We strongly support the Strategy's public health approach, which is essential to reducing over-reliance on the out-of-home care system. Wherever it is safe to do so, families are the best place for children and young people to grow, develop and maintain connections to family, culture, community and support networks. Early investment and timely support can strengthen families, prevent harm and reduce the need for statutory intervention.

The Strategy provides a positive vision for the child and family support system for improving outcomes for children and young people. Its success will ultimately depend on effective implementation, accountability and oversight. Subsequent agency plans and ongoing consultation will therefore be critical to translating the Strategy into meaningful change, supported by appropriate resourcing and future budget commitments.

We believe the Strategy could be further strengthened in several areas. In particular, we are very concerned by the absence of a clear focus on reunification and family preservation within the Strategy. Given these are central to improving long-term outcomes for children and families, their omission represents a significant gap in the proposed plan. In order to improve outcomes for children in out-of-home care there needs to be a strong emphasis on preserving and restoring family relationships.