Parents and care arrangements

Parents and care arrangements

Families have the primary responsibility for the upbringing, protection and development of their children (Child Protection Act 1999 , section 5B(b). When working with the family of a child in care, we must ensure that:

• preference is given to ensuring the child's wellbeing through the support of the child's family
• the views of the child's family are considered and the child's parents have the opportunity to take part in making decisions affecting their lives
• timely and accurate information is provided with respect to matters and decisions affecting the child's life, including information about accessing applicable review mechanisms.

These legislated principles highlight the need for a strengths-based, solution-focused and collaborative approach when partnering with the parents of children in care.