Page 1973 - Week 07 - Thursday, 20 August 1992

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MINISTER FOR HOUSING AND COMMUNITY SERVICES

LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY QUESTION

QUESTION NO. 232

Childrens Services - Approved Homes

Mrs Carnell - asked the Minister for Housing and Community Services:

What is the definition of an "Approved House" for the placement of children in care by the Department of Housing and Community Services.

Mr Connolly - the answer to the Members question is as follows:

Under the Childrens Services Act 1986, an "approved home" is

defined as a home approved by the Director of Family Services

for the purposes of the Act. _.

Under the Act, a child may be placed in an approved home, with the consent of the person in charge of the approved home, if it appears on reasonable grounds to an authorised person that a child is in need of care and the circumstances are such that action should be taken immediately to safeguard the welfare of the child (s73 (1)).

When such action is taken, the Childrens Services Act also provides for the authorised person to notify the Community Advocate and to take all reasonable steps to cause the parent of the child to be notified, as soon as practicable (s73 (3) and (5)).

The detention of a child in an approved home cannot exceed 48 hours without a court order (s75 and s76).

The Director of Family Services will only approve a home for the placement of children where

- the home is occupied by carer(s) who have been assessed and approved by a foster care program funded by Family Services Branch; or

- the home is occupied by carer(s) who are part of the child(ren)s extended family or community network and the Director is satisfied that the carer(s) will protect and care for the child(ren).

1973

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