Child-friendly version of Keeping kids safe and well (2022)

Hello

I’m Anne Hollonds, the National Children’s Commissioner.

My job is to protect the rights of all children and young people in Australia and to make sure they get the help they need to be safe and well.

I want all the kids in Australia to have the things they need to grow up safe and well. This means somewhere safe to live, someone who cares for them and looks after them, being connected to their culture, having enough to eat, health care, school, a safe neighbourhood, and time and space to play.

Not all kids and their families have the things they need to grow up well and healthy.

In 2021, the Australian Government asked me to talk to kids and families across Australia to find out what would help to keep them safe and well, especially kids and families having a tough time.

Between May and July 2021, I talked with 400 kids and parents across Australia. I talked with many of you in person and some of you online using video because COVID lockdowns meant we could not meet face-to-face.

426 of you answered some questions in a short survey.

You told me about what you need to be safe and well, and what makes it hard to get help when you need it. I’ve put lots of what you said into a report that I have given to the Australian Government.

The Australian Government wants to use the information you gave me to come up with an action plan to keep all kids safe and well. This plan will be part of Safe and Supported: The National Framework for Protecting Australia’s Children 2021-2031.