Communities and Justice

Independent review

In September 2016, Brad Hazzard, the former Minister for Family and Community Services in NSW, announced an Independent review of Aboriginal children and young people in out-of-home care (OOHC) (the review). This followed concerns raised in the Our Kids, Our Way: Hearing the Voice of Aboriginal People forum about the high numbers of Aboriginal children and young people in OOHC.

The review looked at systems, policies and practices, and the involvement of children, families, community, service sector and carers in decision-making for Aboriginal children and young people in OOHC.

It also reviewed the individual circumstances of 1153 Aboriginal children and young people who entered OOHC in NSW between 1 July 2015 and 30 June 2016.

The Family is Culture, Independent Review of Aboriginal Children and Young People in OOHC in NSW, was released in November 2019 and made 126 systemic recommendations to the NSW Government.

What was the aim of the review?

The Review aimed to identify the reasons for the high numbers of Aboriginal children and young people in OOHC in NSW and offer strategies to:

  • reduce the number of Aboriginal children and young people entering OOHC
  • increase restoration and permanency outcomes for Aboriginal children and young people in OOHC
  • improve connections to family, culture and community for Aboriginal children and young people in OOHC.

What were the findings of the review?

The review found that systems, policies and practices in OOHC and Child Protection in NSW contribute to the disproportionate number of Aboriginal children and young people in care. This information has been used to recommend changes and reforms to improve life outcomes for children who come into contact with the statutory care system.

Over 3,000 case-specific recommendations and 126 systemic recommendations were provided to the NSW Government to help address the issues in the current child protection system.

The report highlighted the importance of a culturally capable service system that keeps children safe and connected.

Last updated:

13 Sep 2023