Click HERE to watch NBN report on the Child Aware Local Initiative
Lismore will be one of the first two communities across Australia to trial the Federal Government’s new Child Aware Local Initiative, which will support local communities to implement local solutions and practical actions that contribute to keeping children safe and well.
“I pushed for Lismore to trial this initiative because it fits with my conviction that no one knows the needs and problems of local communities better than local community members,” Mr Hogan said.
“This program will assist local communities to implement important policies that are practical and will help keep our children safe from harm. The Child Aware Local Initiative will build upon local knowledge and local resources, providing tools and expertise about effective campaigns for child protection.”
The initiative is based on the rationale that strong communities can provide a protective and nurturing environment for children and families. Evidence has shown that community wellbeing is tied to the community’s capacity to solve its own problems.
The Child Aware Local Initiative will be rolled out in stages over the next 18 months.
YWCA NSW, who is a Communities for Children Facilitating Partner, will play a key role in implementing the initiative in Lismore.
Families Australia and the Australian Centre for Child Protection are leading this important work nationally, working in partnership with the Commonwealth and state and territory governments to trial the initiative.
They will support YWCA NSW by providing expertise and the necessary tools and resources to help communities identify local issues and implement sustainable local plans of action.
