Resources

Equal | Chance is written by and with parents and families with experience in the Queensland child protection system.

FINseq is humbled and honoured to share Leanne's Gift on our website. You can find it here now.

Please note: changes to legislation, policies, and programs are non-stop. As such, these resources are unlikely to remain accurate on every detail. In general, however, they will help. FIN will endeavour to update material when we have capacity. PLEASE send suggested changes to info.fin@micahprojects.org.au.

Parents on a Mission Parents' Guide 2022

This incredible resource shares Leanne's advice, knowledge, and support from over 14 years of lived experience of getting through the child protection system in Queensland. Chapters include:

"My children have been removed"

"Your relationship with the Department"

"Caring for your children"

"Going to court"

"Dealing with family and friends"

"Common vocabulary used throughout your case"

Leanne's Gift digital pack for parents

This resource includes some information (downloads) to support you, from information on domestic violence to a legal aid application form, social assessment, and more.

Leanne's Gift digital pack for kids

This resources includes some information (downloads) to support your children through the process, including information for different age groups.

Charter of Rights for Parents involved with the child protection system in Queensland

This video summaries the Charter of Rights for Parents involved with the child protection system in Queensland. The Charter was developed in a partnership between the Family Inclusion Networks (FIN) of Queensland, the Queensland Parents’ Advisory Committee (the QPAC), and the Department.

FIN provided this feedback in response to the Commission of Inquiry into Queensland's Child Safety System's invitation for public submissions into the Complaints System.

Each year, parents who have experienced (and are experiencing) the child protection system gather with their allies.

We heard about some of the challenges for many parents experiencing the child protection system. (The feeling of “being enclosed in a black box” was one of the powerful descriptions.)

Parents also talked about ideas, hope, and action:

“This is the power of walking with,

Of listening without judgement …”

Watch the recording here!

After a successful pilot in 2023, FREE Parent Advocacy Training is back in Term 3 (and part of Term 4) 2025 for parents who have experience of the child protection and/or family support system.

FINs and parent advocacy across Australia

Information about FINs in North Queensland and across Australia can be found on the Family Inclusion Network Australia Website

FINs and parent advocacy across the world

Information about family inclusion and parent advocacy across the world can be found on the International Parent Advocacy Network Website

FIN used parents’ views and ideas to make a submission into the independent review of the Queensland Human Rights Act 2019. Prof. Susan Harris Rimmer invited stakeholders from across Queensland to provide feedback on experiences of the Human Rights Act 2019.

FIN’s suggestions focused on parents and families experiencing the child protection system, including:

• A simplified, independent complaints process for parents and families experiencing child protection intervention
• A register of civil litigation that could improve the performance of agencies in their human rights obligations
• Information sessions and/or ‘drop ins’ in partnership with community organisations (such as Micah Projects) that work with families impacted by Child Safety intervention
• Partner to establish a trial of a ‘family defender’ or ‘family reunification’ community legal service that focuses on child protection

The review also asked if there were “any additional human rights you think should be included as human rights under the Act?”

Housing is frequently a factor in Child Safety decisions. FIN therefore supports the right to housing be added. Fulfilling the right to adequate housing includes consideration by the State of the affordability and accessibility of housing, including focusing on protecting the most vulnerable and marginalised peoples’ human rights.

FIN Human Rights Act Review 2024

“Answerable and accountable to no-one … If you don’t hold people accountable you can’t fix the system.”

FIN gathered the views and suggestions of 50 parents as input for the ‘Child Protection Litigation Model’ Review 2024. The review seeks to “deliver a permanent child protection litigation model”. The project’s priorities are “set out in Charter Letters to both the Minister for Child Safety and the Attorney-General”.

FIN’s paper summarises the day-to-day impacts the ‘child protection litigation model’ has on the families it is designed to serve. The paper does not attempt to add to other stakeholders’ input around contemporary legal theory, practice, or service delivery models. Parents provide a vital and unique perspective that must sit firmly at the forefront for decision-makers as they come together about the future of the ‘Child Protection Litigation Model’.

FIN CP Litigation Review Parent Consultation Report 2024