ACT adoption reform good on paper, but the proof will be in the pudding

Assistant Minister for Social Services and Multicultural Affairs, Senator Zed Seselja, today welcomed recommendations outlined in the domestic adoption report released by the ACT Government, aimed at improving the out-of-home-care system in the ACT with particular focus on providing better permanency outcomes whilst reducing waiting periods.

“I am pleased that the ACT Government has provided these recommendations to create improved permanency outcomes for our children, but the proof is in the pudding.

“I have met with over 20 families, who have spent longer than three arduous years in the system, navigating red tape, repeatedly providing unnecessary information, whilst children remain in the out-of-home-care system with no stability.

“We know the facts. We know going from foster care home to foster care home is not good for children. We know foster care should be a temporary solution to children in need but evidence shows overwhelmingly that children need stability and permanency in their lives.

“These children are our most vulnerable and they need our help. We need to make a difference in the lives of these thousands of children and allow them to have permanent homes.

“I encourage the ACT government to implement these recommendations and guarantee that domestic adoptions occur in a timely manner.

“We need all jurisdictions to be proactive and ensure they are doing everything they can to give children stability,” urged Senator Seselja.

“It is now more important than ever before that all levels of government work together to make adoption a more viable pathway for children in need,” Senator Seselja concluded.