Safer WA for Children and Young People

Latest news

Working with Children (Criminal Record Checking) Amendment Bill 2022

The Minister for Child Protection, the Hon Simone McGurk MLA, introduced the Working with Children (Criminal Record Checking) Amendment Bill 2022 into the Western Australian Parliament on 17 August 2022. The Bill was passed by the Legislative Assembly on 20 September 2022 and introduced into the Legislative Council on 21 September 2022. For further information visit the Working with Children website.

Feedback sought for child safeguarding in local government consultation

Local government authorities and relevant stakeholders’ feedback is being sought on the draft Child Safe Awareness Policy which aims to reduce the risk of harm and child abuse in local communities.

Release of harmful sexual behaviours practice framework

• The Department of Communities together with the Australian Centre for Child Protection Western Australia are excited to release the Framework for Understanding and Guiding Responses to Harmful Sexual Behaviours in Children and Young People.

Another key milestone in the State Government’s implementation of Royal Commission recommendations

• The Australian Centre for Child Protection has launched the WA arm of its national program, which focuses on supports, training and research for children who have been sexually abused or are displaying harmful sexual behaviours. Media statement (30 May 2022): Australian Centre for Child Protection launches WA program.

Important changes to legislation to further protect children now in effect

• The Children and Community Services Amendment Act 2021 commenced on 1 May 2022. Further information and resources are available at Children and Community Services Act 2004.

Commissioning for Child Sexual Abuse Therapeutic Services

• A range of activities is currently underway to inform future commissioning of services that support safety, healing and recovery for children and families who have experienced child sexual abuse.

Increased funding announced to protect the State’s vulnerable

• Protection of vulnerable children, young people and families prioritised as the WA Government announces funding boost in the State Budget. Media statement (22 April 2022): $114 million boost to protect and support Western Australian children.

Have your say

• We want to hear from organisations about the work that you have undertaken, plan to undertake or are currently progressing to implement the National Principles for Child Safe Organisations.
  • Find out more about the Implementation Framework for this project.
  • Complete this questionnaire to submit your work.

Progress Reports

• Progress Reports on Western Australia’s implementation of the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse

Media statement

• Media statement (8 April 2022): State Government delivering on commitments following Royal Commission into Child Sexual Abuse