The Victorian Government has introduced the Children, Youth and Families Amendment (Stability) Bill 2025 to Parliament. The Department of Families, Fairness and Housing states the Bill aims to strengthen support for children and families to stay together wherever it is safe to do so and embed stability as a principle in all care arrangements for children and young people in Victoria.

If enacted, the Bill in summary states:

The term ‘permanency’ would be replaced with ‘stability’, which includes:

• Legal stability – secure legal arrangements

• Physical stability – stable living arrangements

• Cultural stability – connection to culture and identity

• Relational stability – strong relationships with carers and family

 The Bill removes adoption as a case plan goal unless parents choose it voluntarily. Most case planning timeframes would be removed, except for family reunification, where the period may be extended from 12 to 24 months or longer based on court decisions. This aligns with the 2023 Yoorrook for Justice report, which recommended that reunification timeframes be extended where it is in the child’s best interests, noting that current statutory timeframes have negatively impacted Aboriginal and other families.

Foster, kinship, and permanent care continue to be important long-term care options for children and young people where this is in their best interests. Carers awaiting orders can speak with their case manager in the first instance. The FCAV will keep you updated as the Bill progresses through Parliament or as new information becomes available.

Full Bill and Explanatory Memorandum:
Children, Youth and Families Amendment (Stability) Bill 2025