Resources

Submission by Micah Projects and FIN to the Queensland Child Safety Commission of Inquiry, 29 March 2026.

FIN developed several submissions, this one focused on ‘family support’: it collates the voices shared with Micah Projects and FIN over the past decades.

It has been 27 years since the Forde Commission of Inquiry into abuse of children in Institutions. While progress has been made, significant gaps remain. Today, parents experiencing the Child Safety system tell us similar stories to those we heard back then.

Currently many ‘family support’ services have rigid eligibility criteria in order to access support. Parents and families tell us that they experience peaks and troughs, they experience a cycle of needs. It is not a straight line. Family support services should therefore meet the needs of the person wherever and whenever they seek support.

Link to Submission: Micah Projects Child Safety Inquiry Family Support 2026 PUBLIC

In March 2026, FIN provided a general submission to the Commission of Inquiry into Queensland's Child Safety System about parents’ experiences and priorities for system improvement.

While parents remain an under-utilised stakeholder group, we are encouraged by the growing and enduring shared strength of parents and allies who patiently and persistently offer unique insights and innovations. FIN maintains a list of the key issues and experiences consistently described by parents. To address these issues, FIN and parent-members advocate with a focus on key priorities that are informed by parents lived-experience, as well as other evidence and innovation in Queensland, across Australia and internationally.

A renewed “families focus” in Queensland gives us much cause for optimism that this time there will be change, that ‘the system’ will learn from the past and partner to unlock the unique skills and resources parents offer.

FIN Parents Priorities Submission

In March 2026, FIN provided a submission to the Commission of Inquiry into Queensland's Child Safety System on the current Qld residential care system.

Parents hold varied views on whether there is a place for residential care in Queensland. For some, residential care was and/or is necessary for the needs of their child. Others strongly believe that residential care should never be used. Regardless of their view, parents listen to each other respectfully and always deliver unique insights along with pragmatic and empathetic suggestions.

Parents views and suggestions must be included as the Commission’s recommendations are considered, and implementation is designed.

FIN Residential Care Submission

In January 2026, FIN provided a submission about parents’ perspectives on the current Qld Child protection litigation model. Over the past six years dozens of parents have participated in good faith in numerous workshops and processes on this same topic. This is the third formal Submission in those years.

Parents share some of the most harrowing moments of their lives with the utmost problem-solving focus and trust that their feedback will make a difference. To date - no system level responses have been received. At the time of providing the Submission, we are very optimistic. (We continue to request that the reports from the previous formal reviews be made public.)

FIN CP Litigation Submission

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.