Page 5348 - Week 13 - Thursday, 29 November 2018

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(3) The ACT Government provides specific parenting education resources that support parents, carers and professionals recognise and respond to concerns of child abuse. ParentLink is a parenting information dissemination program designed to increase confidence and skills in parents and caregivers. Parentlink information is up-to-date, correct and appropriate information that reflects best practice.

ParentLink resources are designed to inform and educate adults, with guides and factsheets providing information relevant for children from birth. ParentLink includes over 70 parenting guides and factsheets across a range of topics. In relation to child sexual abuse, ParentLink offers the parenting guide Protecting Children from Sexual Abuse. This guide includes advice for parents and caregivers about what is child abuse; what parents can do to keep their children safe; identifying possible signs of sexual abuse; and the effects of sexual abuse on a child.

ParentLink parenting guides are available in printed form and online, which enables ongoing review of information to ensure it remains current and reflects best practice. The suite of resources has recently been rebranded and now also includes guides specifically for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families and diverse cultural groups.

Both Bravehearts and Child Wise also provide a range of free resources for parents and carers online and available for download.

Any future changes to ACT Government resources will be made in the context of our response to the Royal Commission recommendations.

Bimberi Youth Justice Centre—foetal alcohol spectrum disorder
(Question No 2042)

Mrs Kikkert asked the Minister for Children, Youth and Families, upon notice, on 2 November 2018:

(1) In relation to improving diagnosis and support for Bimberi detainees in relation to foetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) in the ACT, did the Minister, on 9 May 2018, note that “training on how best to work with and support detainees with FASD should be part of the constellation of staff training on responding to trauma and mental health”; if so, what progress has been made to date in improving (a) diagnosis, management and support in relation to detainees who may or do suffer from FASD and (b) staff training at Bimberi as well as within the Community Services Directorate in relation to detainees and FASD.

(2) Did the Minister also state that the Blueprint for Youth Justice Taskforce is “specifically looking at some emerging challenges and the need to better support young people with disability and mental health concerns who come into contact with the justice system,” and that on the topic of FASD concerns, that “this will be taken into account”; if so, what progress has been made to date in investigating challenges and recommendations specifically related to FASD, to support young people in Bimberi.

(3) What plans does the ACT Government have to improve diagnosis, management and support detainees with FASD, and what organisations and stakeholders will be consulted as part of the process in (a) 2018-19 and (b) 2019-20.


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