The Robin Clark Protecting Children Awards will tonight highlight the importance of the National Child Protection Week message: protecting children is everyone’s business.
National Child Protection Week runs from 6-12 September and shines a light on the importance of keeping young people in our community safe from harm, and providing them with the support they need to grow up healthy and happy.
The Robin Clark Protecting Children Awards recognise and promote best practice, commitment and leadership in the children, youth and families sector.
The Awards were initiated by the Victorian Government in 2002 in memory of Robin Clark, a widely respected and inspirational leader in child, youth and family welfare.
Robin was instrumental in providing an effective and sensitive child protection system for the children and families of Victoria.
Outstanding work, commitment and dedication of Victorian child protection programs, community sector organisations and foster and kinship carers will be acknowledged across 10 award categories.
While there is always more to do, the recognition of individual and group achievements exemplifying the National Child Protection Week message sets a positive example for all Victorians.
In the 2015-16 Victorian Budget, the Andrews Labor Government boosted funding for child protection and family services by 17 per cent, delivering an extra $257 million to strengthen and improve the system and relieve pressures.
This included funding an extra 110 child protection workers and boosting investment for early intervention and family services.
Recently the Labor Government announced the Roadmap for Reform: Strong Families, Safe Children to review the entire child protection and family services system, strengthen and improve it.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Families and Children Jenny Mikakos
“The 2015 Robin Clark Protecting Children Awards recognises people and organisations who exemplify the Child Protection Week message: protecting children is everyone’s business.”
“National Child Protection Week is an important opportunity to highlight the role everyone plays in making sure children are kept safe.”
“I congratulate the winners of tonight’s inaugural Robin Clark Protecting Children Awards. We can feel inspired that - while there is always more work to do - great achievements have been made.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020