Working together to protect children

In NSW, the safety and wellbeing of children is the shared responsibility of parents and families, and is supported by the community, government and non-government organisations. When we all work together, children and families are more likely to be supported in a coordinated and seamless way, which helps achieve better outcomes for all.

We aim to build relationships that reflect trust, mutual respect and commitment with both families and agency partners. All practitioners are accountable for maintaining communication and connection to ensure effective collaborative partnerships.

Partnership with families

Good collaborative practice sets up a working alliance with families and helps to create a team of effective supports around them. Families and children should be supported to actively engage in planning, actions and decision-making around their lives. Working in partnership with a family can also help practitioners understand a family’s informal support networks and how these can support effective change.

Collaboration can:

• increase access to and use of services by families
• promote holistic service
• facilitate the communication of consistent information to families.

For specific information, guidance and resources for working with people with disability, Aboriginal families, culturally and linguistically diverse communities, and people with diverse gender and sexuality identity, see Working with children and families.