Why do children come into out-of-home care?

The vast majority of parents, supported by the community and the broad range of government supports and services available to all families, have the capacity to raise happy, healthy children. Some families need more assistance and the various forms of support services available are often the most appropriate response.

In some cases, statutory child protection services are required where children and young people need to be protected from physical abuse, sexual abuse, emotional abuse, neglect or domestic violence.

Many children in out-of-home care can be safely reunited with their families when their families receive appropriate supports and interventions and some children may be in out-of-home care for a relatively short period. Others may need to be in out-of-home care for the longer term to make sure they are safe and well and to help them overcome the effects of trauma, abuse and neglect.

Research highlights the need for children to have stable and secure attachments, whether it is with their parents or in out-of-home care. A sense of security, stability, continuity and social support are strong predictors of better long-term outcomes after leaving care.