Prompted by the significant legislative changes to Victoria’s child protection system which take effect on 1 March, a number of the sector’s leading organisations are convening a series of policy seminars in 2016 to promote collaboration and reform in the interests of children’s rights and family well-being.
The series of policy seminars – Children’s Matters: What really matters to Victoria’s children? – is a collaborative initiative from:
- MHYFVic (Mental Health for the Young and their Families)
- The Law Institute of Victoria
- Berry Street
- The Office of the Public Advocate
- Victorian Aboriginal Child Care Agency (VACCA)
This first seminar will focus on the major 2014 reforms to the Children Youth & Families Act 2005 in Victoria and explore the strengths and limitations of these changes and the likely impacts on children and families.
Key issues for discussion will include:
- improving permanency and stability of care,
- the rights of siblings in care to live together,
- Aboriginal children’s connections to culture and family,
- judicial and independent oversight of children in care, and,
- supporting children and parents with disabilities.
Held at the Royal Children’s Hospital on Monday 29 February, this first seminar will hear a keynote presentation from the Hon. Justice Alastair Nicholson AO RFD QC.
Panel presenters, including Muriel Bamblett AM (VACCA), will provide challenging thought leadership and create opportunities for policy collaboration in the child protection sphere.
For further information, including registration details, please download the flyer.
