The Australian Childhood Foundation are a not-for-profit organisation that helps
protect children. By supporting children and families effected by abuse, violance
and neglect, through counselling, research, education and support programs.
The ACF’s
Heartfelt Therapeutic Art Program, uses art to help children express their
feelings and encourages their imagination, as well as giving counselors an opportunity
to identify the childs grief and get an insight onto how the child may see
their own world.
The ACF is
currently lobbying for change to the Working
With Children Check - a mandatory legal check for employees and volunteers
working within child related services. The aim of the Working With Children Check is to decrease negative influences, recognising
the harm that comes from all kinds of abuse towards children, so children and
young people may feel safe and valued.
The ACF’s current
problem with the Working With Children
Check, is that it’s ONLY valid within the state - unless you visit South
Australia where a valid clearance from your own jurisdiction is accepted.
Otherwise a visitor from any other state in Australia, as an employee or volunteer,
can work with children without needing a check for previous convictions for serious offence against children. In Victoria, ‘any interstate visitors working
with children who do not ordinarily reside in Victoria are not required to
undergo employment screening.’ Click here for my info on statewide requirements
Marie Claire in conjunction
with the ACF started a Stop Child Abuse
campaign, helping build lobbying power for change. The ACF are calling on the federal government, to have all states and territories apply a national umbrella to the Working With Children Checks. Having a national consensus to stop child abuse within our communities and making it a nationwide goal. By signing an online petition that pledges the adequate support and better protection for children NATIONWIDE.
AM
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