Answers to Questions

FAMILIES SA

In reply to the Hon. A. BRESSINGTON (23 June 2011) (First Session).

The Hon. I.K. HUNTER (Minister for Communities and Social Inclusion, Minister for Social Housing, Minister for Disabilities, Minister for Youth, Minister for Volunteers): The Minister for Education and Child Development has been advised:

The Children's Protection Act 1993 provides a clear legal framework for dealing with child protection matters, including the response to notifications and oversight of child protection practice. These are supported by the Families SA manuals of practice and procedures.

The Children's Protection Act 1993, as amended in 2005, established a number of mechanisms for external oversight, including:

Office of the Guardian for Children and Young People;

Child Death and Serious Injury Review Committee; and

The Council for the Care of Children.

In addition the following bodies also oversight Families SA:

Special Investigation Unit;

Office of the Health and Community Services Complaints Commissioner (HCSCC); and

Ombudsman SA.

The South Australian Parliament is able to scrutinise Families SA.