For the past five years, few people in South Australian public life have had a weight of responsibility as heavy as that of Penny Wright.

Penny is the Guardian for Children and Young People – it’s her job to advocate for children and young people in care in South Australia. Technically, the kids she represents are under the guardianship of the chief executive of the Department for Child Protection – they could be living with relatives, a foster family, in residential care or even living independently.

As she leaves the role, she talks to us about the system that’s supposed to care for our most vulnerable children: its strengths and weaknesses, and the reality of life for many children in care in this state.

Also joining us is InDaily reporter Stephanie Richards, who has covered Penny’s time as guardian in detail.

Penny Wright’s final article for InDaily – on issues with the youth detention centre – can be read here. For more reporting on her work, go here.