Released 25/07/2017
The Children and Youth Services Ministerial Advisory Council has been re-appointed for a further 12 months to continue to provide independent oversight of the ACT out of home care system.
The Council provides the ACT Government with advice relating to children and young people in care, with a focus on the implementation of A Step Up for Our Kids, the ACT Government’s five-year strategy to reform the out of home care system.
The Council is a valuable asset in ensuring our community can provide the best support possible to children and young people who are placed in out of home care when they are unable to live with their birth parents for various reasons.
Council members have combined experience in child protection, the out of home care system, trauma, Aboriginal and Torres Islander perspectives, public administration, policy and risk management.
The Council is chaired by Ms Bev Orr OAM, one of Australia’s leading foster care advocates, with more than 40 years experience working with children, young people and families. Its other members are:
- Michele Abel;
- Dr Catherine Sansum;
- Dr Gail Winkworth; and
- Professor Debra Rickwood.
The Council will continue to provide independent, expert, strategic advice to the Minister for Disability, Children and Youth over the next 12 months as implementation of A Step Up for Our Kids continues.
- Statement ends -
Rachel Stephen-Smith, MLA | Media Releases