FAMILIES SA

In reply to the Hon. A. BRESSINGTON (1 May 2013).

The Hon. I.K. HUNTER (Minister for Sustainability, Environment and Conservation, Minister for Water and the River Murray, Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Reconciliation): The Minister for Education and Child Development has been advised:

1. Paternal access is determined on a case by case basis.

2. The Children's Protection Act 1993 states that any child who is placed in alternative care must be allowed to maintain relationships with their family and community, to the extent that such relationships can be maintained without serious risk of harm. Where a serious risk is identified, access does not occur.

3. Paternity has been established in the case in question.

4. In 2012, these matters were raised directly with SAPOL, the outcome of the SAPOL investigation is unknown at this time.