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Children and Young People
Principles
The NSW Government is committed to a coordinated and comprehensive program to promote the protection of children and young people.
(Refer to the NSW Interagency Guidelines for Child Protection Intervention.)
The following principles guide the Government's work with young people.
- Participation: Young people should be active participants in developing policies, programs and services and in decision-making that impacts upon their lives.
- Connection: Connection to family, school, community and other young people is an essential component in supporting and protecting young people.
- Opportunity: Young people require fair access to opportunities and services so that they can enjoy life and participate in the community.
- Early intervention and prevention: Strengthening the capacity of peers, families, schools and the general community to support young people and to promote resilience offers the greatest long-term benefit to young people.
- Collaboration between services: Consultation, collaboration and partnerships between organisations working with young people are essential to improving existing services, planning new programs and providing quality services to young people.
(Refer to the NSW Youth Action Plan.)
Key Obligations of Agencies
Protect children from risk of harm
Better Practice
Youth participation
From a service perspective, agencies can benefit from using principles on youth participation in Government.
| Note: Age Discrimination Commonwealth and State Government laws make it unlawful to discriminate against a person on the basis of age. These laws apply to people of all ages. For more information, see the Older People chapter of the Service Principles and Obligations mini-site. |
Lead Agency and Further Help
The lead agencies for the above are the Department of Community Services and the Commission for Children and Young People. However, your agency may have a policy and/or a person responsible. Refer to them first.
- The NSW Youth Action Plan and Interagency Guidelines for Child Protection Intervention – contact the Department of Community Services.
- Regarding screening for child-related employment – contact the Commission for Children and Young People.