- New, more culturally responsive approach in the WA Signs of Safety Child Protection Practice Framework
- 'Culture at the Heart' ensures the culture of children and families involved with child protection services is respected and valued
- Today marks the start of National Child Protection Week (7 to 13 September)
The Cook Labor Government is marking the start of National Child Protection Week by announcing new culturally responsive approaches in Western Australia's Signs of Safety Child Protection Practice Framework.
'Culture at the Heart' ensures the framework explicitly addresses the need to respect and value the culture of children and families involved with child protection services.
The announcement is as part of the Cook Labor Government's ongoing commitment to keeping children and young people safe.
The culturally responsive principle encourages practitioners to elevate practice to better reflect the culture and customs of Aboriginal and culturally and linguistically diverse children, families and communities.
The revisions have been made in consultation with Aboriginal Practice Leaders and other Aboriginal staff, Aboriginal Community leaders and people with lived experience to ensure the updated framework and child protection practice fully supports all children and families.
The new framework aligns with the State Government's active efforts to support Closing the Gap targets, including reducing the number of Aboriginal children in care and strengthening placement, prevention, participation, partnership and connection for Aboriginal children.
National Child Protection Week is an opportunity to share the incredibly important work of child safety practitioners across the State and is a reminder that everyone has a role to play in protecting children and young people.
Held from 7 to 13 September 2025, this year's theme is 'Every conversation matters: Shifting Conversation to Action'.
As stated by Child Protection Minister Jessica Stojkovski:
"Keeping children and young people safe is a top priority of the Cook Labor Government.
"Our government is continuously reviewing and modernising its practices to ensure we are providing best practice for some of the State's most vulnerable children and young people.
"These improvements to the WA Signs of Safety Child Protection Practice Framework will help support child safety practitioners to support families to keep children and young people safe and support more families to stay together.
"Child safety practitioners play an incredibly important role in protecting children and young people and the Cook Labor Government is truly thankful for the work they do.
"National Child Protection is an important reminder that we all have a role to play in keeping children and young people safe."
