A national framework for protecting Australia's children - a discussion paper for consultation, May 2008
Invitation for public comment
The Australian Government is taking the lead with State and Territory Governments to develop and implement a national framework for protecting Australia's children.
We are consulting widely to ensure the framework is practical, action-focused and takes an holistic approach to child safety and wellbeing.
To help with these consultations, a discussion paper has been developed with input from key stakeholders, including State and Territory Governments and other experts and practitioners in child protection-related fields.
You are invited to have your say on this important work.
What am I invited to comment on?
Focused comments are invited under the following topics:
- Stronger prevention focus (preventing child abuse and neglect)
- Better collaboration between services (all parties working together better to protect children)
- Improving responses for children in care and young people leaving care (e.g. foster care and other out-of-home care)
- Improving responses to Indigenous children
- Attracting and retaining the right workforce (the child protection and child welfare workforce)
- Improving child protection systems (there are eight different state and territory systems)
The issues you raise will be considered as we develop the national framework for protecting Australia's children.
When will the framework be finalised?
It is intended that the framework will be ready at the end of the year. Action agreed in the framework will then be progressed by governments and the community sector. Implementation of the framework is expected to be completed by the end of 2009.
How do I provide my comments?
You must download the instructions, How to provide your comments. Once your comments are completed, please:
- email them (preferably as a Word attachment) to Child Protection at FaHCSIA (child.protection@fahcsia.gov.au); or
- mail them to:
Child protection discussion paper
Australian Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs
PO Box 7576
Canberra Mail Centre ACT 2610
If you are unable to download the discussion paper or the instructions for commenting, you can request a copy by:
- calling FaHCSIA's Publications Warehouse on 1800 050 009; or
- emailing Child Protection at FaHCSIA (child.protection@fahcsia.gov.au) and provide your mailing address.
Please allow time to receive the discussion paper and instructions by mail so you can meet the 30 June due date.
When are my comments due?
You can comment on the discussion paper until 30 June 2008.
Discussion paper and comment form
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Other Questions and Answers
Q. What does the discussion paper do?
The discussion paper seeks to canvass options from experts in the field and the broader community on how Australian children might be better protected. This will inform a framework which sets out actions by the Australian Government and others.
Q. What is a child protection framework?
The framework will clarify the Australian Government's role and will be a practical working document outlining concrete actions to be undertaken by governments and other groups. Some are already being implemented; others would require a change in approach or new commitment.
Q. How will the framework help children?
Action will focus on stronger prevention strategies to tackle social disadvantage and promote social inclusion and wellbeing. Better collaboration within and between governments will also be a priority. Closing the gap between Indigenous children and other children will be a chief aim of the national framework.
Q. Why is the Australian Government concerned about child protection?
Child protection systems are dealing with more cases of child abuse and neglect than ever before. Of particular concern are:
- 58,563 findings of children either being or likely to be harmed, abused or neglected per year
- the prevalence of abuse and neglect five times higher among Indigenous children than other children
- 65 per cent of children in the child protection system under the age of 10
- the largest proportion of children admitted to care and protection orders aged between one and four
Q. Who helped to develop the discussion paper?
The Australian Government put the discussion paper together through consultation with our state and territory colleagues, and other experts in child protection and related sectors.
Q. I cannot download the discussion paper or instructions for commenting. How else can I comment?
If you are unable to download a copy of the discussion paper or instructions to comment, you can request that these be mailed to you. To request a copy please:
- Call FaHCSIA's Publications Warehouse on 1800 050 009; or
- Email Child Protection at FaHCSIA (child.protection@fahcsia.gov.au) and provide your mailing address.
Please note: It is important that you follow the instructions for how to comment. Your comments cannot be taken by the 1800 number operators.
Q. Do I have to comment under the six headings?
The discussion paper focuses on these areas. Comments will be easier to consolidate and consider if they are provided in a standard way under the identified themes.
Q. Will I be able to provide comment after 30 June 2008?
There are always opportunities to contribute to Government policy development but to ensure measures to better protect children are progressed and implemented as soon as possible, a time limit to receive your comments is needed.