Carer Council
The Carer Council is a Ministerial Advisory Council of South Australian foster and kinship carers which provides a dedicated platform for the carer voice to be heard by the Minister for Child Protection on issues crucial to improving the child protection system and the rights of carers. The Carer Council is administered by Connecting Foster and Kinship Carers SA and was a key recommendation from Dr Fiona Arney’s Independent Inquiry into Foster and Kinship Care.
Carer Council Strategy on a Page
This document outlines the Council’s strategic plan and the role it will play in amplifying the voices of foster and kinship carers to ensure they are heard by the Minister for Child Protection.
Download the Strategy on a Page (button to downloadable PDF on CK’s Dropbox)
About the Carer Council
What is a ministerial advisory council?
A government or ministerial advisory council is a body that provides advice and expertise related to a specific group or issue. These bodies are a consultative mechanism, providing perspectives from and representing the views of key stakeholders.
A Minister may determine the structure and functions of the advisory council depending on how the advisory council/body has been established.
The core function of an advisory council is to provide independent advice on key topics. While each council is different, their functions generally include providing feedback on the design of policy and practice and the provision of advice, and it is for the Minister and Government to decide how and if they accept and implement the advice presented. A Minister may also suggest topics of discussion or request advice on certain matters. These functions do not extend to the provision of individual advocacy or dispute resolution.
As a ministerial advisory council, the Carer Council must comply with rules set out by the Department of the Premier and Cabinet for SA Government Boards and Committees.
How can my issues be heard by the Carer Council?
Public consultation sessions will be held for carers to provide their feedback on issues planned for Carer Council discussion. Details of these sessions will be made available below on the Carer Council webpage.
Through consultation, the Carer Council will hear carers’ stories and feedback and listen to experiences of caring to inform its systemic advocacy in providing advice to the Minister.
However, as an advisory council, the Carer Council cannot provide assistance with resolving individual carer issues. Carers who are seeking assistance for their individual circumstances may instead contact the CFKC Carer Advocacy Service for information and individual advocacy on freecall 1800 732 272.
Can I contact the Carer Council directly?
Carers are encouraged to contact Lauren Deer, the Carer Council Project Lead, on freecall 1800 723 272 or by emailing carercouncil@cfc-sa.org.au.
You can also sign up to our free membership to be kept informed of Carer Council updates and other news relating to foster and kinship carers.