WA Minister for Child Protection, Jessica Stojkovski, has unveiled the third edition of the State’s child protection practice framework.
The Minister said the revised WA Signs of Safety Child Protection Practice Framework supports child safety practitioners to strengthen culturally responsive, Family and Domestic Violence aligned, trauma-informed, accessible and inclusive child protection practice.
“I am delighted to be launching the third edition of Western Australia’s Signs of Safety Child Protection Practice Framework, bringing our State’s core child protection framework in line with contemporary practices, research and strengthening cultural responsive and inclusive practice,” said Ms Stojkovski.
“The launch of the revised Framework represents a tremendous step forward for the child protection sector, one which has been informed by years of broad consultation with subject matter experts, partner agencies, people with lived experience and practitioners across WA.
“In particular, the addition of the new principle, ‘Culture at the heart’, has been built upon decades of child protection practice and consultation with Aboriginal families and communities.”
Revisions to the Framework have been informed by people with lived experience of the child protection system, sector stakeholders and child safety practitioners from across the State and include:
- a strengthened focus on cultural responsiveness, with clear commitments to working with Aboriginal families and a new Signs of Safety Principle: Culture at the Heart, and new Signs of Safety Discipline: Culture guides practice at every step;
- increased emphasis on the importance of the child’s voice and on continuing to learn from people with lived experience; and
- contemporary practice and decision-making guidance for practitioners, aligned to international research, legislative reform, targets and actions in the National Agreement on Closing the Gap, and Safe and Supported: the National Framework for Protecting Australia’s Children 2021 – 2031.
The revised Framework was launched at a sector event in Perth, attended by representatives from Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations, Earlier Intervention and Family Support services, Out-of-Home Care providers, and other key stakeholders and child safety practitioners involved in the Framework’s development and implementation.
“I thank those that have worked to bring this revised Framework to fruition, together we will continue the Cook Labor Government’s commitment to build safer and more inclusive communities for children and young people across Western Australia,” said Minister Stojkovski.
Read the third edition at WA Signs of Safety Child Protection Practice Framework.
