National Child Protection Week(Opens in a new tab/window) (NCPW) is an annual initiative based on the principle that ‘protecting children is everyone’s business’. It aims to raise awareness about the complexity of child abuse and neglect. It also aims to empower the community to work together to prevent it.
The National Association for Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect(Opens in a new tab/window) (NAPCAN) proudly hosts NCPW.
This year NCPW runs from Sunday 4 September to Saturday 10 September. The theme is ‘Every child, in every community, needs a fair go’. Every family and community must have access to support services they need so their children can grow up safe and supported.
NCPW is a great time to start conversations with children and families about feeling safe. Children are safest when they are listened to, respected and believed.
NCPW shares the vision and goals of Safe and Supported: The National Framework for Protecting Australia’s Children 2021-2031 (Safe and Supported). Safe and Supported will be delivered through 2 sets of 5-year action plans. Each set will include a general and an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander-specific action plan. The action plans will outline how governments and stakeholders can work together to reduce child abuse and neglect in Australia, now and into the future. The Department of Social Services is working closely with key stakeholders including an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Leadership Group, state and territory governments, and the National Coalition on Child Safety and Wellbeing to develop the action plans which will be finalised later this year.
To find out more about NCPW and how you can get involved visit the NAPCAN(Opens in a new tab/window) website.