The third edition of the WA Signs of Safety Child Protection Practice Framework (the Framework) was launched yesterday at an event attended by up to 40 guests.
Attendees included representatives from partner agencies, Early Intervention Family Support Services and Aboriginal Controlled Organisations, alongside Department of Communities (Communities) Staff who celebrated the revision of the Framework as part of the ongoing commitment to promoting the safety and wellbeing of children and young people.
For the past 18 years this Framework has been the core child protection framework in Western Australia (WA) and continues to evolve through collaboration with child safety practitioners, people with lived experience and the sector. The revised Framework supports child safety practitioners to strengthen culturally responsive, Family and Domestic Violence and trauma informed, accessible and inclusive child protection practice tailored to the individual needs of families and children.
For Deputy Director General, Melanie Samuels, Child Protection and Family and Support, it has been important that child protection practice continues to evolve to support child safety practitioners to strengthen their practice.
"Child protection practice is my passion, and I care deeply about the work our practitioners do with families each day. It is work that carries immense responsibility.
"The Framework offers shared language and disciplines that support child safety practitioners to navigate complexity with care, accountability and purpose.
"The Framework has been revised to reflect what we have learnt over time through practice, evidence, and deep listening – particularly to Aboriginal children, families, Elders and communities. This includes promoting transparent, strengths-based child protection practice informed by place based cultural customs and protocols", Melanie said.
The revised Framework also incorporates a new Principle: Culture at the Heart, which refers to the respect for culture in child protection practice and promotes positive working relationships with families. Culture at the Heart is informed by Aboriginal people and built on decades of child protection practice which recognises the voices of children and the expertise of families to create safety in their own lives.
"In launching the revised WA Signs of Safety Child Protection Practice Framework, we uphold our commitment to child safety, to Aboriginal partnership, self‑determination, and to safe, inclusive communities for all children and young people across Western Australia," said Melanie.
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