Creating the conditions for children to thrive
Our Strategy
Since commencing in her role in October 2025, the Commissioner for Children and Young People has heard directly from children and young people about their concerns and hopes for the future. They have been clear about what they expect from her: to listen, protect their rights and ensure their views lead to action. They have told the Commissioner they only feel genuinely heard when we can demonstrate that something happens in response.
These insights helped shape our 2026–2028 Strategy and its focus on creating the conditions for hope to thrive. Our strategy reframes the rights of children and young people through the Commissioner’s ABC: every child and young person should have access to what they need, feel that they belong, and have meaningful opportunities to contribute.
While many children and young people in South Australia are doing well, too many are missing out on basic essential needs, the connection, support and opportunities to contribute that they need to really meet their potential. Children and young people have told us what concerns them and what they hope will change. Our responsibility now is to act on what we already know and turn what we have heard into action.
Over the next three years, our work will focus on how we can work together to create the conditions for hope to thrive.
Our priorities
Our strategy is built around three priorities: access, belonging and contribution. Together, these three priorities create the conditions for children and young people to look to the future with hope and confidence.
Access
I can access what I need
Children and young people need access to the basics, the support and the opportunities that enable them to thrive. From safe housing and food to health care, education, participation and connection to nature, every child should be able to access what they need to reach their potential.
We will advocate for systems that keep children and young people at the forefront, see the whole child, respond earlier, strengthen families and work together so they don’t fall through the gaps.
Belonging
I feel I belong
Belonging is essential to wellbeing. Children and young people thrive when they are known, loved and feel valued. Belonging grows through strong connections to family, kin, Culture, community, identity, school and other safe, supportive adults and places throughout life.
We will work to strengthen belonging across the systems, schools, communities and relationships that shape children’s lives.
Contribution
I can contribute
Children and young people need to be heard, trusted and supported to influence the decisions that affect their lives. Listening is not enough. Children and young people tell us they feel heard when their ideas lead to action, their perspectives shape decisions, and they can see the difference their contribution has made.
We will create meaningful opportunities for children and young people to contribute to change in their communities and across South Australia, ensuring they are at the forefront of the decisions that affect their lives.
Creating hope together
The strategy reinforces our commitment to children and young people to:
• listening to children and young people and acting on what they tell us
• protecting and promoting their rights
• using research, lived and learned experience to advocate for change
• challenging power dynamics that leave children and young people out
• working in partnership with government, community, schools, families and young people to build better systems.
How we work
To support the Commissioner’s 2026-2028 Strategy, our multidisciplinary team brings together expertise in engagement, research and policy, communications, systems advocacy and operations. Together, we work to centre children and young people’s lived experience, learned expertise and turn evidence into action.
The Commissioner is actively building partnerships across government and with organisations to build greater visibility over systems access and outcomes for children, young people and families across the state at the person-level.
