Thursday, 12 September 2024

 Lizzie BLANDTHORN (Western Metropolitan – Minister for Children, Minister for Disability) (12:32): I rise to inform the house that last week was National Child Protection Week. National Child Protection Week provides an important opportunity to acknowledge the vital role of child protection and family services staff across the state in protecting and caring for children, young people and families. It was a pleasure to attend both the child protection staff awards and the Victorian Protecting Children Awards last Tuesday to witness the effort and passion of the teams and individuals who work every day to keep children safe and families strong. This year we also recognised the dedication of the child protection litigation office, who are an essential element of our child protection program. There were 202 nominations for the child protection staff awards and 148 nominations for the Victorian Protecting Children Awards, being the third year in a row that a new record for nominations has been reached. I want to acknowledge all finalists and nominees for their recognition and achievements.

I particularly want to recognise the Take Two southern metropolitan leadership group from Berry Street, who were the winner of the Minister’s Award for Excellence in Protecting Children. The team developed and delivered a targeted therapeutic intervention program for babies, children and carers. The team created a safe space where babies, children and carers felt comfortable engaging with new people. Their tailored early intervention and supports resulted in many positive outcomes: babies and children began displaying more playfulness and joy in their relationships with their carers. Similarly, carers reported feeling more confident in their parenting abilities and are developing more connected and attuned relationships with their child. The team has engaged and empowered carers, championed the voices of children and promoted self-determination. I congratulate them again for this work.

Throughout both awards ceremonies one thing was constant: not only were the finalists and winners champions in promoting the rights and wellbeing of children and families but they spoke to the support that they received from their teams and managers and across the children and family system. That support should be broader. We are obligated in this place to acknowledge and support those in the children and family system, who every day strive to improve the lives of children and families, and that is a responsibility we all have.