We are calling for the requirement for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander kinship carers to hold a blue card to be removed, allowing more children to be raised safely with family and retain their connection to Country and culture.
This report found the blue card scheme’s focus on employment suitability, rather than suitability to care for kin, gave limited consideration to the child’s best interests. Removing the Working with Children screening process (blue cards) would not put the safety of children at risk.
With significant numbers of Aboriginal children of all ages in residential care and foster care placements this change would increase the number of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children being placed with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander family and lead to improved outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children.