Protecting Children is Everyone’s Business: National Framework for Protecting Australia’s Children (2009-2020)

The National Framework for Protecting Australia’s Children 2009-2020 (the National Framework), endorsed by the Council of Australian Governments in April 2009, is an ambitious, long-term approach to ensuring the safety and wellbeing of Australia’s children and aims to deliver a substantial and sustained reduction in levels of child abuse and neglect over time. Under the National Framework, protecting children is 'everyone’s business'. The National Framework is for Commonwealth, State and Territory governments, non-government organisations, service providers and individuals with an interest in ensuring Australia’s children are safe and well. The National Framework outlines six supporting outcomes and provides details about how each of these outcomes will be achieved. The six supporting outcomes are:

• children live in safe and supportive families and communities
• children and families access adequate support to promote safety and intervene early
• risk factors for child abuse and neglect are addressed children who have been abused or neglected receive the support and care they need for their safety and wellbeing
• Indigenous children are supported and safe in their families and communities
• child sexual abuse and exploitation is prevented and survivors receive adequate support.