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Exploring the intersection of fashion and culture, https://pavda.com.ua/ provides insightful articles and features.

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Red Nose Australia - First Nations Resources

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Red Nose Australia - First Nations Resources

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Red Nose Australia - First Nations Resources

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Red Nose Australia acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the land in which our families, volunteers, staff, Board and committee members work, live and visit. We pay our respects to the Elders of those many nations from past and present, recognising their continuing connection to land, waters and community.

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Sleep and Rest for children policy guidelines 

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Sleep and Rest for children policy guidelines 

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Exclusion Periods: Information for Families 

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Exclusion Periods: Information for Families 

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Children's play is like 'fireworks' for the brain. It helps child development physically, cognitively, socially and emotionally, as our video explains.

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Play ideas for toddler talking and reading in pictures

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Play ideas for toddler talking and reading in pictures

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Play ideas for toddler talking and reading: in pictures

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Toddlers develop through play. Get illustrated play ideas to develop toddler talking and reading, including singing, word and naming games, and stories.

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Play ideas for baby talking and reading in pictures

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Play ideas for baby talking and reading in pictures

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Play ideas for baby talking and reading: in pictures

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Play is how babies develop and learn. Get illustrated play ideas to develop baby talking and reading, including everyday talking, singing, naming and words.

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Video transcript

Kieran (father of 3): My name's Kieran. I've got 3 boys. When it comes to looking after my children, it's a responsibility I take very seriously.

[to boys] You guys all right?

Boy 1: Yeah.

Kieran: My kids' ages are 8, 6 and 3, so knowing that what they get up to and that they're boys. So, quite often they like to climb, they like to jump, they like to play with things. Sometimes they like to, you know, poke things into wall sockets. Just making sure that I'm always, always watching them, always know what they're up to.

When they're a lot younger, there's certain things to watch out for and as they get older there's different behaviours that I've got to watch out for.

Yeah these ones, these locks are quite good. So, I know his big brothers can break into them, but the 3-year-old still hasn't worked it out yet.

[to boys] Hey, hey, hey, can you take that out to your brothers, please?

The main thing for me is they're my kids and they're my responsibility.

[to boys] Boiled eggs.

Boy 2: No, no.

Kieran: [to boys] Come on, watch out guys.

And it's just that constant awareness, so with my wife and I, we tag team and sometimes they can drive you crazy, you know, having 3 boisterous boys.

[to boys] Right now away, thanks. No, no, out of the kitchen thanks, come on guys. Come on.

It's about having a line of sight.

[to boys] Wait there, we're not crossing the road yet. Any cars?

But it's also about knowing your children and knowing what their capabilities are.

[to boys] You hold my hand, thanks. Any cars?

Boys: No, no.

Kieran: [to boys] All right.

I think it's important, especially when you've got the kids outside, roads around, other kids and adults. It's just good to keep an eye on them. Quite often sometimes it's just as much as doing a head count all the time, making sure there's always 1, 2, 3.

[laughs].

My boys have got a lot of energy and if I'm not watching them or if I'm not on to them, they can get up to a lot of mischief. Lyndon is my 3-year-old. He's just turned 3. Obviously being the youngest of 3 boys, he cops a bit from his big brothers, so it's always about knowing, OK, keeping an ear out for tears and tantrums in the backyard and to get out there and deal with things before it gets too far.

There's always going to be times where they fall over and bump themselves and break a tooth or doing something which can, you know, can cause you a bit of panic, but ultimately it's about creating that environment for them and that good supervision that allows them to develop and at the same time, you know, keep them safe.

[reading to boys] He's a dogfish, so now when I see everyone with their ordinary old dogs, I say, 'Why would I need a dog when I have the best goldfish in the world? I like saying that'.

You know, it's good to have family and friends who can, you know, who can help out from time to time, but ultimately they're my responsibility.

[to boys] All right mate, goodnight. Do I get a hug and a kiss? Yeah, come to Dad. Kiss [kissing].

There's always someone who's attending, whether that's just being aware of what they're doing and what they're up to.

[to boys] Get off to bed. No, no, no more TV, come on it's a school night tonight. Come on.

And until they're old enough and they develop enough till they can look after themselves in certain ways, then I'm responsible and so my wife and I together we will, you know, we take that responsibility very seriously. You know, safe kids, happy kids.

Boy 2: Goodnight, Dad.

Kieran: All right, goodnight, boys.

Boy 1: Goodnight, Dad.

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Watching your kids: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander parents

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In this video, an Aboriginal father talks about watching kids. He says supervision is key to child safety and a safe environment helps kids develop well.

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Healthy food for babies and toddlers: the five food groups

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Choosing healthy food from the five food groups for your baby or toddler doesn't have to be hard. Use our guide to give your child the best possible nutrition.

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Healthy Food Guidelines for 2–3-year-olds

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Healthy Food Guidelines for 2–3-year-olds

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Dietary guidelines in pictures: children 2-3 years

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Each day toddlers aged 2-3 years need about 1 serve of fruit; 2½ serves of vegies; 1½ serves of dairy; 4 serves of grains; and 1 serve of protein foods.

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Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander parents

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Do you work with parents? Here you’ll find tools, links and resources to help you support families and help parents gain confidence and develop skills.

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Babies growing well in the first year: Aboriginal parents

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Use this picture guide to help Aboriginal parents keep babies growing well in the first year. Get info on breastfeeding, solids, health and hygiene.

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Good sleep for kids and safe sleep for babies: Aboriginal families

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Kids need lots of good sleep to grow well. Use this picture guide for Aboriginal families to help kids get enough sleep. Get safe sleep tips for babies too.

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Johnson Build Group | Award-Winning Design & Construction | Queensland

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Based in the Sunshine Coast, Johnson Build Group is a family owned business, specialising in small to medium commercial & residential builds inclusive of design & construction. We are committed to providing old fashioned customer service, combined with new age professionalism, ideas and practices.

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Modular Daycare and Childcare Facilities

Marathon Modular: Using Modular Techniques to Streamline Childcare Centre Construction

If you are looking for a childcare facilities builder, choosing Marathon Modular to handle the project is a smart choice.

Our team at Marathon Modular construct buildings with a modular approach. This means once your design and planning are approved, we begin construction right away in our manufacturing facility. The result is typical disruption from construction is greatly reduced, and you can enjoy the completed project a lot sooner.

Our builders have over 15 years of experience in bespoke construction at Marathon Modular. It is our innovative construction process and our deep understanding of successful design and development of outstanding childcare centres that has allowed us to produce fast and effective solutions for the childcare sector.

Take a Look at Some of our Previous Childcare Projects

Marathon Modular is proud of the results that we have achieved for previous clients in the Childcare sector:

- Kellyville Public School OOSH

- C&K Childcare Centre in QLD

- Batemans Bay OOSH
Our team has also delivered effective turnkey solutions for clients in the Education sector.
[ Explore our Portfolio]

Benefits of Modular Daycare Projects

Modular construction offers a wide range of strengths over conventional methods. Some advantages include;

- Minimal disruption: By constructing your building off-site, modular builders minimise noise, dust, and traffic disruptions. From classrooms to offices and beyond, enjoy a smoother journey to your new childcare building with marathon modular construction!

- Fast turnaround solution: A modular daycare solution extradites the usual time you need to wait on a newly constructed building. Modular constructed buildings sometimes take 50% less time to complete, allowing you to plan for the use of your updated or new childcare facility sooner and enjoy a faster return on your investment.

- Customisable: Our modular units are fully customisable. At Marathon Modular, we provide a customised solution that allows you to choose the level of finish (tiered as Bronze, Silver or Gold) and the aesthetic you want to achieve. Our design team understand childcare facility requirements and work closely with our clients to achieve the desired outcome.

- Eco-friendly: The modular process is more eco-friendly. It gives our builders more control to eliminate wasted products. Our modular approach uses fewer materials and generates far less waste than traditional construction, thanks to precision engineering, large-scale purchasing power, and careful quality control. Modular prefabrication produces 80% less waste than conventional construction, making it a more sustainable choice for building projects and better adapted to protecting the environment.

- Cost-effective: Modular construction offers a cost-effective alternative as construction costs for site-built facilities continue to rise. By utilising controlled manufacturing conditions, potential delays in trade completion deadlines are eliminated, and unforeseen expenses are reduced. We understand the importance of staying within budget and will work with you to design and specify the most economical options for your modular childcare center project. Our team of experts will guide you through the process and ensure that your project meets your budget while still delivering high-quality, customisable space solutions.

Get Started on a Quote

We've made the process of getting a personalised quote simple.

Go to our Project Cost Calculator to tell us in a short 2-minute window about yourself, the building type needed for your child care centre, the dimensions in square metres, finish and design preferences. Our team will get back to you as soon as possible.

Alternatively, contact us for a tailored modular childcare solution or to book a discussion to learn more.

Kellyville Public School Construction

Kellyville Public School is a co-educational primary school serving years K-6 and is one of two government schools in the Kellyville...

Explore Project

Community Centre Design

Marathon recently delivered a comprehensive design contract for a private NSW client. Our client requested our full design services for...

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Oxley College Construction

Oxley College is a distinguished independent school nestled in the picturesque surroundings of Bowral.

Explore Project

What our clients say;

Our school chose Marathon Modular as the preferred builder for our projects. They offer a competitive price, good customer service and a quality finish. One point we noted was in our experience in dealing with Marathon Modular, there is always integrity between what the sales manager has stated and the actual final product. - Pacific Valley Christian School

Faster, Smarter, Design and Construction.

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Childcare Buildings & Daycare Buildings | Marathon Modular

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Marathon Modular buildings include a range of modular childcare buildings, day care buildings and after school care facilities. Call us for more info 1300 219 854.

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Macri Builders specialise in providing a complete childcare centre construction service alongside the other general building services we offer. Because our main focus is on building childcare centres, we are different from ordinary builders who don't understand the complexities of the job. We promise to create a building maximising all available space in order to provide a quality environment where children can engage with and learn via indoor and outdoor activities.

Constructing a childcare centre requires a certain set of very specific knowledge and expertise. When you work with our experienced team, you can relax knowing that the project will be completed on time and on budget. Childcare centre construction and development does not need to be complex. Macri Builders have designed and constructed more than 40 childcare centres. Throughout the years we have become adept at cost reduction as well as enabling the best returns on your construction investment. For added peace of mind, we also offer an 8-year structural warranty on all our work.

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Macri Builders Perth | Childcare Centre Construction, Commercial, Villas

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When you work with our experienced team at Marcri Builders Perth, you can relax knowing that the project will be completed on time and on budget. Childcare Construction Perth

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Childcare Centre Builders Perth, WA | Perth Building Projects

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Childcare Centre Builders Perth - We deliver accurate budgets, realistic schedules and an unmatched project delivery experience

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The delivery and execution of Childcare centres are a logical fit for the Dale Alcock Projects hybrid business model. The majority of Perth's childcare centres require residential construction principles and methodologies, but developers prefer them to be delivered through a commercial process. By partnering with Dale Alcock Projects, you get the best of both worlds.

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Childcare Builders Perth | Childcare Centre Developments WA

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Partner with Dale Alcock Projects for Childcare Centre Developments in Perth. Our skilled team has the knowledge & expertise to deliver quality outcomes.

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Aspire Design & Construct aims to be the construction company of choice: a reliable, reputable company that improves the built environment with projects that fulfil clients' visions, on time, and within budget.

Aspire Design & Construct uses a collaborative approach; the team works closely with the client to understand their commercial goals and vision, and formulate a project delivery that meets expectations within budget.

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Aspire Design & Construct aims to be the construction company of choice: a reliable, reputable company that improves the built environment with projects that fulfil clients' visions, on time, and within budget.

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Builders and building certifiers - Northern Territory

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Builders and building certifiers - Northern Territory

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If you want to work as a builder or building certifier, or set up a building company in the Northern Territory (NT), you must apply for NT registration.

You will need to register with the Building Practitioners Board.

For more information, go to the Builders Practitioners Board website.

Interstate registered builders

If you are registered as a builder in another state or territory, you can apply for NT registration under mutual recognition in the equivalent category.

To search for an NT equivalent, go to the Australian Government's Department of Employment and Workplace Relations website.

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Information for builders and building certifiers about how to register with the Building Practitioners Board.

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Jorgensens have completed many Child Care Centres on a complete design and build, turnkey package basis. We offer a personally designed service suited to your needs and budget.

When entrusting you with their children, parents are becoming more particular about the services you provide, along with the quality and feel of a Day Care Centre.

Leaders in the industry, we will work with you from an early design and approval stage to ensure your new centre will look and feel just as you want it to.

The Process
Design and Documentation
An initial site visit will give us an understanding of the proposed land, its size and aspect, all of which will somewhat dictate the layout of your centre and the number of children it can accommodate.

Consideration must also be made for the statutory requirements for the children's external play areas, room sizes, shade areas, toilet / kitchen facilities and disabled access. You may also have specific requirements for inclusion and the desired architectural look of your centre at the concept design stage.

The information you provide us with at this early stage will help build a comprehensive picture of your vision for the centre before presenting a design concept.

Jorgensens team will then liaise with Council to ensure the Development, Operational works, Landscaping, Building and Plumbing approvals are obtained quickly and the final plan documentation takes into account any conditions placed by Council.

Each stage of the planning process is documented, providing a comprehensive record and forming a solid basis for the next stage of the project: pricing and contract preparation.
Pricing and Contracts
Once the design and documentation of your Child Care Centre is complete, the estimation and quotation stage can begin. This will take into account your budget, finishes and time frame for completion. This will give us all the information required to provide you with a fixed price commercial building contract giving you the assurance your project will be completed on time and on budget.
Construction, Earthworks and Internal fit out
The professional and experienced team at Jorgensens will co-ordinate the construction of your new Child Care Centre through to completion.

Our team of fully licensed, experienced and longstanding sub-contractors provide speed of construction and will ensure quality of finish is up to the Jorgensens standard.

During the construction phase we will comply with:

Best building practices

NCC compliance

QDC compliance - MP 5.4

Australian standards

Environmental impact measures

Workplace health and safety requirements

At handover we will walk through your new centre to ensure your needs and expectations are met.

Our extensive experience allows us to provide you with helpful advice for the initial set-up and early stages of operating your new Child Care Facility.

We are proud members of Australian Childcare Alliance and trusted partners on Childcare Sales

Jorgensens are the Child Care Centre Builders for many satisfied customers.

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Jorgensens - Child care centre construction and build services

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When entrusting you with their children, parents are becoming more particular about the services you provide, along with the quality and feel of a Day Care Centre. Leaders in the industry, we will work with you from an early design and approval stage to ensure your new centre will look and feel just as you want it to.

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On this page you will find guidance on:

Approved provider reporting requirements about children in education and care services

Under the National Law and Regulations, the approved provider must notify the regulatory authority of any:

serious incidents

complaints

circumstances at the service which pose a risk to the health, safety or wellbeing of children

any incident or allegation that physical or sexual abuse of a child or children has occurred or is occurring while the child or children are being educated and cared for by the service.

Related requirements to have and to follow policies and procedures, and keep related records continue.

There are also other reporting requirements under different state and territory laws, e.g. child protection laws.

Serious incidents

You must notify the regulatory authority within 24 hours of becoming aware of a serious incident (Section 174(2)(a) and Regulation 176(2)(a).

A serious incident (regulation 12) is defined as any of the following:

the death of a child while being educated and cared for by the service or following an incident while being educated and cared for by the service

any incident involving a serious injury or trauma to a child while that child is being educated and cared for, which:

a reasonable person would consider required urgent medical attention from a registered medical practitioner; or

the child attended or ought reasonably to have attended a hospital e.g. broken limb*

any incident involving serious illness of a child while that child is being educated and cared for by a service for which the child attended, or ought reasonably to have attended, a hospital e.g. severe asthma attack, seizure or anaphylaxis*
NOTE: In some cases (for example rural and remote locations) a General Practitioner conducts consultations from the hospital site. Only treatment related to serious injury, illness or trauma is required to be notified, not other health matters.

any emergency for which emergency services attended
NOTE: This means an incident, situation or event where there is an imminent or severe risk to the health, safety or wellbeing of a person at an education and care service. It does not mean an incident where emergency services attended as a precaution.

a child appears to be missing or cannot be accounted for at the service

a child appears to have been taken or removed from the service in a manner that contravenes the National Regulations

a child is mistakenly locked in or locked out of the service premises or any part of the premises.

Notify the regulatory authority of serious incidents online through the NQA IT System. You can download the incident, injury, trauma and illness record template to record any supporting evidence or other (non-serious) incidents.

Complaints

You must notify the regulatory authority within 24 hours of any complaint alleging that a serious incident has occurred while the child is educated and cared for or complaints alleging that the Law has been contravened (Section 174(2)(b)).

Under the National Regulations, policies and procedures must be in place for dealing with complaints. The name and telephone number of the person to whom complaints can be made must be clearly visible at the service (Regulation 168(2)(o) and Regulation 173(2)(b)).

Download an information sheet on using complaints and grievances to support continuous improvement.

Any circumstances that pose a risk to the health, safety or wellbeing of a child

You must notify the regulatory authority within 7 days of becoming aware of a circumstance arising at the service that poses a risk to the health, safety or wellbeing of a child (Regulation 175(2)(c), Regulation 176(2)(c)).

Prescribed matters - physical and/or sexual abuse of a child

As an approved provider you must notify the regulatory authority of certain matters occurring while a child or children are being educated and cared for by the service.

From 1 October 2017 this must include:

any incident where you reasonably believe that physical and/or sexual abuse of a child has occurred or is occurring at the service

any allegation that sexual or physical abuse of a child has occurred or is occurring at the service.

Sexualised behaviour involving children

Providers and educators play an important role in making informed professional judgements regarding sexualised behaviour involving children. Not all sexual behaviour involving children poses a risk to their safety. It may be age-appropriate and expected sexualised behaviour.

Informed judgements regarding sexualised behaviour help to ensure the health, safety and wellbeing of children by:

supporting healthy sexual development (age-appropriate sexualised behaviour)

protecting them from harm or abuse (inappropriate or problem sexualised behaviour).

Note that in some cases, sexualised behaviour involving children may fall within reporting requirements under other laws.

Resources on identifying and responding to sexualised behaviour in children

State and territory governments have created a range of resources that may assist providers and educators to identify and respond to sexualised behaviour in children.

Monitor and manage sexualised behaviour

Educators and providers may find it helpful to use resources like the Traffic Lights Framework (TLF) to monitor and manage sexualised behaviours in children.

The TLF was developed by True and can also be accessed as a Traffic Lights App which describes healthy sexual behaviours (green), concerning behaviours (orange) and harmful behaviours (red) for children 0-17. It also explains possible reasons for specific behaviours, suggested responses and provides case studies.

Visit the True website for more information about these resources.
Please note that while these resources may be helpful for educators and providers, they are not officially endorsed by or associated with ACECQA.
Reporting requirements under other laws - child protection

Approved providers, educators and other education and care service staff may be required to report on incidents or suspected incidents involving children under other state and territory laws including child protection legislation.
Contact details for each state and territory are listed here.
Child protection awareness and training obligations

The approved provider must ensure that each nominated supervisor and person in day-to-day charge of the service has successfully completed the child protection training (if any) required in their jurisdiction. Child protection training may be required under a state or territory law, a government protocol or under another instrument such as a state government memorandum of understanding.

Under the National Law and Regulations the approved provider must also ensure the nominated supervisors and staff members at the service who work with children are advised of the existence and application of the current child protection law in the relevant jurisdiction and understand their obligations under that law.

Staff records must also continue to include staff clearances for working with children checks or teacher registrations.

The approved provider must ensure policies and procedures are in place in relation to providing a child safe environment (regulation 168).

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Aditional guidance on reporting requirements for education and care services.

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Australian Institute of Health and Welfare

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Child protection Overview - Australian Institute of Health and Welfare

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Child protection Overview page on the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare website

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Child protection in Australia

Child protection is an area of public law where authorities may intervene in family settings because of an allegation of harm or significant risk of harm to a child (Titterton, 2017).

In Australia, there is some Commonwealth legislation that provides guidance on child protection; however, state and territory governments have responsibility for the administration and operation of child protection services. Each state and territory has its own Act of Parliament (often referred to as laws) that governs how child protection interventions work.

Across Australia, a set of key principles guide all child protection legislation and a national framework provides a shared agenda for change in the way Australia manages child protection issues.

This resource sheet outlines:

key principles guiding child protection legislation

the National Framework for Protecting Australia's Children 2021-2031

Commonwealth, state and territory child protection legislation.

Note: For information on the state or territory agency responsible for child protection in each jurisdiction, see the CFCA resource sheet Reporting child abuse and neglect: Information for service providers.

Key principles guiding legislation

Each state and territory in Australia has its own child protection legislation, in addition to Commonwealth legislation. Key principles based on human rights conventions and frameworks underpin Australian legislation to ensure it is consistent and upholds children's rights and interests.

Human rights

The principles of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (United Nations, 1989) underpin all of Australia's child protection legislation. The Commonwealth Australian Human Rights Commission Act 1986(Cth) (AHRC Act) provides guidance on how to uphold the principles in the Convention on the Rights of the Child (AHRC Act Part III Schedule 3).

The Australian Capital Territory, Queensland and Victoria have human rights Acts or charters that also guide their child protection legislation and services. Other jurisdictions do not have human rights Acts but seek to include the protection of human rights within their legislation.

Child protection principles

The Family Law Act 1975 (Cth) is the key piece of Commonwealth legislation that sets out how child protection concerns raised in federal family law proceedings should be managed, including reporting obligations for family law court staff and mechanisms for courts to obtain information from child protection agencies. Child protection legislation in each state and territory differs according to local needs (Australian Institute of Health and Welfare [AIHW], 2021; Wise, 2017). However, legislation across the Commonwealth, states and territories has similar guiding principles. These principles include:

1. best interest of the child

2. early intervention and support for families

3. culturally appropriate care and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Child Placement Principles

4. participation of children and young people in decision-making processes.

An overview of these guiding principles in state and territory legislation is outlined below.
1. Best interest of the child
Legislation in all jurisdictions identifies the best interests of the child as the 'paramount' principle in decision-making processes. Each jurisdiction has policy provisions to guide decision making in line with this principle.

For example, section 5A of the Child Protection Act 1999 (Qld) outlines the best interests of the child as the main principle for administering the Act. As a result, conflicts between a child's best interests and the interests of an adult caring for the child are to be 'resolved in favour of the child's safety, wellbeing and best interests' (section 5A).
2. Early intervention and support for families
While all jurisdictions identify the use of early support or intervention services to prevent entry or re-entry into the statutory system, the delivery of these services varies. Each jurisdiction determines how much non-government service providers are involved in, or responsible for, the delivery of services and their funding.

For example, the Children and Young People (Safety) Act 2017 (SA) states early intervention is a priority where children and young people may be at risk (section 9). This Act also specifies that decisions and actions should be 'made as early as possible in the case of young children in order to promote permanence and stability' (section 10(1)(a)).
3. Culturally appropriate care and the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Child Placement Principle
Each jurisdiction has general provisions for maintaining a child's sense of cultural identity and community connectedness for Indigenous and non-Indigenous children. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children have a right to grow up with a communal sense of belonging, a stable sense of identity, to know where they are from and to know their place in relation to family, mob, community, land and culture. These rights are recognised within the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child.

There are specific provisions for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, young people and their families within child protection legislation, policy and practice that recognise these rights. These provisions are the result of decades of advocacy by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community-Controlled Organisations (ACCOs) and others to address the disproportionate rate at which Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children were being adopted or placed in the care of non-Indigenous carers. This led to the development of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Child Placement Principle (ATSICPP) (SNAICC, 2018). The ATSICPP contains five core elements: prevention, partnership, placement, participation and connection. All five elements should be implemented together to ensure that practice, policy and legislation:

recognise the importance of connections to family, community, culture and country when considering Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children's safety and wellbeing

protect the rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, family members and communities, including prioritising support for and placement decisions that include families, communities and Aboriginal community-controlled organisations

increase the level of self-determination of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people when discussing child protection and wellbeing

reduce the overrepresentation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children in child protection services (SNAICC, 2018).

All states and territories have implemented the ATSICPP either through legislation, policy or in regulation. For example, in Victoria, Part 1.2 Division 4 of the Children, Youth and Families Act 2005 (Vic.) section 13 outlines that the ATSICPP must inform decision making regarding Aboriginal children. In particular, section 18 allows the Secretary of the responsible department to authorise an approved ACCO to perform specified functions and powers in relation to a Children's Court protection order for an Aboriginal child or young person (DHHS, 2018; Liddle et al., 2021). This means that the ACCO will take on all decision making and responsibility for the child's case management and case plan (DHHS, 2018; Liddle et al., 2021).

SNAICC conduct comprehensive annual reviews of how each state and territory is implementing the ATSCIPP. The reports identify areas for improvement for each jurisdiction and provide guidance on gaps in implementation.

Family Matters, a national campaign to ensure Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and young people grow up safe and cared for in family, community and culture, release annual reports that highlight trends in child protection policy and practice (Liddle,et al., 2021: p. 5). The most recent Family Matters Report 2021 shows that while state and territory governments have made progress, implementation of the ATSCIPP is still limited (Liddle et al., 2021). Legislative changes have also not yet reduced the significant overrepresentation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and families in child protection systems. The rate of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children removed from their families remains 10 times higher than for non-Indigenous children (Liddle et al., 2021).
4. Participation of children and young people in decision-making processes
Legislation in all Australian jurisdictions supports involving children and young people in decision making (to the extent that their age and maturity allows). This includes consulting with and seeking the views of children on issues affecting their lives where appropriate.

For example, where decisions are made in relation to a child under the Children, Young Persons and Their Families Act 1997 (Tas.), the child should be provided with 'adequate information and explanation about the decision' (section 10F). In addition, the child's views should be taken into account, 'having regard to the child's maturity and understanding' (section 10F) and courts 'must allow the child a reasonable opportunity to give his/her own views personally' during proceedings (section 56). However, this right to participation is limited where the child is considered incapable of expressing their views (section 56) and a child is not required to express their views (section 58).

Safe and Supported: The National Framework for Protecting Australia's Children 2021-2031

Although state and territory governments are largely responsible for child protection, the National Framework sets out key priorities for managing child protection issues in Australia across jurisdictions. It aims to encourage consistent legislation and practice and sets benchmarks for assessing progress (COAG, 2021).

The Australian Government, through the Department of Social Services, has been working closely with state and territory governments, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leaders and the non-government sector to develop and agree on a successor plan to the National Framework for Protecting Australia's Children 2009-2020. The second national plan,Safe and Supported: the National Framework was launched in December 2021 and its first two five-year Action Plans are expected to be finalised in 2022. For the first time, there will be an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Action Plan developed in partnership with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander representatives alongside the general Action Plan.

Safe and Supported: The National Framework is for all Australian children, young people and families, with a targeted focus on groups that are experiencing disadvantage or are vulnerable to abuse and neglect. Key to its success will be listening to the voices and views of children and young people and those who care for them.

The four priority groups under the National Framework are:

1. children and families with multiple and complex needs

2. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and young people experiencing disadvantage or who are vulnerable

3. children and young people and/or parents/carers with disability experiencing disadvantage or who are vulnerable

4. children and young people who have experienced abuse and/or neglect, including children in out-of-home care and young people leaving out-of-home care and transitioning to adulthood.

The four focus areas under the National Framework are:

1. a national approach to early intervention and targeted support for children and families experiencing vulnerability or disadvantage

2. addressing the overrepresentation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children in child protection systems

3. improving information sharing, data development and analysis

4. strengthening the child and family sector and workforce capability.

(COAG, 2021)

Commonwealth, state and territory child protection legislation

This section outlines the key Commonwealth, state and territory legislation, including regulations, for child protection and other areas of legislation that overlap with child protection issues.

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A brief overview of child protection legislation across state and territory jurisdictions in Australia

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ChildSafe

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The Royal Commission hands down its long-awaited report.

The Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse was established in response to allegations of sexual abuse of children in institutional contexts that had been emerging in Australia for many years.

Over 16,000 individuals have contacted the Royal Commission and by the time it concluded it heard more than 8,000 personal stories in private sessions. Over 1,000 survivors have provided a written account of their experience.

They are rightly lead agents for change, after many decades of society's institutional failures to children. We must now resolve to do what we can to protect them, and future generations.
Read the final Royal Commission's report here

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ACECQA's National Education Leader, Rhonda Livingstone provides insight into National Quality Framework topics of interest. Child abuse and neglect is preventable. If we all work together as a community we can create an Australia where all children can grow up safe and well. What role can you play in supporting children and their families? ~ Richard Cooke, CEO, NAPCAN According to the latest Australian Institute of Health and Welfare Child Protection Australia 2016- 17 report, the number of children receiving child protection services continues to rise. Around 168,000 children received child protection services in 2016-2017 which equates to one in every 32 children. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children were seven times more likely to receive child protection services than non-Indigenous children. The report also highlights that the majority of children in the child protection system are repeat clients. The National Association for Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect (NAPCAN) invites us all to get involved with National Child Protection Week this week and play a part in creating safe and nurturing environments for all Australian children. Held annually, and commencing on Father's Day each September, National Child Protection Week (Sunday 2 - Saturday 8 September this year) reminds us that we all have a role in protecting children from harm. By building stronger communities, we can create safer environments for our children. The National Quality Framework (NQF) recognises the importance of creating safe environments for every child. From the National Law and Regulations to the National Quality Standard (NQS), creating and maintaining safe and nurturing environments for all children is recognised as quality practice, guiding us as we play our part in protecting children from harm. Creating safe and nurturing environments Creating safe environments within education and care settings is sometimes complex and challenging. Many of us are confident in our ability to create and design learning spaces with children that nurture the development of the individual child and fulfil their curiosity. We strive to ensure children are supervised as they play and relax in a variety of settings, from our homes to school settings. However, it is sometimes harder to build our capacity to respond confidently and to challenge our thinking about how we support the ongoing health, safety and wellbeing of every child. Quality Area 2 - Children's health and safety, reinforces each child's right to experience quality education and care in an environment that provides for their ongoing health and safety. Element 2.2.3 requires that management, educators and staff be aware of their roles and responsibilities to identify and respond to every child at risk of abuse or neglect. Under Section 162A of the Education and Care National Law, the approved provider has the responsibility of ensuring that each nominated supervisor and each person in day-to-day charge of the service has successfully completed child protection training, if required in their state or territory. The approved provider also has the responsibility of ensuring that the nominated supervisors and staff members at the service are advised of the existence and application of the current child protection law and that they understand any obligations they may have under that law (Education and Care Services National Regulations, r 84). Are you a mandatory reporter? Across Australia, state and territory legislation prescribes occupations that are mandated to report a child at risk of abuse or neglect. Those who frequently deal with children in the course of their work, such as education and care professionals, are usually mandatory reporters. For more information on the legal provisions and your role as a mandatory reporter, head to: https://aifs.gov.au/cfca/publications/mandatory-reporting-child-abuse-and-neglect. What does mandatory reporting mean? Mandatory reporting is a strategy that acknowledges the prevalence, seriousness and often hidden nature of child abuse and neglect. It enables the detection of cases that otherwise may not come to the attention of agencies. The laws help to create a culture that is more child-centred and build a community that will not tolerate serious abuse and neglect of children. Research has shown that mandated reporters make a substantial contribution to child protection and family welfare. Child Safe Organisations Project As part of the Child Safe Organisations Project and commissioned by the Commonwealth Department of Social Services, Australia's National Children's Commissioner, Megan Mitchell, is leading the development of National Principles for Child Safe Organisations. The National Principles are intended to apply to all organisations, including education and care services across Australia. They are due to be endorsed by the Council of Australian Governments in mid-to late 2018. The National Principles reflect ten Child Safe Standards recommended by the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse, with a broader scope that goes beyond sexual abuse to cover other forms of potential harm. The National Principles aim to drive the implementation of a child safe culture across all sectors, providing services to children and young people to ensure the safety and wellbeing of children and young people across Australia. Organisations should be safe and welcoming for all children and young people. The National Principles highlight ways in which organisations should consider the needs of children from diverse backgrounds and circumstances. The principles emphasise the importance of culturally safe environments and practices for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and young people. The National Principles collectively show that a child safe organisation is one that creates a culture, adopts strategies and takes action to promote child wellbeing and prevent harm to children and young people. This may begin with the development of your service philosophy and policies and procedures, which underpin and lead to, the creation of ongoing quality practices. These practices, informed by critical reflection and meaningful engagement with families and community members, allow educators and staff to proactively identify and respond confidently to issues related to the safety and protection of children attending the service. A child safe organisation consciously and systematically:

creates an environment where children's safety and wellbeing is the centre of thought, values and actions

emphasises genuine engagement with, and valuing of, children

creates conditions that reduce the likelihood of harm to children and young people

creates conditions that increase the likelihood of identifying any harm

responds to any concerns, disclosures, allegations or suspicions of harm.

Let's all be a part of National Child Protection Week To get involved with National Child Protection Week, you can:

Check out the NAPCAN website for events in your area or plan an event at your service. Some examples of events you could consider for your service include: - a display made collaboratively by children and educators - a shared meal at your service - attending a local forum supporting child safety, or - joining in with a local family to support services fundraiser.

Encourage your families and staff to attend an event being held in your local community.

Make your influence positive; start a conversation today with your colleagues and families about listening to and valuing the voice of children and young people. What might this look like within your service?

Reflective questions

How do you inform families and community members about the service's role and responsibility in protecting children?

How do new employees become informed about child protective measures that your service has in place?

How are the Exceeding NQS themes reflected in your practices for Quality Area 2?

Does your philosophy reflect your service's child safe practices?

Is your service a child safe organisation?

Further reading and resources ACECQA - Reporting requirements about children. Guidance on the different reporting requirements under the National Law and Regulations. NAPCAN - free downloadable resources to share with families, staff and children. Australian Institute of Family Studies website - provides information on Children's Commissioners and Guardians in each state and territory. Australian Human Rights Commission - Building Belonging is a comprehensive toolkit of resources for promoting child safety and inclusion. Australian Human Rights Commission - Child Safe Organisations: Tools and resources. Australian Institute of Family Studies - Child Protection Legislation Resource Sheet 2018

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ACECQA's National Education Leader , Rhonda Livingstone provides insight into National Quality Framework topics of interest. Child abuse and neglect is preventable. If we all work together as a community...