The NSW Government has outlined a major reform agenda for the out-of-home care system, including staged implementation through to 2030.

The Association of Children’s Welfare Agencies (ACWA) recently attended the NSW Government’s Out -of-Home Care Ministerial Forum, where Minister for Families and Communities the Hon. Kate Washington MP and the NSW Department of Communities and Justice (DCJ) outlined a major reform agenda for the state’s Out-of-Home Care (OOHC) system.

ACWA acknowledges the Government’s commitment to reforming a system facing significant pressure and supports the shared goal of improving safety, stability and long term outcomes for children and young people in care.

The reforms respond to findings from multiple independent reviews highlighting challenges relating to accountability, oversight, rising costs and declining outcomes. The Government has signalled a reset focused on stronger stewardship, clearer roles across the system, and improved public accountability.

Read ACWA’s full response here.

Watch Simone’s reflections on the announcement and what comes next for the sector.