Landmark reforms strengthen support for children and young people

South Australia is enacting significant reforms in child protection and family support, aimed at improving outcomes for children, young people, and families. These changes are particularly relevant for early childhood professionals, aligning with national frameworks and emphasising child-centred practices.

These reforms are outlined in the official media release Landmark reforms strengthen support for children and young people, published by the South Australian Premier’s Department.

Strengthening Child Protection and Family Support

The Children and Young People (Safety and Support) Bill 2024 introduces critical updates, including:

• Prioritising the Best Interests of the Child – Ensuring all decisions place children’s wellbeing at the centre, while maintaining safety as the paramount concern.
• Elevating Children’s Voices – Promoting the active participation of children and young people in decisions affecting their lives.
• Supporting Aboriginal Families – Strengthening the Aboriginal Child Placement Principle through ‘active efforts’ and expanding family group conferencing.
• Increasing Carer Involvement – Mandating the inclusion of carers in annual reviews and key decisions.
• Establishing Clear Complaint Guidelines – Introducing procedures for children, carers, and families to provide feedback on services.

The reform package is backed by a $580 million investment to enhance support systems and deliver better outcomes for vulnerable children and families.

Collaborative Partnerships for Community Empowerment

In partnership with the Minderoo Foundation, the South Australian Government has launched the Children in the North Alliance a 10-year, $20 million initiative designed to:

• Implement Place-Based Approaches – Services designed and delivered with direct community input.
• Improve Health and Wellbeing – Including children’s nurses in schools and preschool health checks.
• Strengthen Community Leadership – Empowering communities to lead locally-driven initiatives.

This partnership highlights the role of coordinated efforts in advancing support for children at the community level.

Implications for Early Childhood Professionals

These reforms are aligned with key principles in the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF) V2.0, including:

• Child-Centred Practices – Recognising children as capable and active participants in their learning.
• Cultural Competence – Reflecting and respecting diverse cultural identities.
• Collaborative Partnerships – Engaging families and communities in the learning process.

Understanding these changes may help early childhood professionals align their practices with broader system developments.

The introduction of child protection and family support reforms in South Australia marks a significant shift in policy and practice. These developments present early childhood professionals with an opportunity to consider how system-level changes may intersect with their work. By understanding the key components of the legislation and the associated initiatives, professionals can stay informed and assess how these changes may influence the services and support provided to children and families across the sector.