Submissions

As part of its research and specialist advisory role, the National Child Protection Clearinghouse has produced a number of submissions assessing elements of child protection and child abuse prevention practice. Some of them are listed here.

Submission to the Special Commission of Inquiry into Child Protection Services in NSW (2008) PDF (650KB) | RTF (927KB)

This submission draws on research to analyse systemic issues in child protection services and their underlying drivers, and to identify innovative and promising approaches to addressing the key challenges in the delivery of child protection services. Rather than providing recommendations in relation to each of the terms of reference, this submission provides an evidence-based analysis of high-level systemic issues in child protection.

Improving Permanency for Children in Care (2006) PDF (191KB) | RTF (72KB)

This submission has been made to the Queensland Department of Child Safety. It is a discussion paper, and asks is it necessary to consider another permanent alternative option in addition to the existing alternative care options in order to secure stable long-term care for children who cannot be reunified with their birth family?

Submission on Victorian Legislative Reform (Technical Options for Protecting Children: Ten Priorities for Children's Wellbeing and Safety in Victoria) (2004)
Background and Summary of Clearinghouse Recommendations PDF (195KB) | RTF (96KB)
Submission for Technical Options Paper PDF (188KB) | RTF (138KB)

In September 2004, the Victorian government released the third stage of its review process of the State's statutory child protection service. It released a report titled 'Protecting children: Ten priorities for children's well being and safety in Victoria: technical options paper'. This report outlined the reforms proposed for Victoria's child protection service, the Children's and Young Persons Act 1989, the Community Services Act 1970, and the Children's court in ten key areas. The National Child Protection Clearinghouse reviewed and provided comment on the report.

Submission on the draft 'Internet Industry Association Codes of Practice for Industry Co-Regulation in Areas of Internet and Mobile Content' (2004) PDF (180KB) | RTF (981KB)

The Internet Industry Association of Australia developed guidelines for Internet Content Hosts, Internet Service Providers and Mobile Carriers aimed at ensuring compliance with their legal obligations and promoting the adoption of responsible processes and procedures for dealing with Content issues. The IIA sought written comment from the National Child Protection Clearinghouse on the discussion paper, particularly in regard to how regulations should address issues such as preventing children accessing adult content and mobile chat room services being used by paedophiles for 'grooming' of children.

Submission on the Discussion Draft for Draft Legislation for Regulation of Mobile Premium Services (2005) PDF (91KB) | RTF (21KB)

The Australian Communications Authority disseminated a discussion paper regarding the regulation of premium content services supplied via mobile phones (eg, chat rooms; adult material). The ACA sought written comment from the National Child Protection Clearinghouse on the discussion paper, particularly in regard to how regulations should address issues such as the preventing children accessing adult content and mobile chat room services being used by paedophiles for 'grooming' of children.

Submission on the Discussion Draft for Proposed Care and Protection of Children and Young People Act 2005 PDF (233KB) | RTF (344KB)

The Northern Territory Government is reforming its child protection system to improve care and support for children, young people and families in the Territory. It provided a Discussion Draft Care and Protection of Children and Young People Act (the new legislation to replace the current Community Welfare Act 1983) and an accompanying consultation paper, on which the National Child Protection Clearinghouse was asked to review and provide comment.

Submission on the Discussion Draft for Draft Legislation for Working with Children 2005 PDF (175KB) | RTF (109KB)

The Victorian Government released an Exposure Draft Bill of the Working with Children Check that would see the implementation of a screening process for individuals who seek to work with children in a voluntary or paid capacity. The Victorian Government invited comments from the National Child Protection Clearinghouse on the Exposure Draft Bill.

Submission on the Discussion Draft for Proposals for Screening of Individuals who Work with Children in Tasmania (2005) PDF (145KB) | RTF (138KB)

The Commissioner for Children Tasmania released a consultation paper discussing proposals for the government to introduce policies and procedures for Tasmanian organisations to screen individuals who seek to work with children in a voluntary or paid capacity. The National Child Protection Clearinghouse reviewed and provided comment on the proposals.