Aboriginal children in South Australian care face cultural loss, echoing Stolen Generations

South Australia ranks second nationally for children placed in out-of-home care, and Aboriginal youngsters comprise nearly 40% (1,785) of those placements. The Aboriginal-run organisation KWY launched the four-year Wilto Willo research initiative to explore community-driven solutions, holding yarning circles with about 200 carers across Port Lincoln, Port Augusta and Adelaide. Participants highlighted chronic staffing shortages, fly-in-fly-out workers, delayed medical assessments and placements that sever cultural ties, likening the trend to the Stolen Generations.

Department for Child Protection chief executive Jackie Bray noted upcoming legislation mandating the Aboriginal child placement principle and efforts to recruit regional staff. Despite these steps, one outlet for Children and Young People report flagged that Aboriginal children in SA are placed in care at a rate of 88.6 per 1,000, far above the national 62.4, and are disproportionately placed in residential settings. Researchers warn that children in care are more likely to encounter the criminal justice system, underscoring the broader social impact.