The National Framework for Protecting Australia's Children (2009-2020) is a collaboration between the Australian Government, States and Territories and non-government organisations.

This national approach is about governments, non-government agencies, businesses and members of the community working in partnership to prevent the abuse and neglect of children. It is a clear demonstration that protecting children is everyone’s responsibility. The National Framework promotes a public health approach to protecting children, focussing on strengthening families by providing supports and services to prevent harm from occurring, in addition to acknowledging the need for intervention where children are at risk or harm has occurred.

The National Framework outlines 6 supporting outcomes in order to achieve the high-level outcome of Australia’s children and young people are safe and well:

1. Children live in safe and supportive families and communities
2. Children and families access adequate support to promote safety and intervene early
3. Risk factors for child abuse and neglect are addressed
4. Children who have been abused or neglected receive the support and care they need for their safety and wellbeing
5. Indigenous children are supported and safe in their families and communities
6. Child sexual abuse and exploitation is prevented and survivors receive adequate support.

South Australia’s involvement in the National Framework

South Australia has been extensively involved in the development of both the National Framework and the first three year Implementation Plan. Government and non government agencies in South Australia are committed to ensuring that there is broad engagement in achieving the outcomes set out in the National Framework.

The first 3 year Action Plan sets out 12 priority areas that will be the focus for delivering outcomes to advance the National Framework. Immediate priority areas identified in the first three year Implementation Plan include:

• Improving support for carers
• Filling the research gaps
• Developing National Standards for Out-of-Home-Care

Partnerships Group South Australia has convened a Partnerships Group, comprising peak body representatives from the non-government sector. Membership includes the South Australian Council of Social Services (SACOSS) and Child and Family Welfare Association (CAFWA). The Partnerships Group will meet bi-monthly and will play a pivotal role in the on-going development of the National Framework initiatives in South Australia. Non-government organisations wishing to contribute their views on the National Framework via the Partnerships Group are encouraged to contact their respective peak body.

Membership on the Partnerships Group currently includes:

• Executive Director, Families SA – Mr David Waterford
• Director, Policy and Planning, Families SA – Ms Dana Shen
• Executive Officer, Child and Family Welfare Association – Mr Paul Madden
• Chair, South Australian Council of Social Services – Mr Simon Schrapel
• Chair, Association of Major Charitable Organisations – Mr John Haren
• Chair, Council for the Care of Children – Ms Diana Hetzel
• Guardian for Children and Young People – Ms Pam Simmons
• Chair, National Disability Service, State Management Committee – Mr Glenn Rappensberg
• State Manager, Department for Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs – Mr Ben Wallace
• Chair, Senior Officer’s Group, Care and Protection – Ms Trish Winter
• Chair/CEO, Aboriginal Health Council of South Australia  

Terms of Reference of the Partnerships Group

Further information

More information about the priority areas can be found in the 3 year Implementation Plan. For further information or if you have a question about the National Framework, email Lian Coyles, Senior Policy and Program Officer, Families SA.

If you have information about a child at risk or a family who needs help, contact the Child Abuse Report Line by telephoning 13 14 78.

Useful links:

• 3 year Implementation Plan
• Commonwealth Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs
• Guardian for Children and Young People
• Children’s Centres 
• National Standards for Out Of Home Care
• Stronger Families Safer Children (Community Connect)
• Parenting support, help and information
• Connecting Foster Carers
• Child and Family Welfare Association-SA
• SACOSS