- Cook Government providing over $300,000 to support implementation of National Principles for Child Safe Organisations in the community services sector
- Western Australian Council of Social Service (WACOSS) to lead the project
- Further implements recommendations from the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse
The Cook Government has provided $301,703 in funding to implement initiatives to support the community services sector to keep children safe.
The Western Australian Council of Social Service (WACOSS), who are the peak body for the community services sector, will manage the project in partnership with the Department of Communities and other key stakeholders.
The project will support the implementation of the National Principles for Child Safe Organisations and provide education and resources to build capacity across the community service sector, with a focus on small and medium-sized organisations.
There will also be an additional focus on working with Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations to develop culturally appropriate resources, to respond to the needs of Aboriginal children and young people.
The project implements recommendations from the Royal Commission, to support organisations in developing strategies and actions that promote child wellbeing and prevent harm to children and young people.
As stated by Child Protection Minister Sabine Winton:
"Keeping children safe is always our priority and it's important we support our community service sector to do that.
"Implementing National Child Safe Principles in community service organisations, such as family support services or day care centres, is a significant milestone in promoting child safety and wellbeing. Child safety is everyone's business.
"The Western Australian Council of Social Services, as the peak body for the community services sector, is well equipped to drive this project and assist other organisations to help make sure they're providing a safe environment for children.
Comments attributed to WA Council of Social Services CEO Louise Giolitto:
"WACOSS would like to thank the Cook Government for recognising and supporting the need to implement child safe principles across the community service sector.
"Tens of thousands of Western Australian children interact with community service organisations every year across the State and it is incredibly important that the sector is equipped to keep those children safe.
"We are particularly pleased that the contract includes resourcing to pay Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations for their expertise to develop and implement culturally appropriate resources that meet the needs of Aboriginal children and young people."
