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DCJ has reviewed out-of-home care provider contracts under the Permanency Support Program (PSP) to determine which contracts will continue beyond 30 June 2027.
CareSouth’s current PSP foster care contract will not be extended beyond 30 June 2027.
This does not mean services are ending immediately. CareSouth’s current contract remains in place until 30 June 2027, giving CareSouth and DCJ time to carefully plan and manage any transition arrangements.
The priority is the safety, wellbeing and stability of children and young people. DCJ will work closely with CareSouth, children and young people, carers, families and other service partners to support continuity of care and minimise disruption.
DCJ understands this may be an uncertain time for children, young people, families, carers and communities.
Children and young people will continue to receive care and support while transition planning takes place. Carers will also continue to receive support and guidance as arrangements are worked through.
Where a child or young person is currently in a stable placement, DCJ’s focus will be on maintaining that stability wherever possible. Any decisions will be guided by the needs, safety and wellbeing of the child or young person.
DCJ undertook a comprehensive assessment process to inform decisions about PSP contract extensions.
The assessment considered matters including provider performance, governance, compliance, financial accountability, service quality and child safety indicators.
Providers were given opportunities to respond to identified concerns and provide additional information or evidence of remediation before final decisions were made.
DCJ does not generally comment publicly on detailed assessment findings relating to individual providers.
DCJ will work with CareSouth on transition planning over the coming months.
This will include planning for service continuity, information transfer, communication with affected children, young people, carers and families, and engagement with other service providers where required.
Children, young people, carers and families will be provided with more information as arrangements are confirmed.
If you have questions about your circumstances, please speak with your caseworker or CareSouth contact in the first instance.
Further information will be provided as transition planning progresses.
This page will be updated as more information becomes available.
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