February 24, 2009
Letter to the Editor
I am writing in response to an edition of Australian Story which went to air on ABC
Television on Monday night, featuring a foster mother who is currently caring for six
children, all from the same family. While the story made for compelling viewing, I fear
it failed to present a true reflection of what is really happening within the NSW child
protection system.
The issues surrounding the removal of a child - or children - from their parents are
intensely complex and I understand that Australian Story only intended to provide
viewers a small glimpse into this very difficult landscape. However, I believe that the
program’s single-sided approach has done little to assist the wider debate which is
currently taking place within NSW as a result of Justice James Wood’s inquiry into
child protection.
Contrary to the outcome presented on Australian Story, a study by the Create
Foundation (CREATE Report Card 2008: Transitioning from Care), indicates that the
majority of children removed from their families at a young age choose to return to
their birth parents after leaving the out-of-home-care system.
And while I acknowledge that the foster mother presented in the program is providing
these troubled children a safe and loving home, the relationship breakdown between
the birth mother and her children was of deep concern. The importance of children
retaining links to their natural families is well documented. Placing these children with
their grandmother or another relative while the mother received the support she
needed to resolve her issues should perhaps be considered a far better option when
taking into account the long term wellbeing of these youngsters.
Andrew McCallum
CEO
Association of Children’s Welfare Agencies
NEWS 
