The state government is taking major steps in implementing reforms aimed at enhancing child protection and family support within South Australia. The latest policy directions issued by Katrine Hildyard, the Minister for Child Protection, outline significant changes in policies and practices intended to better serve children, young people, families, and carers involved with the Department for Child Protection (DCP).
A key focus is prioritising the best interests of children, which is set to become a guiding principle in all departmental procedures, practice manuals, training resources, and professional development evaluations. This complements the existing foundational principle that safety remains the main concern in matters of child protection.
Another critical reform is amplifying the voices of children and young people to ensure meaningful participation in decision-making processes that affect their care. To support Aboriginal children and families, the government is collaborating with peak bodies to enact the Aboriginal Child Placement Principle to the standard of active efforts.
The plan also prioritises better training for care providers, ensuring they attend children’s annual reviews and update case plans during these meetings.
The DCP plans to introduce specific Quality of Care guidelines to better address care concerns and assess reports of harm towards children. The formation of complaint guidelines is underway, aiming to provide responses within 60 days to feedback on services and decisions by the DCP.
A new statement of commitment for children and birth families will be developed, and a copy of the Charter of Rights will be provided to all children in care.
These reforms are part of a broader initiative by the SA Government, directing $580 million into the child protection and family support system.
The State Government noted the success of recent reforms, reporting a substantial decrease in the number of children entering care, a 91% success rate in family group conferencing, and increases in carers and staff.
Katrine Hildyard, Minister for Child Protection said, “We remain determined to progress reforms that make a lasting and positive difference in the lives of children, young people and their families.”
“While Vincent Tarzia’s Liberals have made it clear they are against keeping the safety of children as the foundation of the child protection and family support system, our Government remains steadfast that this must be the cornerstone of the law that supports community members who most need to be heard and supported,” Minister Hildyard continued.
“I hope that in time, the Liberals will positively consider legislation that puts children’s safety first and introduces the principle of best interests to guide all decision-making.”
“While others continue to play political games with child protection and family support policy, I will get on with implementing these important measures.”
“We will not be deterred from privileging the voices of children and young people and advancing our far-reaching reform to keep improving outcomes for children, their carers and their birth families.”
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