The National Framework for Protecting Australia's Children
On 30 April 2009 COAG endorsed the first National Framework for Protecting Australia's Children.
In response to the increasing number of Australian children who are being exposed to child abuse and neglect Commonwealth, State and Territory Governments have agreed to work together to implement a comprehensive national approach to protecting children.
The National Framework outlines an ambitious, long term national approach to ensuring the safety and well-being of Australian children. It aims to deliver a substantial and sustained reduction in levels of child abuse and neglect.
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Implementing the first three-year action plan: 2009 - 2012
The Implementation plan 2009 - 2012 sets out how all governments will take forward the actions identified in the first three-year action plan of the National Framework.
The plan outlines 12 National priorities that are the focus for the Commonwealth, state and territory governments and the non-government sector. An additional national priority, working with children checks, was identified by ministers in 2010.
The National Framework for Protecting Australia's Children has been in the implementation stage since September 2009. In this time significant progress has been made.
The following five priorities were the target of intensive focus for the period June to December 2010.
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News and Events
- Consultations about the potential role of a National Children's Commissioner
The Department has recently completed a round of targeted consultations about the potential role of a National Children’s Commissioner. This consultation process is the most recent step forward under the Advocating Nationally for Children and Young People national priority of the National Framework for Protecting Australia’s Children 2009-2020.
- Transitioning from out-of-home care to Independence: A Nationally Consistent Approach to Planning
Young people leaving care will have the support to access housing, education and financial assistance, find employment and receive help to develop and maintain their health and wellbeing and independent living skills.
- A Nationally Consistent Approach to Working with Children Checks
There is a commitment to develop a nationally consistent approach to Working with Children Checks and to implement child-safe practices in organisations across jurisdictions.
The proposed actions to enhance national consistency are outlined in the Position Paper: Toward a Nationally Consistent Approach to Working with Children Checks. Implementation of a nationally consistent approach to Working with Children Checks will involve short, medium and longer term strategies.
- The Common Approach to Assessment Referral and Support (CAARS) Taskforce final report
The Common Approach to Assessment Referral and Support (CAARS) Ministerial Taskforce, established in April 2009, brought together Commonwealth, state and territory governments, non-government organisations and expert practitioners to develop options for a national, cross-sector approach to identifying and responding to the needs of children.The Taskforce's final report, includes a proposal for a Needs Identification Mechanism to identify the support and service delivery needs of vulnerable families with children.
The Mechanism aims to give service providers a way to identify and respond to early indicators of need for children and families, strengthen collaboration among service providers and facilitate a timely and family-friendly pathway of support for children.
- The ARACY Events calendar lists member organisations events that are relevant to Protecting Australia's children
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Newsletters
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Further information