Working together to build stronger communities to protect our children

Federal Member for Hinkler Keith Pitt says the community has a huge part to play in protecting and supporting children.

This week is National Child Protection Week (September 4-10) and this year’s theme is ‘Stronger Communities, Safer Children’.

Events are taking place around the country so that community members can get together to focus on promoting the safety and wellbeing of children and young people in their neighbourhoods.

“Approximately 40,000 Australian children are abused or neglected each year, which demonstrates the need to do more. I am committed to working together with our community to ensure children and young people are valued, nurtured and live free from abuse and neglect,” Mr Pitt said.

Governments across Australia, together with the community sector, are implementing the National Framework for Protecting Australia’s Children and the new strategies set out in the Third Action Plan 2015 – 2018, which is focused on prevention and early intervention.

A paper released by the Australian Institute of Family Studies, in partnership with NAPCAN, showcases existing evidence that stronger communities are fundamental to preventing child abuse and neglect.

“We need to build communities where there is a sense of belonging, where people know each other and where families are supported. Evidence shows there are tangible long term benefits when you volunteer, when you connect with other families, when you run a community organisation or program.

“I would like to acknowledge and thank all the volunteers and local services in our community for doing their bit to support families and children and who also make Hinkler a great place to live,” Mr Pitt said.

National Child Protection Week is an opportunity for all Australians – as community members, extended family members, neighbours, employers, employees, parents, carers or through other roles – to focus on how we can play a part in promoting the safety and wellbeing of children and young people.

For more information about National Child Protection Week, head to www.napcan.org.au.