We are Allies for Children.
Inspiring Positive Change in the Child, Youth & Family Sector.
Closing the Gap Target 12 is Everyone’s Responsibility
The trajectory of Closing the Gap Target 12 - reducing the over-representation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children in out-of-home care is demanding something different from non-Indigenous organisations.
About Allies for Children
We are a committed partnership of chief executives working across the child, youth and family sector to ignite long term, positive outcomes for vulnerable children, young people, and families.
Our Strategic Priorities
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The over-representation of First Nations children and young people in the child protection & youth justice systems
Tragically, First Nations children and young people are 10 times more likely to end up in the child protection system than non-indigenous children in Australia.
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![Age of Criminal responsibility of children]()
Age of Criminal responsibility of children
Allies for Children joins academics, the legal community, child advocacy groups, non-government organisations, First Nations communities and leaders and health and medical experts in calls for the age of criminal responsibility to be raised in all remaining Australian states to a minimum of 14 years.
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Child protection reform through early intervention investment
Allies for Children advocate to advance greater investment in early intervention and restoration models in state child protection systems.
Further investment into effective, tailored and coordinated prevention and early intervention services and supports are needed.
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Workforce challenges impacting the child, youth & families sector
Australia is facing a nationwide shortage of social workers. Social workers are one of the top 20 occupations in demand nationally, with demand predicted to grow at a rate of more than 23%.
“We need to employ transformative and innovative initiatives to see real systemic change for children and families in Australia.”
— Life Without Barriers Chief Executive Officer, Claire Robbs.