Carers Voice is a dedicated online home for DCP’s consultation with family based carers.

Carers Voice is part of the Carer platform on DCP’s website, and provides foster and kinship carers with an opportunity to be involved and have their voices heard on issues that are important and relevant to them.

Carers Voice hosts information on:

• current consultation opportunities for foster and kinship carers, including details on how to participate
• upcoming carer consultation opportunities
• feedback on past carer consultations.

DCP uses a range of consultation approaches so that we hear from a diverse spectrum of carers. Depending on the topic and nature of specific consultations, you might see information on Carers Voice on:

• forums, focus groups, round tables or yarning circles
• individual interviews
• surveys.

These consultation opportunities will often include options for participation in-person, online, or by phone.

Simply click on the consultation topic of interest to you. If you meet the eligibility criteria for that particular consultation, click on the ‘get involved’ button for more information.

For online surveys, this will take you straight to the survey landing page where you can provide your valuable feedback.

Feedback is collected and analysed by DCP and used to inform the development and review of the departments strategies, programs, processes and services.

All feedback provided during consultation will be considered, however this does not mean that every suggestion can be taken on board and adopted as proposed.

Online surveys on Carers Voice are usually anonymous. We may collect information to identify which type of care you provide, however this does not make you identifiable to the department.

If there is a legitimate reason for DCP to request personally identifying information from you (for example, your name or email address), this will be clearly stated and your informed consent will be obtained.

Flexibility is important for all of us, and especially for carers in regional locations, carers of young children, and carers who work outside the home.

Engaging online is quick, easy and can be done from almost anywhere, which are factors many carers have told us are important to them. This allows you to have your say at a time that is most convenient for you.

Online surveys are also an efficient way for DCP to reach large numbers of carers across South Australia so that we can hear a broad range of views.

We also recognise that online surveys don’t suit everyone. Where possible, we will try to have more than one option for carers to participate.

Topics will be open for feedback for a minimum of two weeks. Depending on the topic , some surveys may be open for more time. Please be sure to check the closing dates for each topic, as listed on the consultation home page.

Each consultation topic is unique, and completion time will vary. A time guide will be provided for each survey topic so you can plan to allow enough time before you get involved.

You will need to feel comfortable with basic internet usage and typing on your device.

Capacity to read, understand, and respond to questions in English is usually necessary for participating in online surveys.

Please let your case worker or support worker know if you require support to participate.

DCP is committed to making our consultations inclusive for all carers. We may be able to provide opportunities for you to participate in a different way if the available options are not suitable.

When we reach out to carers, it is to understand your thoughts and experiences on specific topics. The feedback you provide is analysed by DCP and opportunities for it to inform our work are considered.

If you need more information regarding the consultation topic, please contact the email address listed for the consultation topic.

If you have any questions about what’s on this site or our consultation approach, please email us at DCPcarerpartnerships@sa.gov.au.