Page 4244 - Week 13 - Thursday, 14 December 2006
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• Research commenced on Children’s Experiences of Homelessness, aimed at improving responses to children and young people at risk of homelessness. The research is due for completion in 2007 and
• The development of a draft memorandum of understanding between Care and Protection Services and the Youth Supported Accommodation Assistance Program (YSAAP) commenced in 2006.
Children—care and protection
(Question No 1329)
Mrs Burke asked the Minister for Disability and Community Services, upon notice, on 17 October 2006:
Does the Department maintain a Child Protection Policies and Practices Manual; if so, where can a copy of the Manual be obtained.
Ms Gallagher: The answer to the member’s question is as follows:
Care and Protection Services has always had a policy and procedures manual and this is subject to improvement and change due to legislative and best practice requirements. The manual is reviewed on a regular basis and currently is available only to agencies supporting young people in care.
Children—participation strategy
(Question No 1330)
Mrs Burke asked the Minister for Disability and Community Services, upon notice, on 17 October 2006:
Does the ACT Government maintain a participation strategy for children and young people; if so, what details are available on how many young people have utilised such a strategy since 2004.
Ms Gallagher: The answer to the member’s question is as follows:
Government has established a whole of government framework which seeks the participation of its community members. The Canberra Social Plan, established by Government in 2004, provides the overall framework. The Social Compact and the Community Engagement Service Charter, arising from the Plan, states:
“To facilitate community engagement opportunities irrespective of age, gender, cultural background, varying abilities and literacy, all engagement will be appropriately targeted and accessible so that relevant sections of our community have an opportunity to be heard on issues that affect them.”
Children and young people have additional mechanisms and services through which they may participate. This includes, the ACT Children’s Plan, the ACT Young People’s Plan, the Ministerial Youth Council, Youth InterACT and Child and Family Centres.
Individual programs involving young people such as Youth InterACT record 159,230 hits to their web site since January 2004, they have 477 registered members who are consulted on
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