Key insight - the CFSS needs a special focus on the development of early supports for young people experiencing vulnerability.
More than 17,000 young people (aged 12 years and older) are notified to the Department for Child Protection every year.1 42% of families referred to the CFSS Pathways Service had one or more young person in their family (12 years or older).
Most of the referred families with young people had specific wellbeing concerns about a young person recorded at referral2, including:
- Mental health/anxiety - 57%
- Social isolation - 27%
- School attendance - 32%
- Violence and aggressive behaviour - 15%
- Harmful sexual behaviours -12%
- Alleged criminal behaviour - 7%
“Working with young people will help to break the cycles.” CFSS Co-planning Workshop, 2024
Reference list
- EIRD Policy Data Set (2023), Analysed by EIRD, CFS, DHS, SA Government.
- CFSS Data (2025), Analysed by EIRD, CFS, DHS, SA Government.