23/12/2021
The State Government has appointed Dr Fiona Arney as the independent person to lead an inquiry into foster and kinship care.
Dr Arney has significant national and international experience in child protection spanning two decades and has served on multiple royal commissions and independent oversight bodies.
Pursuant to 169A of the Children and Young People (Safety) Act 2017, the scope of the inquiry will include:
- Existing complaint mechanisms as they relate to foster care and kinship care.
- Existing consultation and information-sharing processes with foster and kinship carers.
- Any potential recommendations to improve foster and kinship care in South Australia.
As part of the inquiry, Dr Arney will seek submissions from foster and kinship carers. The Department for Child Protection (DCP) will provide further information about the inquiry, including the submission process, as it comes to hand.
The inquiry will commence on January 8, 2022 and be completed within six months.