Amendments to the Children, Young Persons and Their Families Act 1997
The Children, Young Persons and Their Families Act 1997 (the Act) commenced in 2000. Its objective is to provide for the care and protection of Tasmanian children and young people who are at risk of abuse or neglect in their family unit, in a way that maximises their ability to reach their full potential. The Act provides a framework for government and non-government services, community members and families to work together to achieve this aim.
In 2006, the State Government released the Report on Child Protection Services in Tasmania (the Report), which made a series of recommendations for amendments to the Act. On 1 August 2009, Phase 1 of those amendments will come into effect. The key changes to the Act resulting from Phase 1 of the amendments are outlined in more detail in the enclosed information sheet. In summary, they provide:
- the ability for mandatory reporters under section 14 of the Act to report concerns about the care of children within their family to the new non-government Gateway Services (referred to in the Act as Community Based Intake Services). This complements the ability to notify Child Protection Services when a child is at risk of significant harm;
- broader powers allowing the sharing of information relevant to the best interests of a child;
- the Secretary of the DHHS with the ability to receive information concerning unborn children to ensure effective planning is in place at the birth of the child;
- greater options for permanent care arrangements in cases where the reunification of a child with their birth family is not an option; and
- for the creation of an Ashley Youth Detention Centre Residents’ Advocate position within the Commissioner for Children’s Office to assist in promoting the interests of young people in custody.
To coincide with the commencement of the amendments, new non-government Gateway Services, incorporating intensive family support services, will open in August 2009. The contact number for Gateway Services is 1800 171 233. From 9am-5pm Monday – Friday, this number will divert to the appropriate regional Gateway Services office. Baptcare is running the Gateway Services in both the South West and the North; and Mission Australia is operating the Gateway Services in the South East and the North West. More information about Gateway Services will be provided as it is available on the Department’s website: http://www.dhhs.tas.gov.au/future_communities/reform_implementation_unit.
Over the next few weeks Disability, Child, Youth and Family Services (DCYFS) will be distributing detailed information sheets for Mandatory Reporters. In summary:
- Gateway Services are for children and families which are in need of family support; and
- Child Protection Services will respond where there is alleged harm to the child.
To ensure that professionals are aware of their responsibilities under the Act, the Policy and Programs Unit of Disability, Child, Youth and Family Services will be available to hold information sessions about the legislative amendments.
Information sheets are available below and these links will be updated in due course:
- Overview of Legislative Amendments
- Responsibilities of Mandatory Reporters
- Information Sharing (if you would like a WORD copy of this document, contact 6233 4895 or emaill cpmanual@dhhs.tas.gov.au)
- Notifications about unborn children
- Ashley Residents' Advocate
Phase 2 of the legislative amendment process will commence shortly. Further information about that process can be obtained by ringing John Nehrmann on the number below or emailing the link below.
If you have any queries please ring 6233 4895 or cpmanual@dhhs.tas.gov.au.