Page 4247 - Week 13 - Thursday, 14 December 2006
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(2) What has the ACT Government done in particular to expedite this project.
Ms Gallagher: The answer to the member’s question is as follows:
(1) A Community and Disability Ministers Advisory Council (CDSMAC) Working Group is leading the above national project, referred to as the “National Approach to Child Protection”. The focus of the Working Group has been on the development of a common descriptive framework, definitions and terminologies for child protection, prevention and early intervention.
This Working Group is making considerable progress and has developed a ‘Statement of Work’, which was noted by Ministers in July 2006. The Queensland Department of Child Safety, as the lead agency, has commissioned research for the first stage, due to be completed by the end of 2006.
(2) While Queensland has taken the lead role for this project, all jurisdictions, including the ACT, have been actively involved on the Working Group to progress the associated work and have met regularly during 2006.
Children—care and protection
(Question No 1335)
Mrs Burke asked the Minister for Disability and Community Services, upon notice, on 17 October 2006:
(1) When and in what way was the Departmental policy amended and extended to include allegations of harm to children and young people while they come within the legal responsibility of the Chief Executive;
(2) How effective have the changes been in relation to the Chief Executive being more fully aware of the number and type of allegations of harm to children and young people since 2004.
Ms Gallagher: The answer to the member’s question is as follows:
(1) Departmental policy in relation to reports alleging harm to children and young people for whom the Chief Executive had parental responsibility has reflected the provisions of the Children and Young People Act 1999 since the Act was commenced in May 2000
The most recent update in Departmental policy occurred following the amendment to section 162(2) of the Children and Young People Act 1999 on 1 July 2006. This amendment requires the Chief Executive to advise the ACT Public Advocate of specific reports made to Care and Protection Services regarding children in care, in compliance with S189A of the Act.
(2) In its 2005-06 Annual Report the public Advocate notes the compliance by the Department.
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