The Department for Child Protection (DCP) was formed in November 2016 in response to recommendations from the Child Protection Systems Royal Commission, led by the Honourable Margaret Nyland AM.
We work in partnership with families, government and non-government organisations, carers and the community to care for and protect vulnerable children and young people by addressing harm and keeping them safe.
Where children and young people cannot stay safely in the family home we will find a place for them to live, preferably with members of their family and kinship networks, or with foster carers.
We aim to give young South Australians in our care every opportunity to reach their full potential. We value children and young people's voices and consider their views.
Our responsibilities
The department administers the following legislation:
- Children and Young People (Safety) Act 2017
- Children and Young People (Safety) Regulations 2017
- Family and Community Services Act 1972.
We use a child centred, trauma-informed practice approach that focuses on cultural safety, strengthening families, supporting carers, and working in partnership to meet children and young people’s need for safety.
We are responsible for:
- responding to concerns about children and young people who have experienced harm or are at risk of harm
- placing children and young people in care when they are unable to live safely with their families
- providing case management and support for children and young people under the custody or guardianship of the Chief Executive
- supporting the reunification of children and young people with their families where it is safe to do so
- managing the adoption process
- supporting children and young people from a refugee background through the Commonwealth Guardianship team.
Strategic Plan 2022-2026 (PDF, 3.3 MB)