View All News Items

COAG National Child Protection Framework Just the Beginning

30 April 2009

Australia has its first ever National Framework for Protecting children.

Steve Larkins, SNAICC Chairperson said in relation to the framework, " SNAICC has been advocating since 1981 for a national approach and is pleased that finally in 2009 Australia has a National Framework for Protecting Australia's children. How well a nation treats its children is a measure of the values of that nation. In Australia the well being of children that have experienced abuse or neglect has been too dependent on what State or Territory they happen to live in. The framework can start to change that through initiatives like national standards for out-of-home care."

Julian Pocock, SNAICC Executive Officer said, "The framework has some very positive elements. It includes long term thinking - something governments aren’t always good at - charting a direction between now and 2020 backed by a series of three year action plans. It makes an upfront commitment to bring down rates of child abuse and neglect, identifies that all governments must do more to nurture and support Aboriginal and Torres Strait children, puts the focus prevention and includes progress indicators to ensure how well it performs can be transparently measured."

The Framework however will need major new investments in future years if it is to make a long term difference. SNAICC sees the framework as a beginning not an end and will continue to advocate for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community managed services to have the primary role in child welfare support and service provision.

Online material and information

 

SNAICC Tools
SNAICC Conference
Service Directory
Support and Management
e-Bulletin