New laws will mean a better future for kids in care

Greater stability and forever homes for some of the state’s most vulnerable children and young people are a step closer to reality, with new legislation passed in Parliament today.

Child Safety Minister Shannon Fentiman said the Child Protection Reform Amendment Bill 2017 passed by Parliament today would strengthen the state’s existing child protection laws.

“This Bill includes important priority changes to the Child Protection Act 1999 to improve long-term outcomes for children and young people in care,” Ms Fentiman said.

“We want to focus on achieving timely, stable and positive outcomes for children and young people involved in the child protection system.

“This Bill is all about giving vulnerable children and young people a greater sense of certainty and stability in their lives and a brighter future.”

The Child Protection Reform Amendment Bill 2017 will also: 

• Promote positive long-term outcomes for children in the child protection system through timely decision making and decisive action towards either reunification with family or alternative long-term care;
• Provide the most significant legislative reforms to enable the safe care and connection of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children with their families, communities and cultures since the Child Protection Act came into force in 2000;
• Establish a contemporary information sharing regime for the child protection and family support system, which is focused on children’s safety and wellbeing; and 
• Support the ongoing implementation of other key reforms under the Supporting Families Changing Futures program and address identified legislative issues.

Ms Fentiman said further reforms would be considered and progressed at a later stage to respond to other issues raised during the review of the Child Protection Act.

“Today’s passage of this Bill means these important improvements to the state’s child protection system are now even closer to taking effect and making a real difference to children and young people in care,” she said.

ENDS

Media Contact:                      Ron Goodman                                   0427 781 920