Angela Armstrong wants sweeping changes made to Communities Tasmania's foster care system

A ward of the state, the seventeen-year old is one of over 1000 Tasmanians currently in the Department of Communities' foster care system.

Diagnosed with developmental issues and ADHD at a young age, Millie faced two stints in Ashley Youth Detention Centre, before being placed into a group foster home by Communities Tasmania.

Her previous foster-carer, who cannot be named to protect Millie's identity and ceased acting as her carer in 2020, said the environment did not suit her various sensitivities and needs.

Millie has previously turned to couch surfing and periods of homelessness.

Although her ex-carer continues to check in on her and help her with tasks like washing when possible, they said the foster care system was "an absolute shambles".

They said Millie's requests to the Department for new clothes remained unanswered, and calls for mental health check-ups and NDIS support were never followed up on.

"It just seemed to be put into the too hard basket," Millie's ex-carer said.

When questioned about these claims a Department spokesperson said they were unable to comment on individual matters.

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Millie is just one of many let down by Tasmania's foster care system, according to foster-carer and Low Head lawyer Angela Armstrong.

Ms Armstrong said after four years as a full-time carer herself, it was apparent there were "systemic failings across the board for children in care, their families, and for foster carers".

She said after collecting her foster-child she received no follow up contact, resources or plan from Communities Tasmania's Out of Home Care system.

"If I had not been proactive and if I had not pushed hard for a response with regard to not only the child in my care but also her siblings whose care is also precarious, nothing - and I mean nothing - would have happened," Ms Armstrong said.

Now, Ms Armstrong is calling for sweeping legislative changes to the state's foster care system and has urged Communities Tasmania Secretary Michael Pervan to convene a forum of stakeholders made up of individuals and peak bodies in the child welfare sector to develop new policies and procedures.

"The system is so far removed from being the 'child-focused' institution that it purports to be," Ms Armstrong said.

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"From a carers perspective - many who like myself have their own children, careers and responsibilities - the support and response times to ensure even the basics for children in care is appalling."

Ms Armstrong said she would like to see the forum made up of adults who have spent time in care as children, past and current carers, case workers, educators, teachers, medical and legal professionals, child welfare not-for-profits, and non-government foster care organisations.

Ms Armstrong said she believed the existing policies that guide the foster care system were not working, and the processes implemented for the care and welfare of children were not being adhered to.

A Department spokesperson said the new Department for Education, Children and Youth would be established from October 1 and would work to strengthen the Out of Home Care system.

They said this would include collaborating with partners such as teachers, medical and legal professionals, and non-government organisations to strengthen the voice of children and young people.

For Ms Armstrong, reform is the only option.

"Investment by the state to address the broken child welfare system will save tax-payers millions down the track," she said.

"It is not a matter of can we afford to fix this issue, it is more a matter of can we afford not to."

*Names and details have been changed

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