Red Letter Day For Child Protection Reform

MEDIA RELEASE

Red Letter Day for Child Protection Reform

The Association of Children's Welfare Agencies (ACWA) has welcomed the passage today of amendments to the Children and Young Persons (Care and Protection) Act 1998, which will raise the mandatory reporting threshold for suspected child abuse.

ACWA CEO Andrew McCallum has applauded the state's political parties for putting their differences aside to reach agreement on the landmark legislative change which will enable the Department of Community Services (DoCS) to work in partnership with other government agencies and community organisations to improve the safety and wellbeing of children.

"This is a red letter day for child protection in New South Wales and we look forward to seeing the changes to this legislation translated into genuine outcomes for vulnerable children and their families," Mr McCallum said.

Under the new legislation, due to take effect in January next year, only children deemed to be at "significant" risk of harm will need to be reported to DoCS. Families whose children fall below this new threshold will be directed to proposed new Regional Intake and Referral Services (RIRS) for local support.

Mr McCallum said it is absolutely crucial these RIRS are firmly established and
operating across the state before the new threshold takes effect in nine months.

"Timing is crucial and if these fundamental services are not already in place when the reporting bar is raised, there is a genuine risk that some children and families who do not meet the new threshold will slip through the cracks a totally unacceptable outcome at this critical stage of system reform," he said.

"ACWA is appealing to the government to work with local government and the nongovernment sector to activate these services as soon as possible so we can stem this potential danger."

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 50 years and has more than 100 member agencies.

MEDIA CONTACTS
For interviews please contact: For all other media enquiries please contact:
Andrew McCallum
CEO, ACWA Communications Officer, ACWA
Mob: 0409 221 414
E: [email protected]

Libby McCalman
Communications Officer, ACWA
Mob: 0418 659 525
E: [email protected]

SOURCE: Association of Children's Welfare Agencies