In New South Wales, the Department of Communities and Justice (DCJ) is responsible for child protection and has the authority to remove children from their families when a risk of harm is suspected.

While protecting children must always come first, many believe that with proper support, education, and close monitoring, countless children could remain safely in the arms of the families who love them.

Before removing children from their families, authorities should first focus on educating, supporting, and monitoring the family.

With proper guidance and assistance, many issues can be addressed without separating children from their parents.

Removing children from their families should be a last resort, not the first solution.

Keep Children Safe Without Breaking Families

Petition to:

The Government of New South Wales and the Department of Communities and Justice (DCJ)

Why This Matters

Imagine a young child who has known only the comfort of their mother’s arms, their grandmother’s voice, and the familiar warmth of their home. Suddenly, that child is taken away from everything they know — their family, their routines, and their sense of safety.

 

For many children involved in the child protection system, separation from their families can last years before reunification is even considered.

During that time children may move between placements and environments, forming new attachments only to face another major change when they are eventually returned home.

 

Child protection must always prioritise safety. But when families could instead receive support, education, and close monitoring, unnecessary separation can create emotional trauma for children who simply need stability and the people who love them most.

 

Why Reform Is Needed

Each year thousands of children in New South Wales become involved in the child protection system. While removal from the family home may sometimes be necessary to ensure immediate safety, many cases involve families experiencing hardship, stress, or temporary crisis rather than permanent inability to care for their children.

With proper support, education, and structured monitoring, many families could safely care for their children without separation.

A stronger system would protect children while helping families become safer and more stable.

 

Key Concerns

Research in child development shows that stable relationships with caregivers are essential for emotional and psychological wellbeing.

When children are removed from parents or primary caregivers they may experience:

• emotional distress and anxiety

• disruption of attachment bonds

• instability from multiple placements

• trauma from repeated transitions

In many cases reunification or restoration with parents may take two years or longer, creating extended separation followed by another difficult transition when children return home.

Families have also raised concerns regarding the quality of care in some placements, including reports that basic daily needs such as feeding, hygiene, and regular nappy changes for infants were not always properly met.

These concerns highlight the importance of stronger monitoring and accountability across the system.

 

What We Are Asking For

We call on the Government of New South Wales and DCJ to implement reforms that protect children while preserving family stability.

These reforms should include:

• expanding early intervention and family support services

• parenting education and counselling programs

• structured monitoring systems for families experiencing difficulties

• prioritising kinship care placements with relatives when children cannot remain with parents

• improved oversight and accountability in foster and residential care placements

• preventing the use of hotels or unstable emergency accommodation for children

• voluntary home monitoring systems in shared living areas to ensure children’s safety while respecting family privacy. ( camera etc ) 

 

Our Goal

A child protection system should not only respond to crisis but help prevent harm by strengthening families and communities.

Children deserve protection — but they also deserve love, stability, and belonging.

 

Final Message

Child protection must always prioritise safety. But safety and family should not be seen as opposing goals.

 

When families receive the right support, education, and monitoring, many children can remain safely in the homes and relationships that give them stability and identity.

 

No child should lose their family when safety can be protected through support and monitoring.

We urge policymakers, child welfare agencies, and community leaders to consider these reforms.

By signing this petition, you are advocating for a system that values children’s safety while also prioritizing family unity. Join us in making a change that supports both families and children in our community.