesperson said.
In May, Bendigo South East College and Kennington Primary School wrote to parents and carers alerting them to charges against Daniel Grey due to his recent involvement with the schools. The schools assured parents and carers that the charges did not involve any of their students.