Recently we participated in sector consultations conducted by the Australian Centre for Child Protection in July and August 2022 with individuals, advocates and agency representatives, related to the development of Minimum Practice Standards for specialist and community support services for victims and survivors of child sexual abuse. This project is one initiative of the National Office for Child Safety which was established on 1 July 2018 in response to the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse (the Royal Commission). The Royal Commission investigated and reported on how organisations responded to allegations and incidents of child sexual abuse. The Royal Commission identified what makes institutions safe for children and young people, and made recommendations for how to create cultures and practices that protect children.
We were not alone in advocating for 'no wrong door' services, as there was "a very strong theme for all groups was the need to work in a holistic, integrated, eco-systemic way." We were also very excited about consultation outcomes regarding what 'no wrong door' looks like. Namely, is is not a one-stop shop, but it creates referral pathways and collaborations that ensure the disclosure of child sexual abuse results in being connected with appropriate services and supports.
"The notion of referral and collaboration was discussed in every group and was seen not just as a way to overcome barriers in contracting, funding, and the siloed nature of the system to provide more cohesive and holistic services, but was also noted by many participants as a way for agencies to provide support, education, and advocacy between services (both specialised and mainstream), to share the risk and burden of complex and potentially traumatising work, and to raise the skill and knowledge level of the workforce (through consulting and sharing training resources)."
Next week we will also be participating in consultation being conducted by KPMG, regarding the development of child safety risk management resources to support organisations to further understand and implement the National Principles for Child Safe Organisations.
What we're doing next
We will be writing (again!) to the Victorian Minister for Health, sharing the outcomes of these recent sector consultations that have identified 'no wrong door' as a minimum standard. And ask again, why isn't the Victorian government implementing holistic and accessible services for victim/survivors of child sexual abuse, that 'no wrong door' enables?
Upcoming Beaumaris And Surrounding Communities - CSA Survivors And Families Events we are co-hosting and/or participating in
Unveiling of St Kilda FC LOUD fence Artwork
The Danny Frawley Centre in partnership with the In Good Faith Foundation (IGFF), Beaumaris And Surrounding Communities - CSA Survivors and Families, and LOUD Fence Inc invites you to the unveiling of the commissioned artwork, Free Bird.
Where: Danny Frawley Centre, 32 - 60 Linton Street, Moorabbin 3189
When: Sunday 11 September, 9 AM - 11 AM
Please note: Wellbeing support is provided by IGFF Caseworkers with a name badge.
Please join us, and Mr. Stuart Grimley MP at Parliament House in Melbourne, to create a LOUD fence, that gives a voice to victim/survivors of child sexual abuse.
When: Wed 14 September 8am-4.30pm (Question Time is at 12 noon, then lunch in Parliament’s Café)
Where: The Steps of Parliament House, Spring St, Melbourne VIC 3000
What: Tying ribbons to stand in solidarity with childhood sexual abuse survivors, listen to Question Time, meet Stuart Grimley MP and find out what he is doing in respect of those abused in Government institutions.
How? Email Olivia (Stuart Grimley’s Parliamentary Adviser) at Olivia.nicholls@parliament.vic.gov.au to RSVP.
* This is essential as all names must be passed on to Parliament’s front desk.
Thank you to all our Petitioners! We are LOUD and being HEARD!