The criteria for removal of children from drug-afflicted parents is a debate the community has to have, says the man in charge of Families SA.

Revealing that “tens of thousands are using methamphetamines” and more than 300 children are removed from their homes every year, Department of Education and Child Development chief executive Tony Harrison said his agency was “walking a fine line”.

His comments on radio today followed his appearance yesterday at a State Parliament inquiry into Families SA, which is part of DECD.

The inquiry has heard evidence that the tragic death of four-year-old Chloe Valentine followed decisions by social workers to allow her mother to use illicit drugs.

“I don’t and the department doesn’t condone the use of methamphetamines or excessive alcohol; the fact is though, that we have many thousands in the community using drugs,” Harrison told FIVEaa on Wednesday morning.

“At times we are aware that (parents) use illicit drugs; we have to provide parameters and guidance.

“We aim to keep children connected to their families – we walk a very fine line.

“More than 300 times a year we move into family homes and take children away.

‘It’s debatable when we move in.

“These are major issues for our community as a whole to debate.”

Harrison said his department looked after more than 2600 children – some for their entire childhood.

“We’ve removed children the day after they are born and look after them until they’re 18.”

Harrison said drug use was widespread in South Australia.

“We have tens of thousands using methamphetamine.”

Harrison told the parliamentary inquiry yesterday the taking of drugs was not enough on its own to convince social workers a child should be removed.

“Illicit drugs or excessive use of alcohol by itself would not be a determinant to make a decision about whether we leave a child within a biological family or remove it.

“We would look to assess and monitor, I guess, the ability or the inability of a parent to provide the requisite level of care for their child.

“It should be a process of continuing the evaluation and assessment process based on multiple dimensions of activity within a family environment.

“Ultimately removing a child from a biological family is a major decision.”

Family First MP Dennis Hood, a member of the parliamentary inquiry committee, told media yesterday said Families SA should be more strict on parents.

“Families SA needs to crack down on parents who are using drugs while attempting to care for their children,” Hood said.