Families who are registered with the organisation have been advised of the decision but, as yet, details on what it will mean for the children in CareSouth care is unknown.
CareSouth said it would work closely with DCJ to ensure the transition is “safe, carefully planned, and centred around the needs of children, young people, carers and staff”.
In the meantime, it said there would be no immediate changes to day‑to‑day care arrangements.
The DCJ contract with CareSouth will not be renewed after on June 30, 2027.
In a letter sent to carers, CareSouth said the news was received “with a heavy heart” and acknowledged the impact the decision will have on children, young people, carers and staff.
It said the “wellbeing and sense of belonging for children in care remain our highest priority”.
In a formal statement provided to the Pastoral Times, CareSouth reiterated that commitment remains unchanged.
“The Department of Communities and Justice’s decision that our foster care program will end is challenging and unsettling for the children and young people we support, their carers who support them and our employees,” the statement read.
“Our focus is on supporting them through this with care and clear communication, and ensuring a safe, carefully planned transition that minimises disruption and is centred on the needs of children, young people, carers and our team.”
CareSouth said it is waiting on advice from the DCJ to understand the scope and timing of the transition.
The Pastoral Times also sought comment from DCJ on the decision.
A response is yet to be received.
CareSouth did acknowledge that the past two years had been challenging for its foster care program, in particular, including regulatory feedback it said it took seriously.
It said it had since focused on lifting its practice, noting that the most recent sector performance dashboard showed CareSouth “sitting at or above the sector average”.
CareSouth’s other services, including Family Connections, Aunties & Uncles, NDIS and youth homelessness programs, will continue to operate.
While it is too early to be definitive about what CareSouth will look like beyond June 2027, the organisation said it remains committed to exploring opportunities to maintain a presence in the communities it serves wherever possible.
“This may include rebuilding and reshaping our organisation through new services, programs and partnerships that continue to meet community needs,” the statement said.
“We are committed to keeping our stakeholders informed as plans develop.”
Carers seeking support or clarification have been encouraged to contact their caseworker, email the CEO directly, or phone CareSouth’s support line.
An escalation guide has also been circulated to carers as part of the communication package.
11°C