Providing children with a safe home for life
The most significant reforms in almost a decade will make it easier for foster families to adopt children in their care.
Under the reforms, a means-tested adoption allowance will help families progress to adopting the child in their care.
All children in or at risk of entering out-of-home care will receive a coordinated package of support based on their needs.
Government agencies and non-government organisations will work together with the community to provide improved support for children and families at their most vulnerable.
For the first time in NSW, agencies will deliver internationally tested preventative and diversionary programs, Multi Systemic Therapy Child Abuse and Neglect and Family Functioning Therapy Child Welfare, to work with families where there has been physical abuse or neglect.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian said the government is committed to supporting families to stay safely together.
“When that is not possible, we need to ensure children have a safe home for life,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“There are more than 18,000 children in care in NSW – foster carers can now more confidently consider open adoption of the children that they have welcomed into their homes.”
With $24 million over four years committed to the Adoptions Transformation program, Minister for Family and Community Services Pru Goward said that open adoption of children currently in care or coming into care is a priority for the government.
“NSW is leading the nation for adoption rates and is on track to reach a record number this financial year,” Ms Goward said.