Permanent Care Orders in Victoria: A Thematic Analysis of Implementation Issues

Seeking permanency for children is a central concern of Western child protection and out-of-home care systems, with approaches differing between and within countries. Historically, Australia has not prioritised adoption as a permanency pathway. In the state of Victoria there has been a preference for the use of Permanent Care Orders (PCOs), which have been positioned highly in the permanency hierarchy. Despite their significance, little research has been undertaken in relation to the implementation of PCOs. This article reports on a study that explored themes associated with the implementation of PCOs through an analysis of submissions to an inquiry into the early outcomes from Victoria's 2014 permanency amendments. Four key themes emerged: the power of government; the assumption of a perfect system; disproportionate impact on the most disadvantaged; and the impact of the permanency hierarchy. These themes are discussed with respect to their implications for practice and policy development.