Australia's Children: Safe and Well--A National Framework for Protecting Australia's Children

• NCJ Number: 222875
• Date Published: May 2008
• Length: 37 pages
• Corporate Author: Australian Government Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs
• Sale Source: Australian Government Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs
• Publication Format: Book (Softbound)
• Publication Type: Legislation/Policy Description
• Language: English
• Country: Australia
• Note: Downloaded May 29, 2008

Annotation

This discussion paper outlines key measures for consideration in the framework for the Australian Government to work with State and Territory governments in responding to allegations of child abuse and neglect as well as preventing the circumstances in which child abuse and neglect occur.

Abstract

One major concern is a stronger prevention focus. Related issues are better use of early intervention family support services, enhancement of the identification and referral of vulnerable families, services for parents who abuse alcohol, and the promotion of good parenting attitudes and behaviors. A second major focus of the national framework is better collaboration between services that relate to the well-being of Australia's children. Improved collaboration will focus on welfare reform, development of a national mechanism for planning future work and investments that will strengthen families and improve the well-being of children, creation of a solution-driven national research program on child protection and well-being, and a focus on parenting in specialist services to adults with various needs. A third major focus of the national framework is improving responses to children in foster care and youth leaving foster care. Issues in this domain are national standards and monitoring of the out-of-home care system, support for foster parents and other nonparental child caregivers, and improved assistance for youth who leave foster care. A fourth focus of the national framework is improved responses to Australia's Indigenous children. Issues addressed in this focus include targeted investigative measures, a common approach for protecting Indigenous children, a better service model for protecting Indigenous children, and more responsiveness to Indigenous children's distinctive needs within existing services. Other major focus areas are attracting and retaining a qualified staff of personnel in child protection services and improving child protection systems. 17 notes