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Why are vulnerable families and early childhood an advocacy priority?
UnitingCare Australia believes that as one of the wealthiest countries we should be able to provide all children, young people and families with access to a decent life. This includes:
- Freedom from poverty
- Appropriate food, clothing, housing and health care
- Access to necessary supports and services
- Freedom from pain and ill health
- A good start in life
- Meaningful work, education, rest and recreation
- The opportunity to participate in and contribute to communities.
Where families and communities live with hardship and disadvantage it is difficult for individual members to flourish. Working in partnership with the community, government assistance should be carefully targeted at providing ongoing and genuine support for those who experience hardship and disadvantage.
UnitingCare Australia's Children, Young People and Families Network
UnitingCare Australia's Children, Young People and Families (C,YP&F) Network is an advisory committee that assists in identifying issues requiring national action. Members of this advisory committee are drawn from across the UnitingCare network.
The role of the C,YP&F Network is to develop, review and reflect upon the policies and practices of the Uniting Church in its community services ministry with people; and contribute to the advocacy of UnitingCare Australia. The Network is currently chaired by Jane Woodruff, the CEO of UnitingCare Burnside.
Key advocacy actions
Media Releases
Election 2010 - UnitingCare Australia applauds the Greens in calling for a Commonwealth Commissioner for Children and Young People - 17 August 2010
Help for vulnerable teenagers welcome - 2 August 2010
Draft Child Protection Standards Welcome but Independent National Children's Commissioner Needed - 7 July 2010
Major church groups seek action on community mental health. - 21 July 2010
Because Children and Families Matter - Analysis of Government Reforms released - 18 November 2009
Apology a positive step forward - Uniting Church in Australia media release - 16 November 2009
UnitingCare welcomes intention to aplogise to Forgotten Australians - 31 August 2009
Submissions
UnitingCare Children, Young People and Family Network submission on the Development of National Standards for Out of Home Care - 26 March 2010
UnitingCare Australia submission to the Senate Inquiry into the provision of Child Care - February 2009
UnitingCare Australia submission to the National Quality Framework for Early Childhood Education and Care - 19 September 2008
+ cover letter
Position Statements and Resources
Enduring social challenges, better futures for vulnerable families, Address by Lin Hatfield Dodds to the New Zealand Social Policy Conference, 2007
Working with vulnerable families, Address by Lin Hatfield Dodds to the CAPIG Love in Action National Conference, 2006
Hidden Children, an issues paper stating young people whose parents experience mental illness should have timely access to a collaborative service system which enhances resilience and maintenance of family functioning and reduces risk.
Young people’s participation, an issues paper on young people’s participation in society. A working group was established to investigate and make recommendations on young people’s participation. This was initiated because of a perceived gap in UnitingCare programmes, or potential for greater outcomes from an increased participation from young people in shaping our direction and advocacy. June 2007.
UnitingCare Children, Young People and Family agencies
To find an agency in your state that provides local services and advocacy on this advocacy priority, please contact the UnitingCare Synod office in your state. You can find their contact details here. |
