Child protection reforms passed
Minister for Family and Community Services and Minister for Women Pru Goward said the new legislation provided for earlier intervention to keep families together with support.
“It also means courts will have new powers to order parents to undergo treatment or attend services to deal with the issues putting their children at risk,” she said.
The Department of Family and Community Services will also need to consider adoption for children where the court has ordered that the child cannot return to its parents or family until the age of 18.
“Tonight’s passing of the legislation is a step in the right direction for at-risk children and their families across this state,” Ms Goward said.
“The new laws create more tools for courts and caseworkers to provide children with a safe and stable home for life.”