Implementing the successor plan to the National Framework
This consultation is now closed.
Have your say and help shape the first of two five-year implementation plans for the successor plan to the National Framework for Protecting Australia’s Children 2009-2020
Nationally, 174,700 children aged between 0 and 17 years received child protection services in 2019-20.
There has been significant Government investment provided to protect Australia’s children, and while supports are working for some, more needs to be done.
To help achieve change, the Australian Government through the Department of Social Services is developing a successor plan to the National Framework for Protecting Australia’s Children 2009-2020 (successor plan), in collaboration with state and territory governments.
With the successor plan due to be finalised in July 2021, this online consultation will focus on supporting the development of the first five-year implementation plan.
We want to hear from families, children, young people, foster and kinship carers, government and non-government organisations and individuals with a particular interest in child protection, child safety and child wellbeing.
What is the successor plan to the National Framework?
The Department of Social Services has been working closely with government and non-government stakeholders to develop a successor plan for when the National Framework ends in June this year.
To inform the development and priorities of the successor plan Families Australia, in partnership with the Australian Government, led a range of consultations in 2019-20 which informed the development of the successor plan.
Community Services Ministers have agreed in-principle that the successor plan will prioritise Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and young people, children and families with multiple and complex needs, children and young people experiencing or who have experienced abuse and/or neglect and children, young people and/or parents and carers living with disability.
The successor plan and its two, five-year implementation plans provide an opportunity for all governments and the non-government sector to deliver real and improved outcomes for disadvantaged and/or vulnerable children and families.
Co-design process with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
A separate co-design process is being undertaken in partnership with the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Leadership Group, SNAICC – National Voice for our Children and state and territory governments to ensure the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community are central to the development of the successor plan and first five-year implementation plan.
Consultations with children
The National Children’s Commissioner, Ms Anne Hollonds, is conducting national consultations throughout June and July 2021 with children, young people and families to ensure their experiences and voices are central to the development of the first five year implementation plan.
If you need assistance
Child protection can be a difficult topic to discuss and your wellbeing and safety is of upmost importance.
If you or someone you know needs help or support at any time, contact one of the below services:
- In an emergency call Triple Zero (000)
- Kids Helpline 1800 55 1800 confidential 24/7 online and phone counselling for 5 to 25 year olds
- 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732) for family, domestic and sexual violence matters
- Lifeline 13 11 14 for crisis support and suicide prevention
- Beyond Blue 1300 224 636 for support on anxiety, depression and suicide
- MensLine 1300 78 99 78 for support for men with family and relationship concerns
- Suicide Call Back Service 1300 659 467.
For more information on the successor plan please email NationalFrameworkfeedback@dss.gov.au