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6.2
Public Policy & Advocacy
Building a long term strategic approach to public policy and advocacy in 2010 has
presented the challenge of debating the breadth of policy issues that Berry Street
will seek to influence. Issues which impact on the well being of children and
families span every government portfolio and every level of government. Hence
the list of public policy issues that Berry Street could arguably take an interest in is
endless.
Our Public Policy and Advocacy Agenda will provide a framework to prioritise
public policy work, focusing where we can have the most influence and are most
likely to secure significant reforms for the benefit of clients and communities.
Those five theme areas are:
Safety is not enough
Fairness & Equity for Families
No Place for Violence
Two Ways Together – Supporting Aboriginal Families and Children
Childhood Belongs to Children
Alongside work to develop the Public Policy and Advocacy Agenda, we have
maintained a significant level of activity in responding to current policy reform
processes.
During 2010 we have provided formal submissions or made formal representations
in relation to:
Looking After Children (LAC) integrated reporting and standards.
National Standards for Out of Home Care.
Extension of Bushfire Case Management and Recovery Support.
National Framework for the Protection of Australia’s Children.
Development of an Aboriginal Kinship Care Program by DHS.
DHS Cultural Support Plans (problems with).
Reform of Victorian Government early years programs for children at risk or
known to Child Protection.
Productivity Commission report on the Contribution of the Not-for-Profit
Sector.
Health promotion for young people in Out of Home Care, including sex
education.
Kinship care program reforms.
Victorian Ombudsman Out of Home Care own motion inquiry.
Charter of Rights for Children and Young People.
Proposal for a ‘Vulnerable Children’s Framework’, developed in partnership
with VACCA, Community Child Care Victoria, Domestic Violence Victoria and
the Centre for Excellence in Child and Family Welfare.
National reform of Family Violence legislation.
Australian Parliament Joint Select Inquiry into Cyber Safety.
The Victorian Government review of Alternate Education.
Victorian Law Reform Commission review of Child Protection statutory models.
Establishment of a National Children’s Commissioner.
Northern Territory Child Protectio