Foster care reunification model broken, experts say

Foster care experts are criticizing the reunification model, suggesting families need more support. A 8-month-old baby died less than three days after being returned to her biological parents, following an ABC report. Wendy Sturgess, chief executive of Children and Family Services, says more work with parents is needed for reunification legislation to be effective.

A Victorian foster carer, Sasha*, reported that a six-year-old girl under her care was re-traumatised during court-ordered visitations. Emma, the child, would often miss her visits due to her mother's unavailability and abusive behaviour. Sasha noticed emotional distress in Emma, including bedwetting and thumb-sucking. Heather Baird, founder of Better Life For Foster Kids, has witnessed many children become distressed and resist visitation, especially if they have been abused or their parent is unwell.

She believes children should not be forced to visit abusive parents, as it causes further trauma. Baird also supports reintroducing the two-year limit on reunification and enforcing it strictly. Sturgess agrees that parents need more support to make reunification successful. The Department of Families, Fairness and Housing did not respond to the ABC's specific questions about reunification.

The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare reported that 81% of children in care return home within two years in Victoria. Women's Legal Service policy advocacy director, Roj Amedi, argues that the issue lies in the lack of support for biological parents, who often face challenges such as family violence, disability support, and court delays.

Former National Children's Commissioner, Anne Hollonds AO, emphasizes the need for careful and gradual reunification, with qualified family support workers to build trust and understand the child's needs.