Time to act: feedback sought on priority policy areas affecting children and young people

The Commissioner for Children and Young People WA, Jacqueline McGowan-Jones is calling for feedback on key policy areas to improve health and wellbeing of children and young people in WA.

A series of four Discussion Papers published today have been developed to highlight the issues, challenges and opportunities to improve the health and wellbeing of children and young people in Western Australia.

“The priority areas for action are informed by the voices of the children and young people who engage with myself and my team through my visits to schools and communities across WA, the Speaking Out Survey, other targeted surveys and individual conversations," the Commissioner said.

The Discussion Papers cover the Commissioner’s four priority areas: youth justice; health and mental health; education; and child protection.

The Commissioner said, “As expected, there are overlaps across each of the discussion papers – supporting the view that our approach to improving the health and wellbeing of children and young people needs to be holistic, not siloed, and individually focused."

They will be provided to government and non-government service providers and agencies. We will be undertaking further consultation with children and young people and their families on these issues.

Questions are included to guide thinking and discussion but respondents are encouraged to provide feedback on anything they consider relevant to the topic.

“The time for action is now – our children and young people can’t wait. We need to prioritise policies and programs that provide opportunities to improve outcomes for all children and their families," the Commissioner said. “I look forward to receiving plenty of feedback on these important topics as it will help inform my work going forward.”

Responses can be submitted via either online or via email until 31 March 2024. For more information and to read the Discussion Papers click here.