Protecting children and young people is one of the most important concerns of our community together with the health, safety and wellbeing of our children and young people.
Parents and carers are responsible for the welfare and safety of their children, however, the whole community has a responsibility of protecting children and young people from abuse and neglect.
The Children, Young Persons and their Families Act 1997 is based on the United Nations Convention of the Rights of the Child and reflects the view that all efforts should be directed towards accurately balancing assessment of safety and risk with strengthening positive aspects in the individual, family and community systems. This legislation also makes provision for the appointment, responsibilities and powers of the Commissioner for Children.
Child abuse and neglect can happen to any child or young person in any family and can have lasting and damaging effects.