In the Northern Territory any person who believes that a child is being, or has been, abused or neglected is required by law to report their concerns. Reports should be made to the 24 hour Centralised Intake Service by using the free-call phone number 1800 700 250. Remember, you do not need to prove abuse or neglect, you need only report your concerns. The Care and Protection of Children Act provides legal protection against civil or criminal liability for people who make reports in good faith.
On Monday 18 October 2010, the Northern Territory Government received and immediately released the report, Growing them strong, together, which was the result of the Board of Inquiry into the Child Protection System in the Northern Territory. The 700-page report was the most comprehensive review into the child protection system in the Northern Territory's history and made 147 recommendations aimed at rebuilding the statutory child protection system. The vision for the future is to see this system supported by a strong non-government sector that will promote child safety and family wellbeing at a local community level. The Northern Territory Chief Minister, Paul Henderson, and the Minister for Child Protection, Kon Vatskalis acted immediately and accepted all 147 recommendations and announced $130 million over five years to support these reforms as well as a stand alone agency - the Department of Children and Families - to oversee and implement the reform.
Parents play a critical role in children's lives. It's a role, however, that can be full of challenges for families and parents as their children grow. The Department recognises that the best way to ensure children are happy, safe and resilient is to strengthen families, family networks and communities.
Caring families are the basis of most Territorians ability to take responsibility for themselves and care for others, such as children and young people. The Department supports families in a range of ways encouraging healthy and supportive roles in families for men and women. We provide support to families in crisis, families who need extra support before crises occur and families who need guidance with typical challenges of parenting.
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