Families SA may receive information from any member of the public who is worried about a child or young person. People usually contact us because they care about children – not because they want to cause trouble for families. Some people, like doctors, teachers, nurses and child care workers, are required by law to tell us if they have concerns about a child or young person. See Reporting suspected child abuse for more information about mandatory reporting.

It is not easy caring for a child and at times it can be demanding and difficult. Some issues that might make it harder are:

• Mental health issues
• Drug and alcohol dependency
• Intellectual disability
• Domestic/Family violence
• Difficulty bonding and coping with a young infant
• Feeling stressed, isolated or overwhelmed.

If some of these factors are present it does not mean that you are not a good parent. It is our role to see how we can best support you, or link you to other services that can help you.

What happens when a caseworker visits you?

When we receive a notification about suspected child abuse, we make decisions about how to best respond, and how other people may be able to help. A social worker may visit you to talk to you and the child involved (if old enough) in order to find out if the child is safe and if their needs are being met.

The social workers will show you their identification and explain their job to you. In most cases two social workers will visit. The social workers will tell you about the concerns we have received. The social workers will not be able to tell you the name of the notifier as the law states the notifier’s name cannot be revealed. In some cases the police may need to be involved as well.

The social workers may want to talk to the people in the house separately or together. Social workers will need to see the children in the house and will also need to speak to them. Sometimes they do this before they visit your home. The law says that we can do this without parent’s permission if it is necessary. Other times they will talk to the children while they are visiting your home. Social workers will ask you for your views about the information we have received and what you think is best for your child. Families and social workers can usually work things out together.

The social workers will probably make some notes to make sure they record information correctly. Sometimes social workers may also need to talk to teachers, child care workers, doctors, family members and other people who are close to the child or who are responsible for their welfare.

How long will it take?

Action will be taken as soon as possible. Most inquiries will be completed within a month. However, you will be informed if it will take longer.

What if your child is not at risk?

If there is no evidence of harm to your child and your child is assessed as being in a safe environment, the case will be closed.

What if your child has been harmed?

If we assess that your child has been abused or neglected, or is at risk of abuse or neglect, we will take action to ensure that your child is kept safe. Social workers will work with you to identify how best we may work with you to do this. This could include counselling and referral to support service for you, your child and other children in your care.

In some cases, where there are serious concerns for the safety of your child, we may decide to take the matter to the Youth Court. The court can order that your child be placed in an alternative home for an extended period of time. This may be with relatives, friends or a foster carer. The police may become involved if we believe the law has been broken.

Will your child be taken away?

We firmly believe that the best place for a child or young person is in their family home. Most families can get help to cope while the children remain at home. Sometimes children spend time away as part of a plan to help them and their family and they can go home when family issues are addressed.

However, if there is a high risk of harm or injury to your child, Families SA may arrange for them to be in a safe place for a short time. The safe place may be a relative, trusted friend or a foster carer, depending on the situation. This may be done through an arrangement with you, or Families SA may have to approach the Adelaide Youth Court asking that your child be placed in alternative care while concerns are being addressed.

For more information about the kinds of arrangements that can be put in place for your child to spend time away from home, see How children come into care.
Find out more about types of alternative care.
Find out about Birth parents and the youth court.

What official records are kept?

An official file is kept on the child. All contact made with your family during our involvement is recorded on that file. You are able to access this information, and can speak to our social worker about how to do this.

What if you are not satisfied with the way things have been handled?

If you are not satisfied with how we have dealt with the situation, there are some simple measures you can take. In most instances you should discuss your concerns with the officer who has contacted you. If the matter is not resolved, you can contact their respective supervisor.

To allow us to provide you with the most effective assistance, please read the following:

• Note that there are certain matters that we cannot resolve. These include complaints about the decisions of a court or actions related to court decisions.
• If your complaint relates to material provided in a current court matter, please discuss your concerns with your legal representative or with the presiding magistrate or judge on the day.
• If your complaint is currently being investigated by the Ombudsman’s office, the Health and Community Services Complaints Commissioner or the Minister for the Department for Families and Communities, we cannot investigate your complaint further. Please direct your contact back to those offices.