When asked in parliament by Labour MP for Barnsley Central Dan Jarvis for an update on the consultation, Goodwill was unable to provide one and instead said that the future of children's centres was a matter for local councils.
Goodwill said: "The government is committed to ensuring that all children, regardless of background, get the best possible start in life. Children's centres have an important role to play.
"Councils have a duty to improve the wellbeing of young children in their area and to reduce inequalities. However, it is for councils to decide the best solutions for their area."
His answer was in marked contrast to assurances given by former childcare minister Caroline Dinenage, who had insisted in January and then in April this year that the consultation would still take place.
Dinenage then said: "We are considering the future direction for children's centres and will provide further detail in due course, including how stakeholders and members of the public can contribute."
The public and stakeholder consultation has already been marred by delays, having originally been due to launch in spring 2016. Another planned launch earlier this year also failed to take place.
Children England policy and campaigns manager Chloe Darlington criticised Goodwill for suggesting the future of children's centres should be left to councils.
"This lack of leadership and sense of responsibility from the children's minister is extremely concerning," said Darlington.
"Councils and families know that children's centres are vital hubs for early support, and many councils are battling against financial odds to keep their centres open so that families have a free, local community of support when they're struggling.
"Councils may hold the duty to promote the welfare of local families, but with hundreds of centres already closed due to shrinking budget and further cuts to come, it is up to central government to lead the way and show its commitment to families by investing in a national strategy for children's centres."
A Department for Education spokeswoman said no decision had been made to abandon the consultation.
"We are still considering the options going forward," she said. "There hasn't been a decision not to go ahead."
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