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WACOSS wants you to have your say on how well the community sector is faring in making our system the safest it can be for children by implementing the National Principles for Child Safe Organisations (National Principles).
The Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse recommendations emphasised that organisations working with children must be able to provide safe environments where children's rights, needs and interests are met.
In February 2019, the Council of Australian Governments (COAG) endorsed the National Principles which are underpinned by a child-rights approach and are designed to build capacity and deliver child safety and wellbeing in organisations.
In Western Australia, the Department of Communities is leading the implementation of the National Principles. To ensure they get it right, Western Australian Council of Social Service (WACOSS) and the Youth Advisory Council of Western Australia (YACWA) are working with Communities to enhance engagement with the community services sector on the awareness, capacity and progress to date, in implementing the National Principles.
Online Survey
Phase one of the project comprises a comprehensive online survey for community sector organisations engaged in child-related work. The survey has been developed in consultation with a range of stakeholders including the WACOSS Children's Policy and Advisory Council (CPAC), Department of Communities Out-of-Home Care reference group, the Commissioner for Children and Young People, and other partner government agencies. The survey seeks to identify organisations’ readiness and capacity in implementing the National Principles, along with any emerging challenges.
Community sector agencies are being contacted directly, but your help is needed to spread the word to your networks, encouraging staff in community sector agencies to complete the survey.
Further consultation will be held by the Department of Communities in early 2020, including targeted engagement with service providers and Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations.
The survey will remain open until 7 February 2020. For more information or for questions about the survey or the consultations taking place email csaroyalcommission@communities.wa.gov.au
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