Western Australia has a comprehensive approach to child protection based on a commitment to strengthening families and communities, and strong legislation and effective processes to protect children and young people who are not safe.
This is achieved by key government departments of Child Protection, Police, Health, Justice, Education and Disability Services and the non government sector, working in partnership with families, communities and the private sector. The Department for Child Protection provides leadership to the development and maintenance of this approach.
Children and young people are protected through:
- community, government and non- government agency responses that help families overcome problems that contribute to family breakdown and/or child abuse
- responses that build strong communities and increase their capacity to support and keep them safe and, if possible, with their families
- legislation that ensures formal responses are in place to protect children and young people who have been or who are likely to be harmed
- specialised treatment services to address the harm arising from abuse and neglect and to prevent it from re-occurring.
Overview
The safety and wellbeing of children in Western Australia is a community responsibility. Parents and families have the primary role of caring and protecting their children and young people from day to day. While all parents and families strive to do the best for their children, at times some are not able to because of personal, social, health or economic reasons.
Government policies and programs aim to strengthen and support parents, families and communities in their responses to children and young people.
Key Principles
Prevention and Eary Intervention
Protection
Out-of-Home Care System
Moving Forward
Useful Contacts