Child protection
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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.
For up to date information on child protection refer to the Commissioner's Indicators of Wellbeing data resource.
Read the Commissioner's policy statement on child protection here.
Are you concerned about the safety of a child or young person?
Reports
Independent Review of Department of Communities policies and practices in the placement of children with harmful sexual behaviours in residential care settings
Discussion paper - Oversight of child safe standards and out-of-home care in WA
Assessing the quality and comprehensiveness of child protection practice frameworks
A report prepared for the Australia's Children's Commissioner and Guardians Group (ACCG) by the Australian Centre for Child Protection
Voice of mothers with empty arms - Separation and reunification issues experienced by mothers with alcohol and other substance use issues
A report prepared for the Commissioner for Children and Young People WA by Edith Cowan University
Issues papers
Parent's rights and participation in child protection practice
Policy briefs
Children and young people speak out about education and safety in schools
Children and young people speak out about education and safety in schools
Safety and child protection: The impact on the wellbeing of WA children and young people
Developed from the Commissioner's 2014 Wellbeing Monitoring Framework
Children and young people in care
Developed from the Commissioner's 2011 Mental Health Inquiry
Children and young people speak out about safety
Developed from the Commissioner's 2011 Wellbeing research project
Submissions
Submission in response to consultation on the development of a new National Plan to Reduce Violence Against Women and their Children
The Commissioner made a submission to the Department of Social Services consultation process highlighting the wellbeing gap between male and female young people.
General submission to the Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of People with Disability
The Commissioner made a second submission to the Disability Royal Commission focused on the experiences and rights of children and young people with disability.
Submission in response to draft National Plan to End Violence Against Women and Children 2022-2032.
The Commissioner provided feedback to the Department of Social Services on the draft National Plan to End Violence Against Women and Children
Submission to the Commonwealth Standing Committee on Social Policy and Affairs inquiry into family, domestic and sexual violence
The Commissioner's submission to the inquiry into family, domestic and sexual violence.
More information
Reporting a child protection concern
Concerns about a child's wellbeing can be reported to the Department of Communities - Child Protection and Family Support
Opinion piece - Judge calls for care overhaul
The West Australian, His Honour Judge Denis Reynolds – 22 March 2015
Review of Children and Community Services Act 2004
A 2012 submission made 30 recommendations to improve the Act’s capacity to provide for the care and protection of children and young people.
Events
Vulnerability Speaker Series 2018
The series brings together national and distinguished WA leaders to explore new approaches to address the challenges facing vulnerable WA children and young people and inform effective responses.
