The purpose of this preliminary report is to draw attention to early issues identified from the Inquiry into the application of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Child Placement Principle (ATSICPP) in the removal and placement of Aboriginal children in South Australia. This preliminary report makes early recommendations to the South Australian government’s proposed reform of the Children and Young People (Safety) Act 2017. It should be read in conjunction with the Commissioner’s submission to the Statutory Review of the Children and Young People (Safety) Act 2017.

This inquiry is investigating recent past and current policies, practices and procedures of State authorities relating to the application of the wider ATSICPP in the removal and placement of Aboriginal children in South Australia, and as required by section 12 of the Children and Young People (Safety) Act 2017.

Early observations are that these policies, practices and procedures are not leading to the effective implementation of the wider ATSICPP, and as a result, the objectives are not being achieved of reversing the numbers of Aboriginal children and young people removed from their families; and ensuring, that if removed they grow up safely in the care of their kin, community and culture. In order to fully achieve the objectives of the ATSICPP strong statutory guidance is required.