Strategic Priorities & Advocacy
Our Focus
Allies for Children collaborate with the view to influence and have a positive impact on the child protection system nationally. They are active members of state and national peaks who do good policy, advocacy, sector support work, as well as leading strong, progressive organisations with their own strategies and initiatives.
In September 2022, the alliance identified four aligned strategic priorities. While all child welfare areas of focus are important and these three interconnected, each organisation acknowledges the urgency for action in response to the escalating over-representation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children in the child protection and youth justice systems, and the systemic challenges making First Nations family reunification less likely.
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The over-representation of First Nations children and young people in the child protection and 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]()
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%.
A new approach to recruitment, qualification and retention of this essential workforce is required to address the national social worker shortage.
