The Generational Change Impact Report released today marks the halfway point of the Territory Government’s multi-targeted reform program. 

Keeping Territory children and families safe, thriving and connected are the cornerstones of the Report, with data indicating that we are heading in the right direction. Highlights include decreases in the rate of children in care and child protection notifications, including:

• A 39 per cent decrease in the rate of Aboriginal children substantiated for child abuse and neglect – going from 63.5 per 1,000 children substantiated in the NT in 2016-17 to 38.6 per 1,000 children in 2018-19.
• The proportion of Aboriginal children in out-of-home care in the NT continues to be well below the Australian rate. In 2018-19, 36.6 per 1,000 Aboriginal children in the Northern Territory were in out of home care compared to 54.2 per 1,000 Aboriginal children Australia wide.

Of the 218 Royal Commission recommendations the Northern Territory Government is responsible for, 152 have been completed so far with work ongoing.

The Territory Government is investing $229.6 million over five years to reform and improve services for children and families experiencing vulnerability. That investment includes: 

• Expanding and establishing the number of child and family centres to 17. 
• Improving youth detention operations and reducing recidivism. 
• Replacing Don Dale and Alice Springs Youth Detention Centre. 
• Diverting young people from crime and stopping youth offending by sentencing youths to work camps and Back on Track. 
• Supporting care leavers to access secure housing. 
• Establishing the Youth and Children’s Court in Alice Springs. 

To view the Annual Report visit www.rmo.nt.gov.au.
 
Quotes from the Minister for Youth and Children, Lauren Moss: 
“The Territory Labor Government has put children at the centre of decision-making, with record investment in education and ongoing whole-of-government reform to improve the lives of vulnerable children, young people and their families. 
“We are doing the work required to get our youth back on the right path and improve their lives. These reforms are making profound changes that impact this and future generations of Territorians. 
 
Quotes from the Acting Minister for Territory Families, Chansey Paech:
"Our Generational Change reform program includes a $229.6 million investment over five years to improve programs and services for children, young people and families experiencing vulnerability.
“This government is restoring leadership in the youth justice space – after it was left dysfunctional under the previous CLP government. There is more work to do to achieve lasting improvements, and we are doing it.”