About the Council
Click here to view our Carer Council Q&A sheet (updated 7 January 2026)
What is the Carer Council?
The Carer Council is a ministerial advisory council of foster and kinship carers providing a dedicated platform for the carer voice to be heard by the Minister for Child Protection on issues crucial to improving the child protection system and the rights of carers. As a ministerial advisory council, the Carer Council must comply with rules set out by the Department of the Premier and Cabinet for SA Government boards and committees.
The Carer Council was a key recommendation from Dr Fiona Arney’s Independent Inquiry into Foster and Kinship Care.
What is a ministerial advisory council?
A government or ministerial advisory council is a body that provides advice and expertise related to a specific group or issue. These bodies are a consultative mechanism, providing perspectives from and representing the views of key stakeholders.
A Minister may determine the structure and functions of the advisory council depending on how the advisory council/body has been established.
The core function of an advisory council is to provide independent advice on key topics. While each council is different, their functions generally include providing feedback on the design of policy and practice and the provision of advice, and it is for the Minister and Government to decide how and if they accept and implement the advice presented. A Minister may also suggest topics of discussion or request advice on certain matters.
These functions do not extend to the provision of individual advocacy or dispute resolution.
How can my issues be heard by the Carer Council?
Public consultation sessions will be held for carers to provide their feedback on issues planned for Carer Council discussion. Details of these sessions will be made available on the Carer Council’s dedicated Council Consultation webpage.
Through consultation, the Carer Council will hear carers’ stories and feedback and listen to experiences of caring to inform its systemic advocacy in providing advice to the Minister. However, as an advisory council, the Carer Council cannot provide assistance with resolving individual carer issues. Carers who are seeking assistance for their individual circumstances may instead contact CF&KC-SA’s Carer Advocacy Service for information and individual advocacy on freecall 1800 732 272.
Can I contact the Carer Council directly?
Carers are encouraged to contact Lauren Deer, Carer Council Project Lead on freecall 1800 723 272 or email: carercouncil@cfc-sa.org.au
How do I find out more?
Click here to visit our website; email carercouncil@cfc-sa.org.au or phone freecall
1800 732 272 to speak with Lauren Deer, Carer Council Project Lead. You can also sign up to our free Membership to be kept informed of Carer Council updates and other news relating to Foster & Kinship Carers – click here to join