New Stability Rules and Time Limits for Children in Out of Home Care
Children, Youth and Families Amendment (Stability) Bill 2025
1st House
2nd House
Law
Links to official parliament websites
Effects of this bill
If this bill passes, it means that:
The best interests principles for children in need of protection now include the desirability of physical, cultural, and relational stability.
Case planning for children replaces the term 'permanency' with 'stability' and removes adoption from the hierarchy of options.
The maximum period for a family reunification order increases from 12 months to 24 months.
The Court must ensure a child is not in out of home care for more than 24 months total, unless it is in the child's best interests to allow an extra 12 months.
The Court may grant a family reunification order for up to 12 months for children who have already spent more than 24 months in care, provided it is in the child's best interests.
The Court can extend a family reunification order by up to 12 months if it is satisfied that doing so serves the child's best interests.
The Court must consider parental engagement with services and impediments to safe reunification when deciding on the length or extension of a reunification order.