The Child and Family Welfare
Association of Australia

MEDIA RELEASE

CHILD ABUSE - A NATIONAL SHAME

Over the last 3 years, Australia has recorded a massive 23% increase in the rate of substantiated abuse and neglect of children and young people.

This increase and the inability of welfare authorities across the nation to stem the tide of rising child abuse, is cause for national alarm.

The Chair of the Child and Family Welfare Association of Australia, (CAFWAA), Mr Simon Schrapel, says, “It is time for urgent, concerted action by all levels of government and the community to deal with the problem. Our current systems and responses are failing to keep Australian children and young people safe from harm”.

CAFWAA supports the call from Families Australia and other welfare organisations across the nation, for the Commonwealth to take strong and decisive leadership to tackle child abuse.

“The problem can’t be left to States and Territories to manage alone,” claimed Mr Schrapel. “This is a national crisis requiring a consistent and well orchestrated strategy and investment in prevention programs and services to support children who have experienced abuse”.

“A failure to halt the rise in the number of children and young people physically, sexually and emotionally abused or neglected, ultimately reflects on our society and our level of care and compassion” says Mr Schrapel.

CAFWAA is backing a 6-point plan, prepared by the consortium of welfare bodies, which includes the establishment of a national strategy for preventing child abuse and neglect. This strategy would set benchmarks and standards aimed at improving services to children who are at risk and assisting families at breaking point.


Contact: Mr Simon Schrapel
(08) 8305 9210
0411 643 132

END 3 September 2003 No embargo