Everyone can play their part to protect children

2/09/2016

• National Child Protection Week to be held September 4-10, 2016
• Department for Child Protection and Family Support hosting a series of community events to raise awareness 

West Australians are invited to show their support for vulnerable children and young people by participating in various local events during National Child Protection Week.

Child Protection Minister Andrea Mitchell said National Child Protection Week provided an opportunity to highlight the role everyone could play to provide safe and caring environments for children.

"Protecting children is everyone's responsibility, and we all need to take active steps to ensure children and families at risk or in crisis are supported," Ms Mitchell said.

"The week also allows us to recognise the important role foster carers play in helping vulnerable children thrive and prosper.

"The Liberal National Government is committed to delivering a brighter future for children and young people in care and through a range of reforms is reshaping its out-of-home care system."

The Department for Child Protection and Family Support will host a morning tea at the Cannington District Office in Cannington on Thursday, September 8 from 10am-12pm.

The event is aimed at local Aboriginal service providers and will involve the unveiling of a plaque, which acknowledges the traditional custodians of the land.

Cannington District director Andrea Nixon said the morning tea would provide an opportunity to further strengthen relationships with local Aboriginal service providers to help improve outcomes for vulnerable Aboriginal children.

Fact File

• The Department for Child Protection and Family Support is the lead agency in WA providing child safety and family support services to individuals, children and their families
• As at June 30, 2016, there were 4,658 children and young people in care
• For more information about Out-of-Home Care Reform, visit http://www.cpfs.wa.gov.au  
• For more information about National Child Protection Week, visit http://napcan.org.au