Council's Draft Child Protection Policy will be placed on public exhibition during National Child Protection Week (2- 8 September).
Mayor Greg Cummings said Cumberland Council believes that the safety and wellbeing of children and young people is everybody’s business.
“The statistics are distressing; that one in 32 children across Australia each year are the victims of child abuse. Council supports the rights of children and young people and we are committed to their care and protection,” Mayor Greg Cummings said.
“Our goal is for children and young people to have safe and happy experiences in our community, while accessing our facilities and while in our care. Our Child Protection Policy reflects our commitment to being a Child-Safe Organisation.
“We know that children thrive when they are part of strong connected communities and have the support they need. Child Protection Week is an opportunity for government, business and the community to come together to promote the safety and wellbeing of children and young people.
“We value the voices of our children and young people and want to hear what they have to say. Council will be developing a Children and Families Strategy over the next 12 months where we will be engaging directly with children to hear what matters most to them.
“We all have a role to play in protecting children from harm. As a community we need to take a proactive approach to creating safe environments. This includes listening to the needs of children, being a good role model around children and young people, looking out for signs of abuse or neglect and speaking to experts if you think something is wrong.”
Council’s Child Protection Policy is on public exhibition until 26th September 2018. For more information on Child Protection Week (2-8 September) visit napcan.org.au.
