Page 3487 - Week 11 - Thursday, 24 September 2015
Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . . PDF . . . . Video
minimise inconvenience and further streamline administrative processes. We will also simplify the approval process for carers and enable delegation of this function to be approved to the care and protection organisations.
We know that young people who leave the care system generally have poorer life outcomes than other young people, so we are stepping up for these young people by extending access to the carer subsidy to 21 years of age, rather than l8 years, where appropriate. Improving outcomes is not only important for young people but also has a positive impact on the wider community. Downstream social and economic service benefits can be realised by providing better support for young people as they transition from care.
We have listened to agencies that told us they wanted less government involvement in their work with children and young people. We are providing agencies with greater autonomy in supporting children and young people than before. This bill will enable delegation of the responsibility to declare care teams and share information to be made by approved care and protection organisations.
We are putting in place additional safeguards to enhance the oversight of the out of home care system. In recognition of the increased role approved care and protection organisations will play under a step up for our kids, these organisations would be required to assist the Public Advocate when requested to do so by the Public Advocate. Psychologists will now be added to the list of mandated reporters under the Children and Young People Act as they can play an important role in the early detection of cases of suspected child abuse. This is in addition to an existing list of professionals that have contact with or provide services to children, young people and their families.
This bill will also enhance the functions of the Children and Youth Services Ministerial Advisory Council to allow it to be established from time to time with a specific strategic purpose and remit. This will ensure that a council is only stood up when there is a clearly identified requirement. The council will no longer consist of a representative membership but will be comprised of members with expertise as deemed appropriate for its purpose when it is established from time to time.
I propose to establish a statutory council immediately and its remit will be to monitor and report to me on the implementation of a step up for our kids. A small number of other minor and technical amendments are also included in this bill to improve the administration of the Children and Young People Act. These are detailed in the bill and its accompanying explanatory statement.
Through a step up for our kids we are addressing the major challenges faced by out of home care services, creating a more sustainable system and most importantly helping children and young people take a step up in their lives. This Children and Young People Amendment Bill 2015 (No 3) will give effect to this significant reform, improving outcomes for our community’s most vulnerable children and young people and giving them a better opportunity to live full, happy and productive lives.
Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . . PDF . . . . Video