National Coalition on Child Safety and Wellbeing | December 2024

Thank you for your contributions in 2024!

Good afternoon National Coalition members & stakeholders,

This e-bulletin provides a brief update on a recent National Coalition Steering Group Planning & Strategy Day and contains information on a DSS Discussion Paper and Evidence Paper related to a review of 3 children, youth and parenting programs delivered under the Families and Children (FaC) Activity.

We have also added some information on key upcoming Families Australia events and activities which we would greatly appreciate your participation in.

As the year draws to a close, we would like to take this opportunity to say thank you to members of the National Coalition and our supporters for their contributions and participation in our activities throughout 2024. Your involvement in our events and processes has been greatly appreciated.

We would particularly like to thank:

  • Members of the National Coalition Steering Group
  • Our National Coalition representatives on Safe and Supported Working Groups
  • Members of our broader National Coalition Working Group Consultation Forum
  • Those who participated in our Changing the Balance Consultations, both online and across the country
  • Those who attended our National Coalition Annual meeting.

National Coalition Steering Group Planning & Strategy Day

The Steering Group of the National Coalition on Child Safety and Wellbeing held a Planning & Strategy Day on 28 November. Additionally, National Coalition representatives of the Safe & Supported Working Groups were also invited to attend.

In the morning session, as one of the 4 governance partners of Safe and Supported, the National Coalition invited representatives of the 3 formal signatories to Safe and Supported to provide updates on the progress of Safe & Supported. In the afternoon session, Steering and Working Group members discussed a range of issues including strategic direction, member engagement and Working Group updates. A summary report will be available in early 2025. We also aim to provide dates for National Coalition meetings and member engagement activities in 2025 early in the new year.

Consultation open on Families and Children Activity programs

The Department of Social Services (DSS) has conducted a review of 3 children, youth and parenting programs delivered under the Families and Children (FaC) Activity:

  • Children and Parenting Support (CaPS)
  • Communities for Children Facilitating Partners (CfC FP)
  • Family Mental Health Support Services (FMHSS).

Consultation on these findings is now open. A Discussion Paper has been developed to generate feedback and ideas which may inform the way the Australian Government makes future decisions about family and children supports.

To view the Discussion Paper and Evidence Paper, visit engage.dss.gov.au/families-and-children-fac-activity-children-youth-and-parenting-programs-discussion-paper

Submissions to the Discussion Paper can be made up to 24 January 2025.

Families Australia Pulse Survey on NGO Sector Research

Families Australia’s latest pulse survey on NGO Sector Research Priorities & Collaborations is out now! We’d love to hear your views on what research you’d like to see and also on how Families Australia can better assist to facilitate dialogue between the NGO and academic sectors.

This survey has the option to remain anonymous and will only take about 3 minutes to complete. Click here to take the survey now!

Survey Closes Friday 20 December 2024. If you have any questions about this survey please email: policy@familiesaustralia.org.au

Save the Date:

Families Australia’s next policy forum 11 February 2025

Taking place on Tuesday 11 February 2024 at 14:00 (AEDT), this forum, hosted by Families Australia, will center on the theme of engaging child’s voice and participation.

Keynote address to be delivered by:

  • Professor Leah Bromfield (she/her), Director and Chair of Child Protection, Australian Centre for Child Protection, University of South Australia

Followed by a panel discussion hosted by Families Australia CEO, Jamie Crosby and featuring:

  • Ms.Kate Bjur, Executive Director, Advocacy and Research, PeakCare
  • Mr.Phil Doorgachurn, General Manager of Strategic Child Safeguarding Initiatives, Australian Childhood Foundation

Book your place now: Click here for more information and to register

Not yet a National Coalition member?

Membership of the National Coalition on Child Safety and Wellbeing is free. You can become a member by emailing admin@familiesaustralia.org.au or visiting the National Coalition webpage

Thank you for your support and ongoing commitment to the safety and well-being of children and families. I hope you and your families have a safe and enjoyable holiday season. I look forward to seeing everyone in 2025.

Regards,

Jamie Crosby
Convenor, National Coalition on Child Safety and Wellbeing
CEO Families Australia

P: 02 6273 4885   |   E: admin@familiesaustralia.org.au
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