The views of children and young people in out-of-home care: overview of indicator results from a pilot national survey 2015

Summary This bulletin provides an overview of results from a 2015 national pilot data collection on the views of children and young people in out-of-home care. It presents new data for eight indicators under the National Standards for Out-of-Home Care, allowing reporting against these indicators for the first time. Data are presented on 2,083 children aged 8-17 who were under the care of the Minister or Chief Executive in the eight states and territories. Jurisdictions collected these data as part of their local case management processes during the period from 1 February 2015 to 30 June 2015. Key findings include: 91% of children reported feeling both safe and settled in their current placement 67% of children reported that they usually get to have a say in what happens to them, and people usually listen to what they say 87% of children reported that they received adequate support (from their carer or someone else) to participate in sport, community or cultural activities 94% of children reported feeling close to at least one family group: the people they live with now (coresident family), family members they do not live with (non-coresident family), or both 70% of children reported satisfaction with one or more types of contact (that is, visiting, talking or writing) with non-coresident family 86% of children reported that they had at least some knowledge of their family background and culture 97% of children reported that they had a significant adult; that is, an adult who cares about what happens to them now and in the future 58% of those aged 15-17 reported that they were getting as much help as they needed to make decisions about their future. A further 30% reported that they were getting some help but wanted more