Welfare agencies have welcomed a discussion paper released today which proposes streamlining the adoption process for those children in foster care.
The Head of the Association of Children's Welfare Agencies Andrew McCallum told Adam Spencer, the NSW Government's move was "to be applauded".
"We don't want kids going in and out of short term foster care and all the problems that that has. So this is actually trying to say, let's actually get the system right.
"But we have to remember that adoption is not a concept that Aboriginal communities would warm to or would actually think is appropriate at all."
In the last financial year Just 65 out of 18,000 children in out-of-home care were adopted
The Community Services Minister Pru Goward wants to see that rate increased arguing adoption will provide more stability for a child, rather than foster care.
The Benevolent Society are one of several NGOs that manage foster placements.
Their CEO Anne Hollonds also welcomed the move.
"I think it's great that the Minister has put out a discussion paper, this is an issue that has great sensitivity on many levels and involves engagement from the whole of the community," she said.
Both Ms Hollonds and Mr McCallum qualified their support by adding that early intervention and support to keep children with their biological families would always be a priority.
Chris, who fostered three girls and went on to adopt them with her husband, called into to tell Adam that making the arrangement formal made a real difference.
"While they were still our foster children, even though they were probably trying to be helpful, we felt that DOCS were actually very intrusive."
"The children felt and we also felt as parents that we didn't have the decision making powers and were therefore not as important in the girls' lives".
Submissions to the discussion paper close Friday, 8 March 2013. They can be made at www.nsw.gov.au/haveyoursay
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