The Department of Social Services has launched a new action plan for protecting Australia’s children following its endorsement by the States and Territories.
The new plan is the fourth in a series under the National Framework for Protecting Australia’s Children (2009-2020) which was established in partnership with the States and Territories and non-Government sector as a long-term national approach to ensure the safety and wellbeing of Australia’s children.
Minister for Families and Social Services, Paul Fletcher said the latest plan was the next critical step in improving the care for and protection of children.
“The guiding philosophy of the National Framework is that protecting children is everyone’s business,” Mr Fletcher said.
“The endorsement of this action plan demonstrates that all levels of Government across Australia are committed to working together to improve the safety and wellbeing of children and young people.”
Assistant Minister for Children and Families, Michelle Landry said the latest action plan was the first under the Framework that had a standalone focus on improving outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children who were either at risk of entering, or in contact with, child protection systems.
“This is in recognition of the fact that the rate of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children in out-of-home care is 10 times that of non-Indigenous children,” Ms Landry said.
“Through this final action plan, we will build on and embed the important reform work under the National Framework to date, and continue to work towards providing a safe, nurturing environment for all children and young people.”
The 39-page Action Plan can be accessed at this PS News link.
