Foster Care

177 Ms SANDERSON (Adelaide) (25 September 2015). In relation to plans to increase the number of foster carers, can the Minister outline these plans, strategies and time frames for implementing the increase?

The Hon. S.E. CLOSE (Port Adelaide—Minister for Education and Child Development, Minister for Higher Education and Skills): I have been advised:

On 1 July 2015 six contracted foster care agencies received an increase in funding that is expected to create an additional 73 general and specialist foster care placements by June 2016.

In addition, on 17 September 2015 an Expression of Interest was advertised aimed at generating additional out-of-home care placements. Priority areas include increasing the number of short term and long term foster care placements. Eligible providers were required to submit costed proposals by 20 October 2015 and proposals are currently being evaluated.

In the recent state budget the government announced a commitment of $2 million over the next four years to increase Other Person Guardianship Carers and, in doing so, increase placement stability recognising the lifelong commitment between children and their carers. A review of the Other Person Guardianship program is underway, which includes consultation with carers, children and other key stakeholders.