Kids should not have to run away to call for help.
This is Australia’s number one campaign to give every ward of the state, in South Australia, direct access to Kids Helpline and legislating the installation of fixed-line phones in all state-run residential care facilities.
To prevent wards of the state from running away from their home and self harming.
From 2020 to Novemeber 2025
South Australia Police recieved over
50,000
missing persons reports for Children and Young People.
Almost 90% were for wards of the state
When kids in care run away they are at higher likelihood of encountering bad people in the community.
Members of the community who may have sinister objectives.
By legislating phones in homes, we enshrine a right to access a phone, to call for help when help is needed.
Giving kids the option to speak about things and get things off their chest rather than bottling up emotions.
Children who are encouraged to express their feelings learn healthier ways to cope, build stronger relationships, and develop emotional resilience. Offering them safe opportunities to talk reduces stress, prevents misunderstandings, and helps caregivers respond effectively.
Your Questions,
Answered
Whats this campaign about?
This campaign is about raising awareness and promoting safe, private and reliable access to Kids Helpline for children and young people living in state care.
By giving wards of the state a way to ask for help before a crisis escalates, the campaign aims to reduce the risk of suicide, self-harm, abuse going unreported, and young people feeling that running away is their only option.
How can I help?
Contact your local Member of Parliament or a Member of the Legislative Council and tell them you support safe, private and reliable access to help for children living in state care, including access to Kids Helpline.
A short email or phone call can make a real difference. Ask them to raise the issue in Parliament, speak with the Minister for Child Protection and support practical action to protect children in residential care.
Why does this need to be legislated?
These phones should be treated like smoke detectors. We dont install smoke detectors because every home will catch fire; we install them because, when danger arises, there must be a reliable warning system and a clear path to safety.
Access to independent help should not depend on which home a child lives in, which provider operates it, or whether individual staff members support the idea. Without legislation, access can be inconsistent, restricted or treated as optional. A legal requirement would create one clear and enforceable standard across the state, ensuring every child in residential care has safe, private and reliable access to Kids Helpline.
South Australia’s history, including the Mullighan Inquiry and the Nyland Royal Commission, shows why safeguards inside state care cannot be left to goodwill alone. Legislation would create accountability, protect the reform from changing policies or governments, and make access to help a permanent safety measure rather than another recommendation that can be delayed or ignored.