Non-government organisations are embracing the Information Sharing Guidelines for Promoting the Safety and Wellbeing of Children, Young People and their Families (ISG) with gusto. SACOSS has hosted information sessions which have been well attended and there is now A Guide to Writing an Appendix available from our website.
In the interests of a single set of privacy principles that apply to both the public and private sectors and in the context of our experience monitoring the implementation of the ISG, we have made a Submission to the Senate Public Finance and Public Administration Committee – Australian Privacy Principles – Exposure Draft .
The implementation of the Charter of Rights and compliance with those rights is being comprehensively tested for the first time with an electronic survey of endorsing agencies. The survey will conclude in September and we will publish a summary report once the analysis has been completed. Thanks to the Charter Champions who have accepted this responsibility on behalf of their agency.
On 23 June we hosted a roundtable discussion on the feasibility and desirability of introducing a community visitor program for children in state care. The report will be released in coming months.
In April the Office commenced an independent review of its performance and effectiveness. The cooperation with the review from participants has been terrific and, together with the reviewers, we are digesting and considering all the findings. We expect to release the review report soon.
In the second quarter of this year 58 annual reviews were audited at Salisbury, Whyalla, Onkaparinga, Gawler, Adelaide and Elizabeth. Nineteen visits were made to children and young people living in community and secure residential care. There were 37 requests for intervention, representing 54 children and young people, and the Office is monitoring the progress of 32 investigations of allegations of sexual abuse.
