Resources| Commissioner for Children and Young People WA

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and young people

The role of the Commissioner for Children and Young People includes giving priority to, and having special regard to, the interests and needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and young people.

Alcohol

Excessive alcohol consumption is a community-wide issue and impacts significantly on children and young people’s safety and wellbeing.

Child poverty

Up to 17 per cent of Western Australia's children and young people are estimated to be living in poverty. The Commissioner strongly advocates for action to address child poverty in WA.

Child protection

The Commissioner monitors developments in child protection legislation, policies and practices, and advocates to improve the outcomes for children in the out of home care system.

Child safe organisations

Child-safe principles promote a culture where the safety, wellbeing and participation of children and young people are reflected in policies and day-to-day practices at all levels of the organisation.

Complaints systems

The Commissioner works to ensure all children and young people feel supported in raising a complaint with a government agency.

Culturally and linguistically diverse children and young people

It is important that the views of culturally and linguistically diverse children and young people are taken into consideration by decision makers.

Data and research

The latest data on children and young people across WA to help government and non-government organisations in planning for services and programs.

Disability

It is vital for children and young people with disability to be appropriately supported so they are able to play a positive and fulfilling role in the community.

Engagement in education

Positive engagement in education is one of the most vital determinants of a person’s lifelong health and wellbeing.

Harmful sexual behaviours

The Commissioner aims to improve the understanding of children and young people with harmful sexual behaviours and enhance responses to children and young people who may be harming themselves or others.

Homelessness

It is important that the views of children and young people who have experienced homelessness are heard and responded to in a practical way so programs and services that support their wellbeing can be improved and better targeted.

LGBTI children and young people

LGBTI children and young people have the right to be recognised for their gender identity, sexual orientation or intersex status, and to feel safe and respected where ever they are.

Living environment

The quality of physical and social environments can affect children and young people’s health and wellbeing.

Mental health

Good mental health is an essential component of wellbeing and is important for children from infancy and early childhood through to adolescence and young adulthood.

Participation

Contributions made by children and young people should be recognised for their value and merit and given due consideration in decision making.

Physical health

Physical health is a basic building block for children’s current wellbeing and future life outcomes. Being physically healthy includes being physically active, having a good diet and being in the healthy weight range.

Rights of children and young people

The Commissioner’s work has regard to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child and everyone has a responsibility, including family, carers, the broader community and children and young people, to work together to deliver these rights.

Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse

The Commissioner for Children and Young People's responses to the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse.

Social media and technology

The ever-changing and increasing presence of technology in our community creates a number of challenges and opportunities related to children and young people’s wellbeing.

Youth justice

Programs that divert young people away from the justice system or that address underlying causes of offending are crucial to addressing the high rate of detention of young people in WA and creating a more prosperous future for the State.