This law amended the *Children and Young Persons (Care and Protection) Act* 1998 and other legislation.It introduces a separate regime for guardianship orders where all aspects of parental responsibility are allocated to a suitable person. It also introduces principles regarding permanent placements which create a preferential hierarchy of the persons in whose responsibility the child may be placed. It also introduces Parent Capacity orders which require a person to attend a program to improve their parenting skills. 

Child Protection Legislation Amendment Act 2014 (NSW)

Permanency planning is the making of a plan that aims to provide a child with a stable and secure long-term placement following removal  from their family. The principles of permanency planning first emerged in the 1970s in the United States of America and the United Kingdom.

Permanency planning 

This period has seen an increasing focus on consultation with Aboriginal families however alongside this laws and policies that facilitate adoption by foster carers have been criticised by many commentators.

Contemporary adoption of Aboriginal children

Developments in law and policy have seen a shift from Aboriginal children primarily being adopted by non-Aboriginal families, towards permanently placing Aboriginal children with Aboriginal families. However, this attempt to preserve and promote cultural and familial identity in children needing care has not been as effective in practice as intended.  

Prioritising adoption by Aboriginal families

Adoption of children was regulated from 1923, when the Child Welfare Act 1923 (NSW) was introduced. Since this time, the law has said that a parent or guardian must consent to their child being adopted. However, the Court can order adoption without consent in various circumstances.  

Document

Child Protection Legislation Amendment Act 2014 (NSW)

Permanency planning

Contemporary adoption of Aboriginal children

Prioritising adoption by Aboriginal families

Adoption and consent