26 September 2023

Platform to protect vulnerable children

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The Department of Communities and Justice is to launch a new digital platform aimed at streamlining communication between child protection caseworkers across NSW and Australia.

The Minister for Families, Communities and Disability Services, Gareth Ward said the new platform would ensure child protection caseworkers had access to a more extensive and accurate insight into a child’s history.

Mr Ward said the platform would improve the way that government agencies share information across borders and protect “at risk” families who move interstate.

“Each year about 330,000 people move interstate in Australia,” Mr Ward said.

“Vulnerable children are often at heightened risk of harm if their background in a previous jurisdiction is not known, or not easily accessible, to child protection authorities in their new location,” he said.

“There is a need for better information sharing at a national level and this landmark platform will enable States and Territories to improve communication in the best interests of vulnerable children and families.”

Mr Ward said the platform was expected to be delivered nationwide by the middle of next year.

“The Australian Government has provided $3.9 million to the project with States and Territories to provide additional funding,” Mr Ward said.

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