Dean's Story Highlights A Pressing Need For Change

Dean's story highlights a pressing need for change

The Association of Children's Welfare Agencies (ACWA) says the Dean Shillingsworth case reinforces the pressing need to ensure top priority is paid to child protection reforms already underway within NSW.

ACWA CEO Andrew McCallum said comments made by Ombudsman Bruce Barbour, who today released his findings into the death of the two-year old, highlight the significance of the State Government's five-year Keep Them Safe agenda, which aims to address profound failings within the current system.

Non-Government agencies will adopt a far greater role under the new system, providing a wide spectrum of services from targeted universal services through to frontline family support, early intervention and prevention programs, and foster care.

"It cannot be emphasised enough the crucial need to strengthen the capacity of the non-Government sector so it is strong, well-resourced and able to effectively tackle the challenges of this changing landscape in child protection," Mr McCallum said.

"In addition, it is imperative that we see the promised transfer of Government services to the NGO's begin sooner rather than later to effect the necessary change.

"For every child and family that receives help early, we reduce the instances of abuse and neglect so tragically illustrated by the story of Dean Shillingsworth."

The Association of Children's Welfare Agencies is the New South Wales peak body representing non-government organisations providing services to vulnerable children, young people and their families. The organisation has been operating for over 50 years and is supported by more than 100 member agencies.

MEDIA CONTACTS
For interviews please contact:
Andrew McCallum
CEO, ACWA
Mob: 0409 221 414

For all other media enquiries please contact:
Libby McCalman
Communications Officer, ACWA
Mob: 0418 659 525
E: [email protected]
E: [email protected]

SOURCE: Association of Children's Welfare Agencies