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 and 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.
Further information on the National Framework is provided in the following fact sheets:
Detailed information on announced Australian Government commitments under the National Framework.
For further information or if you have a question about the National Framework email: child.protection (child.protection@fahcsia.gov.au)
Further information about what State and Territory Governments are doing to support the National Framework can be found at the following websites:
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Early childhood and parenting support funding process
Currently program funds are committed and there are no new funding opportunities planned in the near future. FaHCSIA funding in this area is usually directed to time-limited projects that support and strengthen parenting roles, contribute to the development and wellbeing of children in the early years and assist in the prevention of child abuse. The projects may increase awareness or provide practical advice, resources or strategies to deal with particular issues.
When new funding becomes available it is usually allocated through a tendering process where the final approval is at the relevant Minister's discretion. Funding opportunities are listed on the FaHCSIA web pages and advertised in the national press.
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Responding Early Assisting Children (REACh) Program
The REACh program is intended to improve the capacity of families and caregivers to respond appropriately to children's needs for care, development and safety through timely access to community resources that can support them in their parenting role. REACh has an emphasis on ensuring the best possible start and promoting successful transitions for children in vulnerable families.
REACh aims to improve access to support services and encourage at risk and vulnerable families to engage with their community through collaborative approaches. The program is about child-centred, family focused and community connected responses. There are 40 REACh funded projects across Australia.
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Grandparents Raising Grandchildren
The
Grandparents Raising Grandchildren report is the result of a series of forums and a survey facilitated by COTA National Seniors Partnership. The focus of the project was grandparents raising grandchildren full-time or as primary carers for extended periods.
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National Plan for Foster Children, Young People and their Carers
On 28 July 2004, the National Plan for Foster Children, Young People and their Carers was endorsed and released at the Community and Disability Services Ministers' Conference. The Plan aims to improve outcomes for children and young people in foster care. It focuses on establishing national standards, sharing information on good practice and improving cross-jurisdictional collaboration in areas of training, research, uniform data collection and support.
Implementation of the National Plan will occur over a two-year period (2004-2006). It is being co-ordinated by a working group with representatives from all governments, led by the ACT. There will be opportunities for key stakeholders to be further involved during the implementation of the Plan.