Legislative Council - Fifty-Fifth Parliament, First Session (55-1)
2023-03-07 Daily Xml

Contents

Children in State Care

231 The Hon. L.A. HENDERSON ().9 February 2023). Can the minister adviseā€”is the Department for Child Protection allowing foster children to visit biological parents when there are reported safety issues present 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:

The safety of children and young people is paramount when making decisions regarding contact arrangements. At times, supervising visits can effectively address safety concerns and may help children and young people to feel comfortable during visits. Working with families to ensure children and young people experience contact visits positively can also be effective. In addition, changing contact arrangements (such as who can attend and/or the place, time, duration, or frequency of visits) can help to address safety concerns. However, if such changes are not able to ensure the child's or young person's safety during visits, visits can be suspended or discontinued.