Training to detect Child Abuse for NSW Children’s Services Staff

Federal Minister for Community Services, Larry Anthony, today announced extra funding of $28,000 to help train staff in commonwealth-funded children’s services throughout New South Wales.

Mr Anthony said the funding would enable important training material, Making a Difference: Recognising and Reporting/Notifying Child Abuse and Neglect to be sent to 420 Commonwealth-funded Outside School Hours Care services across the state.

The information will provide the requisite material for staff to attend D-Level training sessions developed by the NSW Child Protection Council on child abuse and neglect during 2000.

Network of Community Activities, a resource and advisory service for these services in NSW will purchase and distribute copies of the material.

“This vital resource will help staff to recognise the warning signs of child abuse and neglect, and take appropriate action,” Mr Anthony said.

“Staff working at services that look after children play a crucial role in a child’s development and this training package will provide them with further resources to help protect a child’s mental and physical well-being.

“The material has been developed by the NSW Office of Child Care and the Federal Government is keen to work closely with the NSW Government to ensure the highest possible level of care a safety for children.

“The Howard Government is committed to ensuring that high quality child care services are available for all Australian families and this material will contribute significantly to the quality of care and the safety of our children.”