Following the death of Tiahleigh Palmer (When a child is missing: Remembering Tiahleigh – A report into Queensland’s children missing from out-of-home care), the Premier requested a comprehensive examination of the blue card and foster care services in Queensland.
Then Principal Commissioner Cheryl Vardon led an expert panel to deliver this review. The Commission was asked to pay particular attention to the use of, and reliance on, Working with Children Checks (blue cards) and other information in the assessment and approval process for foster carers in Queensland.
In Queensland, the process for being approved as a foster or kinship carer is rigorous. However, we can learn from experience and we can improve.
In conducting this review, the Commission consulted with people and groups with expertise and interest in the foster care system including carers, children with a current or previous care experience and government and non-government agencies, and undertook broader community consultations.
The Review of the foster care system report makes 42 recommendations that will introduce a number of changes to the foster care system. The recommendations are intended to strengthen carer assessment, approval and renewal processes, and the safeguards for children in care. They will also help to build and maintain the public’s confidence in the foster care system.
Ultimately, they will make sure that Queensland’s most vulnerable children will be provided with safe and supportive homes by a system that works together to give children the best possible future.