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Review of matters of concern policy

Are you, or have you previously been a:

• foster or kinship carer?
• staff member of a non-government service?
• child or young person in care?
• family member of a child or young person in care?

If so, you are invited to share your views and experiences to assist in an important review of the way that the Department of Child Safety responds to matters of concern.

What are matters of concern and why is the review happening?

Matters of concern are any concerns raised about the quality of care provided to children in out-of-home care, including foster and kinship care and residential care.

When matters of concern are raised, the department has a responsibility to make sure that children's needs are responded to as the first priority. It is also important that the process upholds the rights of carers to respect, support and natural justice.

The Department of Child Safety is reviewing its matters of concern policy and procedures to improve the quality and consistency of practice in this important and sensitive area.

For further information about matters of concern, see:

• Matters of concern fact sheet
• Chapter 9. Matters of concern of the Child Safety Practice Manual

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How can I participate?

You are invited to make a written submission to the review, sharing your views and experiences of matters of concern. Your feedback will be used to shape improvements in the matters of concern policy and procedures.

In making your response, you can consider the following issues:

• experiences and views on the matters of concern process
• what has worked well in your experience?
• what aspects of the current process could be improved?
• how could better support be provided to children and foster and kinship carers through the process?

You can make your submission by:

For further information about making a submission, contact the Children in Care Team on (07) 3224 8342.

All submissions will be stored and used in a way that respects your confidentiality and privacy. No names or identifying information will be published or disclosed.

The closing date for the written submissions is Wednesday 18 July 2007.

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What are the expected outcomes?

This review is expected to deliver:

• enhanced safety and well-being for children in out-of-home care
• improvements in the quality and consistency of practice in relation to matters of concern
• greater awareness for foster and kinship carers and licensed care service staff of:
  • matters of concern processes
  • their rights in the process
  • support options available
• greater confidence and participation in the department's policies and processes relating to matters of concern for foster and kinship carers, children in care, non-government services, peak bodies and government agencies.

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Last updated

15 June 2007