The Queensland Government and non-government sectors - including peak bodies, service providers and communities - are working in partnership to plan, design and deliver a range of reforms that will collectively build a new child protection and family support system for Queensland.
These reforms implement the 121 recommendations in the Queensland Child Protection Commission of Inquiry's final report, released in 2013.
The reform agenda also includes actions and initiatives to further enhance outcomes for Queensland children, families and communities.
These actions and initiatives are primarily aimed at:
The key priorities for the reform program from 2019 to 2023, including new actions and initiatives, are outlined in Supporting Families Changing Futures 2019-2023 - The Queensland Government's plan for helping Queensland children, young people, parents and families experiencing vulnerability. Supporting Families Changing Futures 2019-2023 - The Queensland Government's plan for helping Queensland children, young people, parents and families experiencing vulnerability.
The reforms focus on achieving the following strategic directions.
Caring for children and keeping them safe will be a shared responsibility. Government, non-government agencies, communities, businesses and industry are working together to deliver the right services families need to raise children who are safe, well, healthy and supported.
Vulnerable families and children will have access to high-quality services at the right time to help them to maintain the family unit. Children and young people will be at the centre of the new system, with supported and supportive parents, families and communities.
Child protection practice will be focused on engaging with families earlier and, where appropriate, keeping children safely at home.
Where there are no acceptable alternatives, children and young people will be taken into care, and protected and cared for. In care, they will receive the support they need to enjoy their childhood, feel safe and cared for, and develop into adulthood.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and families will have access to culturally appropriate Indigenous-specific and mainstream services and care.
Vulnerable children and families will receive quality services from a highly skilled, capable and professional workforce across government and non-government family and child sectors.
Services provided to vulnerable children and families will be high quality and provided in an efficient, transparent and accountable manner.
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