Released 05/09/2017
Families coming into contact with Child and Youth Protection Services (CYPS) will have access to better information following the update of a series of guides co-developed with the Australian Red Cross and the Women’s Legal Centre ACT.
The ‘Working together for kids’ guides informs parents, families and other parties about the child protection process, and also the roles and responsibilities of CYPS – ensuring their actions remain transparent.
Every year CYPS can expect to receive and respond to at least 10,000 child concern reports. In 2016-17 CYPS worked with approximately 1400 children on an ongoing basis
Coming into contact with the child protection system can be a stressful and traumatic time for a parent. Having a better understanding of what may, or may not, happen during the process goes a long way towards making a difficult time a little easier. This includes information on what their rights are; the rights of their children, and the legal obligations of CYPS.
The Australian Red Cross Birth Family Advocacy Support Service is a partner in the ACT’s five-year out of home care strategy, A Step Up for Our Kids, and has worked alongside CYPS on the development of the guides bringing its expertise and experience to the project.
Birth Family Advocacy Support Service Manager, Bronwyn Downes says, “Families feel very vulnerable when they are involved with the child protection system, which makes these guides incredibly important. It’s an example of working together to make a difference.
“The ‘Working together for kids’ guides will be an invaluable resource not just for families but for any agency that provides support to families navigating the child protection system. Parents want straight forward information about what can happen, and these guides deliver that information.”
The ‘Working together for kids’ guides will be available online, at Child and Family Centres and at other ACT care agencies.
The guides can be accessed via http://www.communityservices.act.gov.au/ocyfs/working-together-for-kids
- Statement ends -
Rachel Stephen-Smith, MLA | Media Releases