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House of Assembly - Fifty-Fifth Parliament, First Session (55-1)
2023-11-28 Daily Xml
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Children in Care

Ms HUTCHESSON (Waite) (15:48): My question is to the Minister for Child Protection. How is the government investigating options for siblings in care to keep connected?

The Hon. K.A. HILDYARD (Reynell—Minister for Child Protection, Minister for Women and the Prevention of Domestic and Family Violence, Minister for Recreation, Sport and Racing) (15:48): Thank you very much to the member for this question and for her commitment to the wellbeing of children and families. When children come into contact with the child protection and family support system, they are often facing a wide range of complex and interrelated issues. The decision about whether and how they stay connected with their brothers and sisters may be beyond their control.

While for many families, siblings staying together is the best option, there are circumstances where siblings are separated. Sometimes separation, ideally temporary, is necessary for the safety of a child and in their best interests. There are also occasions when facilities to accommodate large sibling groups can be challenging to find.

The Guardian for Children and Young People rightly advocates for sibling connections to be nurtured and maintained, and suggests more consensus and collaboration between care team members to listen to children's voices, and to act in the interests of sibling contact. Children's voices need to be heard and amplified. I listened closely to their voices in opposition and continue to work to recognise and represent their interests. To ensure that children's voices are at the centre of decision-making it is crucial that we do.

That is why earlier this year we funded CREATE Foundation to investigate and report on sibling connection in SA. CREATE's advice was practical and helpful, including recommendations that the department should:

discuss sibling rights with young people when they first come into care;

regularly review sibling connections (for example, through care plans and care team meetings), particularly when the child enters care at a young age;

ensure that children and young people are aware of, and more able to exercise, their rights to make applications for contact orders with their siblings; and

engage young people with a care experience to shape best practice guidelines and policy on sibling connection.

We are committed to continuing to focus on the interests of siblings, whilst always prioritising individual safety. I look forward to our continued work on these recommendations from CREATE and highlight some of the work already underway.

Currently, DCP policy promotes keeping siblings together as the first preference when making placement decisions, again where this is safe and a placement is available. Staff consider various factors when making decisions about sibling connection and consult a psychologist when consideration is being given to separating or attempting to intervene.

Under the Children and Young People (Safety) Act, DCP is rightly required to consult with recognised Aboriginal and Torres Straight Islander organisations on placement decisions, and practice guidance is in place that describes Aboriginal kinship and family structures, including sibling relationships, in Aboriginal families. Further consideration is being given to how we can bolster practice guidance on case planning and annual reviews to promote sibling connection and contact, including ensuring that the views of the children are sought out and given due consideration.

A strong bond between brothers and sisters can be a foundation stone for families to build resilience, social and emotional wellbeing, achieve positive educational and developmental outcomes, and a sense of security and love that can last a lifetime.

I will continue to work with the Guardian and the CREATE Foundation to explore the development of a structured mechanism for me to hear directly from young people, and to ensure that the voices and interests of siblings are amplified. Children and young people are strong and resilient; their voices on what is important to them should always be heard.

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