We are calling on the government to use this legislative review as an opportunity for real and substantive reform. Uniting Communities' response to the review of the Act is underpinned by the following key principles:

• The legislation should seek to provide a basis for ensuring children and young people's best interests and well-being are maximised which incorporates, but is not restricted to, safety and protection from harm

• The best interests of children and young people are served when they are able to remain safely living within their family and community. Legislation should be framed to achieve this outcome

• The best interests, well-being and safety of children and young people are achieved when the community is empowered to play its role in keeping children safe and supporting families

These objectives and provisions are important in creating legislation that will best serve the interests, well-being and safety of children and young people in South Australia. It is only when there is a shared understanding of these priorities that legislation will meet community expectations of what is necessary to keep children and young people safe and their well-being and best interests protected.