Department reports sharp rise in deaths of children in state care

A governmental report shows more than 25 children in contact with the state's child protection system died in the most recent reporting period. Nine child deaths were reported in the previous reporting period. The chief executive of the state's Department for Child Protection says there are increasing child protection notifications regarding children with complex disabilities. Upwards of 25 children who were either in state care or had been in recent contact with the child protection system died over the past year — a sharp rise on the previous year's figures. According to the Department for Child Protection's annual report, tabled in state parliament on Thursday, three children in direct care died between July 2025 and June 2026. All of those were due to medical conditions. During the same time frame, there were another 23 deaths of children who were not in care but had been in contact with the child protection system in the past 12 months. At least nine of those deaths were caused by medical or congenital issues, according to the department. Coroner's findings were still pending for another 13 who also had medical circumstances associated with their passing. In the 2024-25 year, there were nine deaths of children and young people who were either in care or had been in recent contact with the system. Department for Child Protection chief executive Jackie Bray said her agency was receiving an increasing number of child protection notifications about children and young people with complex disabilities. She said, in most cases, those children are able to safely remain with their families. "The passing of any child is a profound tragedy," she said. "Every child and young person's life matters, as do the families, friends and communities who have to live with the impact of that loss. "Supporting a child or young person with complex needs or a life-limiting illness requires individuals with deep compassion and a commitment to ensuring the care they provide is the best it can be for the child." She said collaboration was a key focus of new child protection laws, which will come into operation next year. [Image text:] Government of South Australia Department for Child Protection