The Standards of Alternative Care in South Australia 2008 were officially launched by former Minister Jay Weatherill on Foster Carers Day, 3 March 2008. The development of the Standards is one of the immediate actions of Keeping Them Safe - In Our Care implementation (2007). The Standards provide the foundation for the State Government’s reform in Alternative Care.
The Standards document sets the overarching benchmark for delivering quality services for children, young people, families and carers across the Alternative Care Sector.
Purpose of the standards
- to set the bench mark for quality care provision to children and young people;
- to ensure consistent outcomes for children and young people in Alternative Care;
- to promote working in partnership across the Alternative Care Sector;
- to articulate the core elements of effective governance for the South Australian Alternative Care Sector;
- to inform monitoring and compliance systems that ensures the attainment of the Standards.
The standards promote a ‘child first’ approach and a collaborative partnership of all members of the care team.
The standards are to be read in conjunction with the relevant policies, practice guides and procedures.
Development of the standards
The standards have been developed jointly by key people and organisations involved in the care of children and young people including: carers, non-government organisations, CREATE Foundation, Connecting Foster Carers SA, Office of the Guardian for Children and Young People, Foster Care Relations staff, Disability SA and Families SA.
Who are the standards for?
The standards are relevant to all contracted service providers, caseworkers and carers who have direct or indirect contact with children and young people in all forms of alternative care.
Documents
For further inquires relating to the Standards of Alternative Care in South Australia please contact Leanne Haddad, Senior Project Officer, Guardianship and Alternative Care Directorate on 8124 4136 or email leanne.haddad@dfc.sa.gov.au