The first Generational Change Reform Annual Report, including reporting on the implementation of two Royal Commissions, has been released. This is a progress report on the Territory Government’s action plan to improve the lives of children and families, and create safer communities.

The impacts of the Reform indicate the start of a major turn-around in the lives of vulnerable children.  These impacts include:

• A reduction in notifications about child neglect and abuse
• Fewer children are subject to substantiation for child abuse and neglect
• More Aboriginal children in care are living with Aboriginal carers
• Fewer children admitted to out-of-home care

In the past 18 months, significant progress has been made. Key achievements include:

• Of the 218 recommendations that relate to action by the Northern Territory Government stemming from the Royal Commission into the Protection and Detention of Children in the NT, 90 recommendations are now complete, 125 underway and three not yet started.
• Establishing Families as First Teachers, Stay Play Learn programs in Braitling, Malak, Belyuen, Epenarra, Kintore, Harts Range, Robinson River and Peppimenarti. This program promotes early literacy and numeracy learning for children from birth to four years and supports families to be their children’s first teacher.
• Partnering with Aboriginal communities and organisations to progress five new Child and Family Centres in Tennant Creek, Katherine, Wadeye, East Arnhem and Darwin’s Northern Suburbs.
• Improving services that Territory Families provides to families, including a new Family Support Hotline, a new Signs of Safety practice framework, and implementing “one child, one case” which streamlines investigations and allows more time to be spent supporting the child and family.
• Implementing the Housing for Young People program, the first of its kind in the Northern Territory to support young people as they leave care to find and maintain suitable housing. 
• Establishing the NT Maternal Early Childhood Sustained Home-visiting programs in the East Arnhem, Katherine and Barkly regions.
• Investing in youth services, such as after-hours and school holiday activities, bail accommodation and support, and diversion programs.

The Generational Change Reform Annual Report includes the Northern Territory’s response to the Royal Commission into the Protection and Detention of Children in the NT, the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse and the NT’s Early Childhood Development Plan 2018-2028.

The Annual Report is available at: https://rmo.nt.gov.au/

Quotes from Minister for Territory Families, Dale Wakefield

“We made an election promise to improve the lives of children and get young people back on the right path, and that is what we are doing. The reforms that we are implementing are making profound changes that will positively impact on this and future generations.

“The Territory Labor Government’s leadership stands in stark contrast to the former CLP government.  We have restored vital youth services that the CLP cut, have overhauled the child protection system we inherited and are making significant reforms to the dysfunctional youth justice system that the CLP left behind.

“There is more work to do to achieve lasting improvements. The CLP can’t be trusted to continue these reforms if they get back into government."

Quotes from CEO of Central Australian Aboriginal Congress, and Children and Families Tripartite Forum Independent Chair, Donna Ah Chee

“This report highlights the significant improvements that have been delivered in the last 18 months for children, young people and families in the Northern Territory.

“These improvements have only been made possible through strengthening partnerships with communities, Aboriginal Community Controlled organisations and the non-government sector.

“Combined with the Alcohol reforms, focus on the first 1000 days and local decision making there are clear signs that the evidence-informed, generational approach is delivering outcomes for children today. This is a long journey and the challenge from here is to continue this journey together, build on what has been achieved so far, and ensure that the improvements are sustained over the long-term.”

Quotes from CEO of North Australian Aboriginal Justice Agency (NAAJA), Priscilla Atkins 

“There are no quick fixes or shortcuts to creating a restorative and effective youth justice and child protection system. We are over 18 months into the five year reform journey and although there is still a long way to go, we are now starting to see the efforts to date translate into better outcomes for Territory families and communities.

“Whilst there is still much work to be done, the reforms delivered so far are a significant step in the right direction and we need to stay the course.”

Media Contact: Paige Nguyen 0428 727 244
paige.nguyen@nt.gov.au