This summary report explores systemic challenges in achieving timely and permanent arrangements for children when parental responsibility is transferred from parents to Child Safety. These transfers occur when a child is in need of protection and has no parent both able and willing to protect them from significant harm, prompting the Childrens Court to allocate custody or guardianship to the State or another suitable guardian.
The analysis in this report focuses on delays in case planning, reliance on interim orders, and variability in permanency planning and decision making. It draws upon four case examples previously considered by the Board where parental capacity was absent and litigation functions were carried out by the Office of the Director of Child Protection Litigation.