Foster and Kinship Care

233 The Hon. L.A. HENDERSON ().9 February 2023). Can the minister advise—how does the Department for Child Protection address concerns raised by foster and kinship carers regarding children's needs not being met during birth parent access?

The Hon. C.M. SCRIVEN (Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development, Minister for Forest Industries): The Minister for Child Protection has advised:

Children and young people can be impacted by attending contact visits. This impact can be positive or negative or a combination of both. In addition to listening to a child's or young person's views, caseworkers will consult with carers about what they have observed about the child or young person before and after contact visits.

Carers have important information about the impact of contact on a child or young person and it is acknowledged that their views must be considered in assessments of a child's or young person's contact arrangements—particularly as poor quality contact can negatively impact placements. Should carers raise concerns, caseworkers work to improve the quality of contact visits for children and young people.

To ensure the government hears from carers and are able to learn from their experiences, an additional $800,000 has been committed over four years to provide for enhanced carer advocacy.