Young people, children and families

Government of Western Australia

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The Department of Communities is committed to supporting young people, children and families across the state through various initiatives, programs and strategies.

Department programs and initiatives to support young people, children and families include Working with Children Checks; monitoring and compliance of education and care services; working with local communities on early years initiatives; coordinating Youth Week WA celebrations and the Ministerial Youth Advisory Council; and funding community services and local governments to run projects that improve the life of Western Australians aged from 0 to 25.

A young man in a wheelchair, smiling with his friends at a cafe.

Young people

The Department develops programs and policies that meet the needs of Western Australian young people aged 12-25 years. Working with young people, community groups and government agencies at local, State and national levels we continue to meet the diverse needs of young people in a variety of ways.

A panel of young people sitting in a row, smiling.

Ministerial Youth Advisory Council

The Ministerial Youth Advisory Council (MYAC) was established in 2017 to provide advice to the Minister for Youth on matters relating to young people. MYAC is comprised of 12 young Western Australians, aged 15 to 25 years, who draw upon their relevant knowledge, experience and skills.

A young girl smiling, with colourful paint on her hands.

Education and Care Regulatory Unit

The Department of Communities approves and monitors education and care services through the Education and Care Regulatory Unit (ECRU).

Working with Children Check WA

The Working with Children Check (WWC Check) is a compulsory screening strategy in Western Australia and the Christmas and Cocos (Keeling) Islands.

Two young children having fun playing in mud.

Early Years Initiative

This is a partnership between the State Government and the Minderoo Foundation to work differently with communities to improve the development, health and learning of children from conception to four years, and to create lasting change.

Two young Aboriginal children smiling and having fun.

Early Years Networks

Early Years Networks play an important role in connecting a community by working collaboratively to develop and implement services and activities aimed at improving outcomes for young children and their families. They provide a platform to build collaborative practices between organisations.

Page reviewed 5 January 2023

© Government of Western Australia 2017 to 2023