"With a difficult direct experience, I now feel responsible for using my voice to speak up and identify issues that have contributed to previous intergenerational and structural harm." Hayley Brown, DEG Chairperson.
Image: Four women, L to R, Hayley Brown, Breony Carbines, Jacinta Morey and Nadia Bergineti, stand together against a wall.
For too long, child protection policy has been shaped without the voices of parents and families who have lived experiences. The Direct Experience Group (DEG) in South Australia is changing that. Formed through a ground breaking partnership between The Reily Foundation, Life Without Barriers, and DS Consulting, this group ensures parents and families have a direct role in shaping policy and practice reform.
“To have time to consider each other’s experiences, identify challenges and turn these into actionable solutions for the Minister and Department is really rewarding and empowering,” said Malcom, DEG member.
With one in three children in South Australia reported to child protection services by age 18, change is critical. The Direct Experience Group is the first of its kind in South Australia and the second in Australia.
Comprising of parents, families, and individuals with first-hand experience in the child protection system, this group provides independent advice directly to the Minister for Child Protection, Hon. Katrine Hildyard. These insights are helping drive solutions grounded in lived experience.
“These meeting are our footsteps towards change,” said Jess, DEG member.
Meeting regularly, the group consults on key issues such as family preservation, sibling connections, and assessment processes. Their experience informs policy and practice, ensuring that reforms align with the real needs of families and children.
"We hope that the experiences of the Direct Experience Group serve as an important reminder that when a parent becomes involved in the Child Protection and Family Supports sector, they are almost always at a disadvantage..." Said Hayley, DEG Chairperson.
"DEG see it as crucial that families receive fair, equitable and accessible support delivered by trauma-informed and child focused approaches."
"This will help parents and family members understand the direction of their children's case, increases engagement with the Department and empower them to take proactive steps to address any concerns raised producing better outcomes for children and young people.”
By actively listening to families, the government is taking steps to address gaps in service delivery and to strengthen family and community connections for children. The impact of this group extends beyond its members, it has the potential to transform the child protection system for the better.
“I’m proud of the work that the Minister’s Direct Experience Group has done to put forward these recommendations to help improve processes, with the goal of keeping children safe and thriving at home by empowering parents, families and communities.” Said Jacinta, DEG Deputy Chairperson.
Image: L to R: Hayley Brown, Nadia Bergineti, Minister for Child Protection, Katrine Hildyard, Lucy Wade, Jacinta Morey, Jackie Bray stand in front of a media wall at the South Australia Child Protection awards.
The DEG has developed four in-depth reports, with a range of recommendations under the following topic areas, with all reports and recommendations provided to the Minister for Child Protection.
Post-removal family connection
Assessment and Investigation
Accountability and transparency
Access to information and advocacy and parenting/family support
Feedback from the Minister has been positive, with discussion about how these recommendations can be utilised to shape future policy and process.
The group also presented at the recent South Australian Child Protection Symposium in Adelaide, at the Association of Children's Welfare Agencies (ACWA) National Conference in Sydney, and to an international audience via the Kempe International Conference.
Led by those with direct experience, the Direct Experience Group is challenging outdated approaches and advocating for a future where children remain connected to their families and communities. This two-year initiative marks the beginning of a broader movement that places lived experience at the core of child protection reform.
“Our recommendations are working towards the vision for a time when parents and families feel encouraged to willingly reach out to the Department of Child Protection and Family Support services for help, advise and support," said Hayley.
"At the moment many parents and families are afraid to engage for fear of reprisal, judgement and at worse the removal of their children.”
