Keeping kids safe: what is changing in youth and family services across NSW and QLD
When it comes to children and families, getting it right matters more than anything. Right now, both New South Wales and Queensland are making some of their biggest changes in years to keep children safer and to support families earlier.
If you are a parent, a carer or someone who works alongside families, here is a clear and hopeful guide to what is changing, and what it means for you.
In New South Wales: more support for families and carers
NSW is putting real money behind children and families, with a child protection package worth around $1.2 billion. The focus is on stronger accountability and earlier help. A few changes stand out:
- A bigger care allowance for foster and kinship carers. From 1 January 2026, the allowance went up by 20 per cent, to help carers with the rising cost of living. That is meaningful extra support for the people who open their homes to children.
- Higher standards for who can care for children. Unaccredited care providers are being phased out, and the use of alternative care arrangements is being wound back sharply, so children are cared for in safer, more stable settings.
- More help to keep families together. A redesigned Family Preservation program starts on 1 July 2026, giving thousands of at-risk families each year better access to therapeutic and intensive support, so more children can safely stay with the people who love them.
There is also a landmark investment in keeping Aboriginal families together, recognising that the best place for most children is at home, with the right support around them.
In Queensland: stronger child safe standards everywhere
Queensland is rolling out the Child Safe Organisations Act 2024. In simple terms, it asks every organisation that works with children to meet a clear set of Child Safe Standards, and it brings in a Reportable Conduct Scheme to make sure concerns are taken seriously.
It is being introduced in stages:
- From 1 October 2025, the first group of organisations came on board, including child protection, youth justice and disability services for children.
- From 1 January 2026, the standards extended to more services, including education, health, youth support services and state-funded community organisations.
- From 1 April 2026, they reach the remaining organisations.
- From 1 July 2026, the Reportable Conduct Scheme begins.
The goal is simple and important: every child, in every setting, is kept safe.
What this means for families
If you are a parent or carer, here is the heart of it:
- More help is becoming available to support families earlier, before challenges grow.
- Carers are being backed with stronger financial support and clearer standards.
- Every organisation your child comes into contact with is being held to higher safety expectations.
These changes are about one thing: children growing up safe, supported and surrounded by people who have their back.
Safe, supported, and surrounded by people who care
At Greater Support, the safety and wellbeing of children is something we take seriously, every single day. We are committed to the Child Safe Standards, and to working alongside families with respect, warmth and zero judgement.
If you are a family looking for support, or a worker who wants to refer a young person or family, talk to our friendly team. We will listen, we will keep it simple, and we will help you find the right next step.
This article is general information only and reflects what was known in June 2026. Child safety and family support rules can change. For the latest official detail, visit dcj.nsw.gov.au or qfcc.qld.gov.au. If a child is in immediate danger, always call 000.
