The 2008/09 Federal Budget committed $2.6million to work with all levels of government, child protection workers and the community sector across Australia to establish a national framework to protect all children. This work was intended to focus on preventing abuse through early intervention and better integration of family services, and drive best practice across jurisdictions and government and non-government sectors through clearer national reporting and accountability mechanisms. Quarantining welfare payments by Centre link may occur on the recommendation of state child protection authorities when children are assessed as being at risk of abuse or neglect. Minister Jenny Macklin was expected to release the framework by the end of 2008. However, this timeline has now been extended, and the framework is expected to be released in early 2009.
Representation:
The Centre lobbied (at very short notice) directly and through the national peak body CAFWAA to have the Centre and Board represented on the Expert Working Groups on : Strengthening prevention; integration and collaboration (Coleen/Bernadette) responses to children in care (Cathy) and young people leaving care (Judith Newbold/Marg); Indigenous Children; Workforce issues and Improving Child Protection (Aileen/Judy) to be held in Canberra.
Consultation:
On 16 June 2008 the Centre held a consultation with sector representatives to assist in providing a response to Government on its National Child Protection Framework Discussion Paper. The group welcomed the focus on national planning mechanisms for child protection and wellbeing, standards, monitoring systems, and improved data collection methods to ensure consistent data is collected. It also endorsed the government’s proposal to help support struggling families at a much earlier stage. This was followed by a DHS consultation forum on 1st July, and a Coalition Negotiating Group meeting on 2 July.
The States and Territories group convened by the FAHCSIA met during July and October 2008 to further progress the development of the framework.
The CDSMC National Framework Working Group and the Coalition Negotiating Group met in Melbourne on the 4th and 5th of December 2008. The agenda focused on a couple of intensive days to work out much of the finer detail that will underpin the national framework, including work towards the first three year action plan.
The Centre will keep members updated on the development of this important work through this website and monthly newsletters.
Please click here to access the Centre's response to the National Child Protection Framework