Systemic Change

Connecting Foster and Kinship Carers SA’s (CFKC) vision is to see the voice of all South Australian foster and kinship carers represented and their rights upheld, while they provide care for children and young people.

To achieve this, the child protection sector requires systemic change.

As the peak body for foster and kinship carers in South Australia, we work to improve the system for all carers by:

• Engaging and consulting with South Australian foster and kinship carers to ensure their voices are heard.
• Holding carer consultation sessions around changes that impact carer communities
• Participating in committees and reference groups.
• Making formal submissions and responses to parliamentary and departmental public consultation requests.
• Participating in formal sessions regarding policies and procedures across the child protection sector, in both South Australia and nationally.
• Maintaining longstanding relationships with leaders in government and the private sector.
• Raising awareness through media and campaigns.
• Conducting annual carer surveys so our advocacy is built off carer experiences.
• Participation in the Department for Child Protection (DCP) policy development.
• Facilitating carer-focused research and reference groups, partnering with university academics and research interns.
• Reducing stigma and negative stereotypes associated with providing foster and kinship care.

CFKC drives systemic change by elevating the voices of carers to influence policy, practice and service delivery.

Through ongoing consultation, research and direct engagement with carers, government and sector stakeholders, we identify issues, advocate for practical reforms and work to ensure carer voices are reflected in decisions that affect children, young people and their families.

Bringing together evidence, advocacy and collaboration, we aim to create a more responsive, supportive and sustainable child protection system for South Australia’s foster and kinship carers.

Influencing Policy and Legislation

CFKC advocates for change directly to government decision-makers and by responding to key parliamentary reviews and consultations.