SACAT can review certain decisions made under the Children and Young People (Safety) Act 2017.

Types of decisions SACAT can review

SACAT can review decisions made by the Chief Executive, Department of Child Protection:

  • relating to voluntary custody agreements
  • relating to the approval of carers
  • to temporarily place a child or young person in the care of a person who is not an approved carer
  • relating to the provision of information about a child or young person prior to placement
  • regarding placement of a child or young person
  • to give a direction in relation to the care of a child or young person
  • regarding the education of the child or young person
  • regarding the professional examination, assessment and treatment of a child or young person
  • regarding provisions for the care of a child or young person
  • to not conduct a review of the circumstances of a child or young person
  • to direct a specified person not to communicate or attempt to communicate with a child or young person
  • to direct a specified person not to harbour or conceal (or assist another person to harbour or conceal) a child or young person
  • to direct a specified person not to be in the company of,  or otherwise associate with,  a child or young person
  • regarding making an application to the Youth Court about long-term guardianship
  • relating to the licensing of foster care agencies
  • relating to licensing a person to operate a children’s residential facility
  • to refuse to cause a complaint about a children’s residential facility to be investigated.

Please refer to the Review of government decisions section of Fact sheets and guides for more information about SACAT's jurisdiction.

Applying for a review

The decision must first be internally reviewed within the Department for Child Protection before it can be reviewed by SACAT.

Generally, an application for review of a decision must be lodged within 28 days from the date that the order or notice was issued.

Before applying to SACAT for a review of a decision of the Chief Executive, you must:

  • have a copy of the decision which you want to challenge – you should include this with your application.
  • ensure you are ready to pay the required fee for making an application.

1. Start an online application.

2. In the keyword field type the words ‘Children and young’ as shown below.

3.Scroll down to select the correct application type as per step 3. If you are not sure you have selected the correct application type, you can hover over the ‘question mark’ on the right-hand side to see a brief description.

4. Attach a copy of the decision you are seeking to review. You can do this by either:

  • uploading a copy of the decision with your online application
  • emailing the decision to us at sacat@sa.gov.au
  • post the decision to us at GPO Box 2361 Adelaide SA 5001.

You will need to quote your tracking code or file number when sending any correspondence to SACAT.

There is a filing fee applicable for this type of application.

Payment can be made online by credit card at the time of completing the online form, or by using one of the other options outlined in the payment section of the application form.

Current fees and information about payment methods and fee waiver options

I need more help

If you have further questions call SACAT on 1800 723 767.

A staff member from SACAT can also help you complete your application over the phone.

< Back to the A-Z list of decisions we can review

Aboriginal Legal Rights Movement (ALRM)

Phone 1800 643 222 or visit www.alrm.org.au

ALRM provides comprehensive legal advice and assistance through its staff lawyers and, where appropriate, private lawyers, to people of Aboriginal descent.

Connecting Foster and Kinship Carers SA Inc.

Phone 1800 732 272 or visit www.cfc-sa.org.au

Connecting Foster and Kinship Carers SA Inc. are the peak representative body for foster and kinship carers in South Australia and may be able to provide information, support and advocacy for foster and kinship carers.

The Guardian for Children and Young People

Phone 1800 275 664 or visit www.gcyp.sa.gov.au

The Guardian is appointed to advocate for and promote the rights and best interests of the children and young people under the guardianship of the Minister for Child Protection.

Legal Services Commission

Phone 1300 366 424 or visit www.lsc.sa.gov.au

The Legal Services Commission offer a free telephone legal advice line and other methods of advice for members of the public. They can also refer you to other solicitors who practice in this area.

Women’s Legal Service

Phone 8231 8929 or visit www.wlssa.org.au

The Women’s Legal Service offer women legal information, referral to services, specialist legal advice and in some instances ongoing legal representation.

Administrative Appeals Legal Advice Service (University of Adelaide)

Appointments available on Thursdays (during university semesters) from 10.00am to 1.00pm and are to be made via an online booking service https://aalasappointment.as.me/