Child Protection Week, currently running in Queensland, is marking its 30th anniversary.
Minister for Child Safety, Youth and Women, Di Farmer said the theme for the week was Putting Children First.
“Over the last three decades, we’ve also seen a tremendous shift in community attitudes to the safety of young Queenslanders,” Ms Farmer said.
“Where previously it was hidden behind closed doors, child safety and the protection of children is now everybody’s business.”
She said Child Protection Week promoted the concept that everyone had a role in Putting Children First, reflecting on what they could do to ensure young Queenslanders were safe, loved and cared for.
“Making child safety everybody’s business has never been more important as it is right now, with COVID-19 creating a perfect storm for so many vulnerable families,” Ms Farmer said.
“Whether it’s offering support to parents under pressure or joining an online lesson with the Daniel Morcombe Foundation, there’s something we can all do to protect at-risk children.”
Ms Farmer said Child Protection Week was also an opportunity to recognise those who worked tirelessly to make a difference in a child’s life.
“Child protection workers are confronted with difficult and challenging situations every day,” the Minister said.
“Yet despite the increasing complexity of families affected by drug and alcohol abuse and domestic violence, child protection workers never lose focus on what’s important — the safety and welfare of vulnerable children,” she said.
