South Australia’s innovative Department for Child Protection’s Finding Families program has surpassed the milestone of 100 stable placements, including for more than 30 Aboriginal children.
The program began in late 2023, to help connect more children and young people with family-based carers. A team of dedicated, highly-skilled staff members focuses solely on finding safe, nurturing, stable family-based placements and have travelled across the country to meet with children’s relatives as part of that process.
“All children deserve to feel and be loved and to experience that all important sense of belonging and connection. It is heartwarming to see so many children reconnecting with their families,” said Minister for Child Protection, Katrine Hildyard.
“Keeping children connected with family, culture, community and Country is a vital function of our child protection and family support system, and this innovative program has proven to be an excellent way to improve those connections
“Finding Families is helping give children and young people a care experience that best supports their unique needs, development, stability, and security – something we continue to strive for in the child protection and family support system.”
The team has found placements for children with family members all over South Australia, in areas including Ceduna, Berri and Roxby Downs, and as far afield as Maryborough in Queensland’s Fraser Coast region and Wonthaggi in Victoria’s South Gippsland.
The Department says residential care is an important option for some children, including for some who need intensive, therapeutic or temporary care. However, in many cases, family-based placements are likely to achieve better outcomes for young people.
“We should always do our utmost to endeavour that children remain with their family because that’s where they thrive,” said Finding Families Manager, Michelle Latella.
“We get lots of photos of children with family, and texts, saying how children are doing – that’s the greatest reward. They’ll grow up post 18 with family around them, and that’s what keeps everyone going.”
Finding Families was launched in partnership with Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisation Kornar Winmil Yunti (KWY) who manage referrals for Aboriginal children.
“We’ve been very happy supporting the partnership approach – supporting Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations to ensure that Aboriginal children and young people are going home to their families,” said KWY Aboriginal Corporation Chief Executive, Craig Rigney.
“Aboriginal family-led decision making is key to reducing the overrepresentation of Aboriginal children in out-of-home care.
“Through Finding Families, we’re documenting the voices of children and young people. There’s lots of positives – children and young people are saying how important it is to them to be back with family.”
Following its successful first year, the program is now being expanded, the Government confirmed.
