Every Territory child and young person deserves to feel supported and cared for.
Today the Territory Labor Government has introduced the Territory Families Legislation Amendment Bill 2021.
One of the main features of this Bill is expanding assistance to support young people leaving out of home care; instead of support ending at 18 years of age, the Bill extends support into the transition of adulthood until the age of 22.
The new provisions validate that a young person is entitled to receive assistance, including financial assistance to maintain appropriate living and support arrangements..
The Bill aligns the Northern Territory with the Australian Capital Territory, Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania, Victoria and Western Australia who have committed to providing young people leaving out of home care with extended support.
Through amendments to the Care and Protection of Children Act 2007, the Bill seeks to improve holistic, coordinated responses between Government and service providers by legislating stronger provisions for information sharing, ensuring coordinated services for children, young people and families in the Northern Territory.
Other aspects of the Bill include:
introducing the provision of voluntary prenatal support services to families to prevent an unborn child being in need of care and protection when born;enhancing cross-agency cooperation and information sharing; andenabling a child safety data exchange and access scheme.
A number of stakeholders have been consulted prior to the introduction of this Bill including, peak Aboriginal organisations, foster carers organisations and service providers.
This Bill reflects Government's ongoing work to implement recommendations of the Royal Commission into the Protection and Detention of Children in the Northern Territory.
Quotes from Minister for Territory Families and Urban Housing, Kate Worden:
"The Territory Labor Government knows that not every child is ready to leave home at the age of 18 years, and children develop differently. Some young people need more time to find their feet before being able to live independently.
"This Bill amends the Care and Protection of Children Act to provide vulnerable children and young persons who have been in care in the Northern Territory greater support as they transition to adulthood and independence.
"One other aspect of the Bill is providing assistance to expecting parents and mothers prior to a baby being born - a co-designed model which focuses on family led decision making."
Northern Territory Government
