Protecting our children

UNITING Country SA is taking the time to celebrate and thank those who help keep children safe.

“At Uniting Country SA, children are at the centre of everything we do and we pride ourselves on the many programs which focus on the needs of families and their children,” UCSA Foster Care Recruitment, Assessment and Training team member Karen Wauchope said.

“That’s why we are celebrating National Child Protection Week (September 5-11) and Foster and Kinship Carer Week (September 12-18).

“Our Child Aware Approach aims to offer every child the opportunity to flourish and thrive.

“We aim to always keep children safe and CAA takes this one step further.

“It’s a journey to change the culture and focus on early childhood development.”

This coincides with this year’s NCPW theme — Every child, in every community, needs a fair go.

National Association for Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect, the organisation behind NCPW, believes it is important every family has what it needs for kids to thrive.

“The 2021 theme for National Child Protection Week is all about the importance of the bigger picture in addressing child abuse and neglect,” the NAPCAN website reads.

“Children can thrive and be healthy when they have what they need to develop well.

“But not every family has these resources.

“This is why we need to support every child, family and community according to their needs.

“This will create a healthier, fairer Australia for all children.”

Child Protection Week is an opportunity to translate knowledge into action.

“All skillsets, all people, and all communities are assets in this important endeavour,” NAPCAN said.

“Let’s make sure our neighbourhoods have strong foundations for families and children — jobs, safe places, libraries, parks, playgrounds, schools, child care, affordable housing, health services, social activities, clubs, friendly neighbours, businesses and more.

“Many of you are already playing your part every day — as individuals, as community members, as volunteers and as workers — to help create these great communities for children.

“When we do this together, we can give every child, in every neighbourhood, a fair go.”