CODE 1   Reunification with birth parent/s

Where the child will be reunified with one or both birth parents.

The Department/agency will have transferred full parental guardianship/custody of the child back to the birth parent within the reporting period. Only Department/agency-approved reunifications are included. This includes children who self-reunified, with subsequent endorsement by the Department/agency.

CODE 2   Reunification with Indigenous relatives/kin (other than birth parents)

Where the child will be reunified with Indigenous relatives/kin other than birth parents. Includes members of Indigenous communities who are a relative of the child (other than parents) or who are accepted by that community as being related to the child. The Department/agency will have transferred full parental guardianship/custody of the child back to Indigenous relatives/kin within the reporting period.

CODE 3    Reunification with other relatives/kin (other than birth parents)

Where the child will be reunified with relatives/kin other than birth parents. Includes non-Indigenous relatives or relatives of unknown Indigenous status (other than parents), or caregivers who are considered to be family or a close friend, or is a member of the child or young person's community (in accordance with their culture). The Department/agency will have transferred full parental guardianship/custody of the child back to relatives/kin within the reporting period.

CODE 4   Reunification – Other/Not further specified

Where the child was reunified with a person or persons other than their birth parents, or other relatives/kin. This category may include reunification to a former guardian (other than those specified above). This category may be used when it is known that a reunification attempt has been made, but where it is not possible to classify who a child was reunified with.

CODE 97   Not applicable

The client has not exited funded out-of-home care; or the client has exited funded out-of-home care but not for a reunification attempt; or the living arrangement is not a funded out-of-home care placement provided by a funded agency (e.g. living with parents, independent living, other living arrangements).

CODE 99   Not stated/inadequately described

Where it is unknown whether the child was provided with a permanent care arrangement during the reporting period.

Australian Institute of Health and Welfare