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Legislative Assembly for the ACT: 2003 Week 14 Hansard (11 December) . . Page.. 5268 ..

MS GALLAGHER (continuing):

The standing committee also highlights the need for all children and young people to have access to information concerning their rights, responsibilities and services available to meet their individual needs. Information informs the views of children and young people and will enable participation in the development of new directions. The government supports these principles and the ongoing empowerment of children and young people. Government reflects the adoption of these principles through the legislative provisions of the Children and Young People Act 1999, the provision of funding and support to agencies whose role is to advocate for the voice of children and young people and agencies who represent or are determined by the children and young people themselves.

There are children and young people in our community whose rights, interests and wellbeing may not be adequately protected or promoted by those who have responsibility for their care. These very vulnerable children and young people often require the intervention of statutory services, such as child protection, youth justice and/or mental health services. In addition, drug and alcohol services may also be involved.

Communication between government and non-government agencies to improve the outcomes for children and young people is a strong focus of the standing committee report. Government is addressing this issue within many areas of practice, giving due consideration to the issues of privacy and confidentiality, which are the right of all people, including children and young people. The dedication and commitment of staff working in these challenging areas in all sectors of government and community services must also be acknowledged as an important means of achieving positive outcomes for children and young people.

The juvenile justice system involves young people of whom the majority, as the literature shows, do not remain with the system. Similarly, the care and protection system has many young people who do not become known to the juvenile justice system. The significant proportion of children and young people who are not shared clients is a reflection of the strength of the care provided and an indication of how the systems work effectively to achieve positive outcomes for children and young people.

Many recommendations made by the standing committee have been referred for consideration in the review of the Children and Young People Act 1999. This process is well under way and the issues will be considered in future.

The outcome of the review of statutory oversight and community advocacy agencies will also impact on the provision of services to children and young people, including areas covered by recommendations of the committee. The review of statutory oversight and community advocacy agencies may strengthen the roles of those providing independent advocacy for children and young people, an important means of enabling children and young people to have their needs and issues considered and addressed in an open and accountable manner. These services and others funded by government also enhance the participation and consultation processes with children and young people in the development of laws, policies and practices that may impact on children and young people.

Government is not able to work without assistance and support from non-government service agencies and those providing care to children and young people unable to

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