The ACT Government is seeking the views of the community on what to include in a Charter of Rights for Parents and Families involved with ACT child protection services.
The Charter of Rights for Parents and Families is a key priority under Next Steps for Our Kids 2022-2030 – the ACT strategy for strengthening families and keeping children and young people safe.
The Charter of Rights for Parents and Families will sit alongside the existing Charter of Rights for Kids in Care and will also be complemented by a separate Charter of Rights for Carers.
“Delivering these Charters reflects our focus on building greater trust and transparency in the child and youth protection system – a key domain of Next Steps,” Rachel Stephen-Smith, ACT Minister for Families and Community Services, said.
Earlier this year, the government developed a discussion paper so input from parents and families with lived experience of the child protection system could shape the Charter. The discussion paper has been updated for broader consultation.
“Now we want to hear from a diverse range of stakeholders, including people with a lived experience of child protection services,” Ms Stephen-Smith said. “Responses to the discussion paper will help us understand who the Charter should apply to, which rights and responsibilities should be included, how they should be framed, and different ways we could embed and use the Charter.
“It can be an incredibly difficult experience for parents and families to become engaged with the statutory child protection and out-of-home care system.
“The Charter will create a mutual reference point for parents and families, advocates, and child protection and out-of-home care agencies – helping everyone build a common understanding of what to expect in their engagements with one another.
“Enabling everyone to work together in a restorative and respectful way is ultimately in the best interests of children and young people. I hope the Charter will empower parents, families, and their supporters as they navigate a system that we know can be complex and challenging.”
This initiative progresses a commitment of the Parliamentary Agreement of the 10th Legislative Assembly by the ACT Labor-Greens Government.
Consultation on the Charter of Rights for Parents and Families involved with ACT child protection services will be open until 13 October on the Your Say website.
