Guiding principle for keeping children safe

The Children and Young Persons (Care and Protection) Act 1998 (the Care Act) outlines the principles that inform our work with children and families. The overriding principle of the Care Act is that the safety, welfare and wellbeing of children must be paramount in all decisions concerning them. Agencies working together collaboratively will be able to make better decisions concerning a child’s safety and the ability of their family to protect them.

The delivery of effective support and assistance to children and families with vulnerabilities is a complex combination of activities. It requires an integrated approach where all those involved work together effectively to help keep children well and safe so they can thrive and reach their potential.

Working in partnership together with families and each other is essential to achieving better outcomes for all children and families in NSW.

Aboriginal children and families

The Care Act includes the principles of Aboriginal self-determination (section 11) and participation in decision making (section 12). This ensures Aboriginal people participate in decision making regarding the care and protection of their children. The right to self-determination for Aboriginal people is also provided for in Article 3 of the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.

The Aboriginal Case Management Policy (ACMP) is an operational framework for all practitioners working with Aboriginal children and families across the continuum of support in NSW. The ACMP provides a framework for Aboriginal-led and culturally embedded case management practice to safeguard the best interests of Aboriginal children.

The Aboriginal Consultation Guide (PDF, 1.6 MB) can be used to guide effective and ongoing consultation with Aboriginal families and communities.