There are multiple paths a child in out-of-home care (as per the national definition of out-of-home care) can move through when transitioning from out-of-home care. These pathways from out-of-home care include children who are being:
- reunified with their families
- placed in a third-party care arrangement
- adopted from care
- aged out of care once they turn 18 years old
- transitioned to other placements that are out-of-scope for out-of-home care (for example, a non-funded placement where they live independently).
Refer to the Glossary for more information on the different pathways from out-of-home care.
States and territories have committed to the safe reunification of children with families as part of the broader commitment to implement the ATSICPP to the standard of Active Efforts* (DSS 2022; AIHW 2022).
* Active efforts are purposeful, thorough and timely efforts that are supported by legislation and policy and enable the safety and wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children (SNAICC 2019).
Reunification is covered by the connection element of the ATSICPP. Reunifying Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children in out-of-home care with their families can mean re-establishing the closest possible connection to their family, community and culture (SNAICC 2017). Children are considered to be eligible for reunification if they are in out-of-home care.
Considerations for pathways from out-of-home care
Different jurisdictional policies and practice can affect the comparability of pathways data, including:
- There is no nationally agreed definition for reunifications. As such, reporting of permanency events relating to reunification is based on local definitions of reunification.
- Third-party parental responsibility orders vary across jurisdictions with the biggest difference relating to the provision of ongoing case management in some cases.
Refer to the Appendices for more information on differences in jurisdictions’ policy and practice.
How many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children were discharged from out-of-home care?
In 2023–24, about 4,300 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children were discharged from out-of-home care. Of these children:
- 30% (1,300) were in out-of-home care for less than 6 months
- 28% (1,200) were in out-of-home care for 5 years or more.
Source: CPA 2023–24: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, data table 10.12
The rate of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children discharged from out-of-home care increases with age. The discharge rate ranges from 6.8 per 1,000 for those aged under one year, to 9.5 per 1,000 for children aged 10–14 years, to around 25 per 1,000 for those aged 15–17 years. The rate for children aged 15–17 years includes children who were discharged due to aging out.
Young people who are leaving out-of-home care may access supports from state and territory governments. All states and territories offer support to young people leaving care up to at least 21 years of age. Support provided may include financial guidance, housing, education and job opportunities, legal advice, health and community services, and emotional support (Campo & Commerford 2016).
Source: CPA 2023–24: Insights, data table S5.2
Types of pathways from out-of-home care
For Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children discharged from out-of-home care in 2023–24:
- 35% (1,500) were reunified
- 7.0% (300) were placed on third-party orders
- 5 children were adopted
- 20% (860) aged out
- 38% (1,600) of children discharged from out-of-home care did not fall into the above categories. This may include (but is not limited to) children who transition to live independently in a non-funded placement or are in detention (Figure 6).
Source: CPA 2023–24: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, data table 10.13
