This petition addresses a critical issue affecting families across Victoria, akin to a modern-day Stolen Generation. Aboriginal children are removed at an alarming rate, 11 times higher than average, often resulting in permanent separations for issues that could be addressed with appropriate support. This ongoing practice not only disrupts the fabric of vulnerable families but amounts to a form of cultural genocide that echoes painful chapters from our history.

Current policies under Permanent Care Orders neglect to offer viable pathways to reunification, disproportionately punishing parents who are victims of their circumstances, rather than perpetrators of malfeasance. Women fleeing domestic violence scenarios often find themselves at the permanent loss of their children, as do individuals struggling with mental health issues and addiction, which are treated punitively rather than as public health concerns. Moreover, the systemic criminalization of poverty further condemns parents to lose their children over what are fixable lifestyle challenges rather than willful neglect.

The system appears to give up on families, focusing instead on separation as a default rather than a last resort. Shockingly, the success rate for parents seeking to reunify with their children stands at 0%. This creates a Catch-22 situation: parents who require time to address personal issues like overcoming addiction or securing housing find themselves paradoxically punished with permanent separation even as they strive to improve their situations.

We urge the Victorian Parliament to transform Permanent Care Orders into Reunification-Focused Long-Term Guardianship Orders. Such a solution would pivot away from permanent severance, fostering paths towards family reunification, and ensuring that decisions prioritize the best interest of the child within the context of family preservation. Additionally, we call for a legislative mandate for intensive, supportive services tailored to rehabilitate families in crisis. Financial aid, mental health support, and addiction recovery services could bridge the gap between temporary disruption and permanent injustice.

It is imperative that we learn from history. The echoes of past injustices should inform our present and future, compelling us to create compassionate systems that support family unity rather than needless fragmentation. Stand with us in calling for these essential legislative changes. Sign this petition to demand that the Victorian Parliament act now to prevent further cultural and familial harm and instead lay the groundwork for a more just and equitable child welfare system.

They say the Stolen Generations are history.

They're wrong. It's happening right now in Victoria.

Permanent Care Orders separate families forever—even when parents: ✓ Fled domestic violence and rebuilt ✓ Completed addiction treatment ✓ Healed from trauma ✓ Created stable, safe homes

The system says: "Too late. Your children are gone."

This is not protection. This is punishment.

"Comprehensive review of all publicly available Victorian government and Children's Court data reveals no documented successful parent-initiated revocations of Permanent Care Orders under the current legislative framework (since March 2016). The Children's Court's own research materials describe PCO revocations as 'rare' and provide no examples of children returning to birth parents following revocation. We've requested specific data from the Department through Freedom of Information—if they have contrary evidence, they should release it publicly.".

Aboriginal children are removed at 11x the rate of other children.

Families are being destroyed for poverty, trauma, and circumstances that can be healed with support.

We're demanding the Victorian Parliament act NOW.

#EndPermanentCareOrders #FamilyHealing #StolenGenerations2Point0 #VictoriaJustice #ChildProtectionReform