Decision-making from a carer’s perspective
When you care for a child or young person, you provide them with a sense of safety and an opportunity to heal.
Carers play a vital role in decision making for children and young people under the guardianship of the Chief Executive.
The integral role carers play in a child or young person’s life, and the need for DCP to work in partnership with carers when making decisions, is highlighted in the Statement of Commitment for South Australian Foster and Kinship Carers.
In accordance with the principles of the Statement, carers should be informed, supported, consulted, valued and respected throughout the decision making process as an important member of the child or young person’s care team.
You can take part in decision-making in a way that works for you and the child. Let the DCP case worker know how you prefer to communicate (e.g. phone, email, home visits, and care meetings) to share valuable information and contribute to plans about the child or young person’s life.
Children and young people in your care are encouraged to take part in decisions about their health and wellbeing. You can help determine if a child is ready to be part of this process.
Interpreting and translation services are available to assist with language barriers.
Contact arrangements with family
Decisions about contact arrangements are the responsibility of the Department for Child Protection (not the Youth court).
The department makes decisions about contact arrangements in the best interests of the child or young person. You can share your views about contact arrangements and tell the department how the child or young person feels about or is affected by family visits.
The department will consider the views of the parents, family and the child or young person.
Delegation of power
If you’re not sure what decisions you can make, refer to “Who can say OK?” booklet (PDF, 3.3 MB).
The booklet provides guidance on who can approve decisions on issues such as:
- daily routines
- medical and dental treatment
- occasional baby sitting
- school enrolment.
If you want to take on more decision-making responsibility, the department's Chief Executive can consider delegating certain powers to approved carers under Section 76 of the Children and Young People (Safety) Act 2017.
These extra powers may help to:
- reduce delays in decision-making
- increase a child or young person’s sense of belonging and connectedness to their carer family
- normalise a child or young person’s experience in out-of-home care.
Complaints and review process
People aggrieved by a decision should also be informed by the DCP case worker of their rights to seek a review of the decision or to make a complaint as necessary. Section 95 and 157 – 159 of the Children and Young People (Safety) Act outlines the legislative context for reviewable decisions.
Avenues are available to make a complaint or request a review, regarding a decision.