CASWA to Lead WA Co-Design Under Safe and Supported
CASWA has been contracted to co-develop WA's Implementation Plan for the National Child and Family Investment Strategy, jurisdictional plans for Delegated Authority and Active Efforts, and a WA Safe and Supported Partnership Agreement.
Insights
CASWA has been awarded the Safe and Supported contract with the Department of Communities.
Under it, CASWA will co-develop Western Australia's Implementation Plan for the National Child and Family Investment Strategy, the WA jurisdictional plans for Delegated Authority and Active Efforts, and a WA Safe and Supported Partnership Agreement.
This is significant work. The National Child and Family Investment Strategy delivers on Action 2 of the Safe and Supported Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander First Action Plan, and is aimed squarely at shifting investment towards early and preventative supports — and towards ACCOs delivering services for Aboriginal children and families.
Delegated Authority is the piece our Members ask about most. It is the mechanism by which statutory child protection functions can be exercised by Aboriginal organisations rather than by the department. Getting the WA plan right determines whether that stays a policy idea or becomes a real pathway.
CASWA led an ACCO workshop on 28 August at our East Perth office to shape the draft WA Implementation Plan. Statewide consultation runs through the remainder of this year, with regional consultation to follow in 2027.