I am a mother of children in Queensland's child protection system. Over the past few years, I have faced significant decisions being made about my children without being informed in a timely manner, with questions left unanswered, and a disturbing lack of transparency about decisions that profoundly affect their lives. As a parent, I firmly believe I should be kept informed and given clear written reasons for decisions impacting my children whenever it is safe and appropriate to do so.

This issue does not only affect me. Many families across Queensland share similar concerns regarding transparency, accountability, and decision-making within Queensland's child protection system.

According to recent reviews and reports, including one from the Queensland Family and Child Commission, there are ongoing systemic issues related to the clarity and communication of decisions made within the child protection framework. Parents are often left in the dark about processes and outcomes that directly impact their children's welfare. This lack of transparency can lead to a breakdown of trust and cooperation between families and the child protection system, ultimately affecting the well-being of the children involved.

We urge the Legislative Assembly of Queensland to prioritize reforms that ensure parents and guardians are promptly provided with complete, written explanations of decisions regarding their children, enhancing communication clarity and establishing a structured dialogue process between parents and child protection authorities.

Implementing these changes could involve the establishment of an independent oversight body to review decision-making processes and a requirement for child protection agencies to develop guidelines for transparent communication.

These measures are crucial to restore trust and cooperation, ensuring that all children in the system are given the best possible care while respecting the rights of families to be informed and involved in significant decisions.

We ask the Legislative Assembly to take action now by signing this petition to support the call for a child protection system built on transparency, accountability, and trust for the benefit of all families in Queensland. Let us safeguard the rights of our children and empower parents with the information they deserve. 

Help Reform Queensland's Child Protection System

I started this petition because of my family's experience with Queensland's child protection system. What I have experienced has led me to ask difficult questions about transparency, communication, accountability and the decisions that affect vulnerable children.

As I've shared my story, I've heard from many other families with similar experiences. While every case is different, one thing has become clear: many people believe improvements are needed to ensure children receive safe, stable and well-supported care.

This petition is no longer just about one child or one family.

It is about every child in Queensland and if we can gain momentum on a national scale who deserves to:

Be safe while in care.

Have stability and continuity in their placement whenever possible.

Have their voice heard when decisions affect their future.

Receive services that genuinely prioritise their wellbeing.

It is also about ensuring families are treated fairly through:

Greater transparency from Child Safety.

Timely communication about significant decisions.

Clear accountability for decisions that affect children's lives.

Independent oversight when serious concerns are raised.

Children in care are among Queensland's most vulnerable people. They deserve a system that earns public trust through openness, accountability and a genuine commitment to their best interests.

If you believe Queensland can do better for children and families, I ask you to sign this petition and share it with others.

Together, we can call for meaningful reform that puts children's safety, wellbeing and stability first.