National framework for Protecting Australia's Children
The National Framework for Protecting Australia's Children (2009-2020) is a comprehensive national approach to protecting children. The Australian Government has led the development of the National Framework, working closely with States and Territories and the non-government sector.
The national framework recognises that the best way to protect children is by preventing abuse and neglect. It proposes Australia needs to move from seeing child protection as a response to abuse and neglect to promoting the safety and wellbeing of all children.
The national framework is a new approach which understands the protection of children is not simply a matter for statutory child protection services. Ultimately, the national framework recognises protecting children is a shared responsibility - within families and across communities, professions, services and government.
The national framework provides an opportunity for governments and the broader community to improve the way we tackle the problem of child abuse and neglect. The actions and strategies under the national framework aim to achieve the high-level outcome that Australia's children and young people are safe and well with the ambitious target of a substantial and sustained reduction in child abuse and neglect in Australia over time.
The six supporting outcomes include:
- Children live in safe and supportive families and communities
- Children and families access adequate support to promote safety and intervene early
- Risk factors for child abuse and neglect are addressed
- Children who have been abused or neglected receive the support and care they need for their safety and wellbeing
- Indigenous children are supported and safe in their families and communities
- Child sexual abuse and exploitation is prevented and survivors receive adequate support.
The Council of Australian Governments endorsed the National Framework for Protecting Australia's Children on 30 April 2009. The Community and Disability Services Ministers' Conference is responsible for the implementation of the national framework.
Documents:
- Protecting Children is Everyone's Business: National Framework for Protecting Australia's Children 2009-2020
- Factsheet 1: Understanding the approach
- Factsheet 2: Working together
- Factsheet 3: Unpacking the national framework
- Factsheet 4: Next steps
- Factsheet 5: Further information
Further information
Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs
- Last updated
- 22 July 2009
