Child protection policy implications for Northern Rivers region in the spotlight

The researchers responsible for evaluating the NSW government’s sweeping changes to child protection policy will be in Lismore next week (Tuesday May 19) to share their findings and discuss the impact for children and families in the Northern Rivers.

The seminar ‘Learning from the Keep Them Safe program evaluation: Improving Child Protection Outcomes in the Northern Rivers’ is presented by the Collaborative Research Network. The Network is a partnership between the Southern Cross University Centre for Children and Young People (CCYP) and UNSW Social Policy Research Centre (SPRC) and aims to bring research expertise to the area. The event is hosted by the Northern Rivers Social Development Council.

Chief investigators Dr kylie valentine and Professor Ilan Katz, both from SPRC, completed the Keep Them Safe (KTS) Outcomes Evaluation Final Report in June 2014.

Dr valentine said KTS was arguably the most significant change to child protection policy in NSW since the introduction of mandatory reporting in 1987.

“The KTS Evaluation covered the most important topics in child welfare and family support: early intervention, holistic services, and timely responses for families who need them. We’re looking forward to discussing both the big picture findings, and what they mean for people in their daily practice,” she said.

Dr valentine and Professor Katz will present both local and state-wide findings and evaluation methodology and will engage in discussion on the implications for service delivery in the Northern Rivers.

‘Keep Them Safe: A shared approach to child wellbeing’ is the NSW Government's five-year (2009-14) action plan to re-shape the way family and community services are delivered in NSW to improve the safety, welfare, and wellbeing of children and young people. It was developed in response to recommendations from the Special Commission of Inquiry into Child Protection Services in NSW.

KTS includes actions to enhance the universal service system, improve prevention and early intervention services, better protect children at risk, support Aboriginal children and families, and strengthen partnerships with non-government organisations in the delivery of community services.

Dr Sally Robinson, a research fellow at the CCYP, said she encouraged organisations working to support and protect children to attend the event.

“This free seminar and workshop will share the findings of the most extensive program evaluation conducted in NSW, and provide opportunities for human services sector organisations to share insights and consider action that we can take to improve outcomes for children and families in the Northern Rivers region.

“This important seminar is possible because of the Collaborative Research Network – in this case, bringing together a research collaboration between our regional and nationally regarded researchers, with and for local community agencies. We are particularly grateful to the Northern Rivers Social Development Council for hosting the event.”

Event details:
‘Learning from the Keep Them Safe program evaluation: Improving Child Protection Outcomes in the Northern Rivers’ seminar
Tuesday May 19
9am for a 9.30am start. Ends 12.30pm. Free.
Ballina Surf Club, Lighthouse Parade, East Ballina.
For more information and to RSVP: kts.rsvp@nrsdc.org.au

Photo: Cover of the Keep Them Safe Outcomes Evaluation Final Report.