In November 2008 Justice James Wood delivered the final report on the Special Inquiry into Child Protection in NSW. One of the key recommendations was that all children taken in to the care of the State should be placed with non-government organisations (NGOs) rather than Community Services.  Justice Wood based his recommendation on advice from the NSW Children’s Guardian (who audits all NSW care agencies) that NGOs are better placed to provide quality care and achieve better outcomes for children.

The Coalition for Children in Care began forming early in 2010 when it became clear that the NSW Government was commissioning work from consultants Boston Consulting Group that appeared to undermine the government’s commitment to implementing Justice Wood’s recommendation. Our concern is that a focus on the costs of care and budget bottom lines will override a proper focus on meeting the real needs of children.

The Coalition is made up of not for profit foster and residential care providers who share a vision to transform the out of home care system to promote a better life for children in care and a secure future when they leave it.

Since the 2011 NSW Election, the work and momentum of the CCC has continued under a new strategic working party named the Non-Government Out-of-Home Care Transition Action Group (NOTAG), which is facilitated by the Association of Children’s Welfare Agencies (ACWA).