Navigating the Australian child protection system: The importance of formal and informal support for carers to effectively provide care to children in out-of-home care

Abstract

Children in out-of-home care (OOHC) are a vulnerable group who often experience poorer outcomes than their peers who are not in OOHC. In 2020–2021, there were approximately 46 200 children in OOHC in Australia, with 91% in a family setting with foster or kinship carers. Data from other countries show similar patterns indicating that foster and kinship carers provide care for most children in OOHC. To effectively provide children in OOHC with the care they require, including safety, stability, and connection, the carers need a social support system that equips them to meet the needs of these vulnerable children and to prevent the breakdown of placements. The study presented in this paper draws on social constructivist and critical perspectives to examine the formal and informal social support available to carers using data from a qualitative study investigating OOHC in Queensland, Australia. Our sample is 113 carers, caring for 194 children aged 1–12 years old. We find lack of integration across formal support systems and failure to recognize the invisible workload undertaken by carers are two key challenges faced by carers. Upskilling and stabilizing the child protection work force, as well as better training for carers, is also required. Addressing these issues will enhance the social support systems of carers and improve the safety, stability, and connection of children in OOHC.