Latest news with #ChildAbusePrevention
ABC News
a day ago
- Politics
- ABC News
Childcare advocates say Victorian report highlights need for federal government to 'do the heavy lifting' to improve sector
Victoria's Rapid Child Safety Review has been received well by the early childhood sector and child safety advocates, but the overwhelming response suggests it speaks to the need for unified reforms on a federal level. The review was commissioned after more than 70 charges of child abuse were laid against a former Melbourne childcare worker in July and outlined 22 recommendations to make the childcare sector safer. The Victorian government said it had accepted all recommendations and would work to adopt them through an immediate $42 million funding boost, but the report also called for urgent action to take place nationally. Industry bodies agree that the federal government needs to do the heavy lifting when it comes to improving child safety. The review's recommendations include establishing a new independent early childhood education and care regulator, increasing the volume and frequency of unannounced compliance visits, and allowing the immediate suspension of Working With Children Checks (WWCC). The changes follow two ABC investigations that recently uncovered separate cases where male educators who were sacked by childcare operators and banned from the sector still had active WWCCs at the time of writing. National Children's Commissioner Anne Hollonds said she was "hugely relieved" at the report's findings, but said previous barriers to reforming the sector needed to be looked at. "There's been previous royal commissions and inquiries and reviews and these recommendations have been sitting on a shelf until now," Ms Hollonds said. "There are significant barriers … and I think if we don't identify those barriers, name them, and work out how to overcome them, we might find ourselves in a similar position in the future." In 2022, the Victorian Ombudsman recommended the state urgently change its laws after a youth worker was cleared to work with children despite facing sexual offence allegations. Five years before that, the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse laid out 189 recommendations aimed at making institutions safer for children, including through nationalising WWCC. But Professor Michael Salter from UNSW said it was important to recognise that the royal commission did not focus on the early childhood sector. "People might think that we've gone through that process of interrogating the issues in early child care, but we haven't," he said. "This is the moment of reckoning to think really seriously about the very specific child protection challenges." Several of the review's recommendations are outside the Victorian government's scope and correspond to federal action. These include a Commonwealth-led rethink of the national system, the establishment of a National Early Childhood Reform Commission, creating a National Early Childhood Worker Register, standardising Working With Children Checks, and improving information sharing and training standards for childcare workers, and rethinking the market-driven childcare centre model. While committing to a child safety overhaul on Wednesday, Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan said it was a "national system that required a national response". Professor Salter said it was important that states and territories recognised the national picture. "We want to make sure we're making the same determinations in each state and territory, we're not having offenders move between states or finding loopholes as they move," he said. "Funding for the early childhood sector is a Commonwealth matter and the Commonwealth really needs to show leadership here, and that is going to come with budget implications, but governments are really going to need to face the reality that a high-quality, safe childcare sector is not necessarily a cheap childcare sector. The Victorian government has also urged its federal counterparts to enshrine the "safety, rights and best interests" of children in national law. This would make them the "paramount consideration" for "staff in services, managers, service providers, their owners, funders and board members". The children's commissioner said this recommendation was "game-changing". "The system … has been geared towards protecting adults, it's been geared towards protecting the administrative needs of governments, and towards protecting providers — not protecting children," Ms Hollonds said. Organisations including Bravehearts, the Australian Education Union, the Australian Childhood Foundation, the Commission for Children and Young People, and The Front Project have welcomed the Child Safety Review, but say government action is needed to back it up. Amanda's* (name changed for privacy reasons) daughters attended the Point Cook childcare centre where alleged sex offender Joshua Brown worked. She said screening of childcare employees had to go beyond the WWCC system, regardless of whether it becomes nationally standardised. "If Working with Children Checks is all they require in child care, that blows my mind," Amanda said. "They should be doing full police checks on staff in centres." As a parent, she said she wanted to see a greater push from authorities to have CCTV cameras in childcare centres across the country, despite pushback over privacy provisions. "I find that an easy cop-out, because it would obviously cost the industry a lot of money to install all the cameras, but from where I sit, childcare centres do pretty well for themselves," she said. "So if you've got to install cameras to ensure the safety of children, it's a small price to pay." One of the review's recommendations was to have a national trial of CCTV in early childhood education and care settings as a monitoring and investigative tool. Childcare giants have previously said such a program would require government funding to cover "extremely high" installation costs. But Wednesday's report also found providers were prioritising profits over children's safety, with regulatory issues more prominent in the for-profit sector. The state review was handed down days before education ministers from across Australia meet to discuss child safety. The meeting, scheduled for Friday, is expected to cover accelerating a national register of workers, the role of CCTV in childcare centres, and mandatory child safety training. Federal education minister Jason Clare was contacted for comment.
Yahoo
30-04-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
National Child Abuse Prevention Month: East Texas psychologist shares signs of child abuse to keep adults educated
TYLER, Texas (KETK)– An East Texas licensed psychologist shared her expertise on what might indicate a child is experiencing abuse or trauma and how important it is for the community to stay educated to prevent and address the abuse. In honor of April being National Child Abuse Prevention Month, KETK news talked to UT Tyler Associate Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicine and Licensed Psychologist, Dr. Stephanie Simmons about the signs and symptoms of a child experiencing abuse. Henderson County declares April as Child Abuse Prevention month Simmons said the type of child abuse determines what signs parents, educators and healthcare professionals should look for. The different types of child abuse includes physical, neglect, sexual and emotional: Frequent injuries Unexplained bruises Complaining of pain Afraid to go home or see their parents Lack of reaction to pain Malnourishment Poor hygiene Bad fitted clothes Dirty clothing Excessive crying Sudden anxiety and depression Knowledge of sexual behaviors beyond what is expected for the age of the child Possible physical injuries Depression Anxiety Crying Aggressive behaviors 'The biggest thing we want to pay attention to is anytime we see an extreme change in behavior with a child, that might bring up some red flags and something we want to play close attention too,' Simmons said. Simmons explained how important it is for adults to remain calm especially if the child confides in them about the abuse and to not 'sugar-coat' the situation. 'Be very upfront with kids, let them know that you believe them, that they're being brave for telling you and always remind them it's not their fault,' Simmons said. 'Ask clear questions, it doesn't do much good to sugar-coat these things.' Once an adult is aware of the suspected abuse they want to make sure it is getting reported to the appropriate authorities such as the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) and law enforcement as necessary, Simmons said. 'Typically as individuals we don't have the authority to actually intervene or investigate child abuse, so we always want to be reaching out to those agencies and organizations to make sure the proper procedures are followed,' Simmons said. Preventing Child Abuse: Five Must-Ask Questions Before Enrolling Your Child in any Activity Simmons said the more trusted adults watching out for the child the better to protect and help them from an abusive situation. 'The phrase 'it takes a village' I think this is very much the same idea and that the more that are keeping eyes on the child and are aware of what's going on the better,' Simmons said. 'Kids interact with a lot of different people their parents, teachers, coaches, doctors so the more people that are aware of those signs the more the likely things are to get noticed, reported and addressed.' Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
15-04-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Community organizations urge awareness at child abuse prevention rally at Michigan Capitol
Demetrius Starling, the senior deputy director for Michigan Department of Health and Human Services' (MDHHS) Children's Services Administration (CSA) speaks at a Child Abuse Prevention rally in front of the Michigan Capitol Building on April 15, 2025. | Photo: Anna Liz Nichols The best tool to combat the problem of child abuse is to prevent it from happening in the first place and that starts with awareness, violence prevention advocates said on the Michigan Capitol steps during a Child Abuse Prevention Awareness Day rally on Tuesday. In-school violence educators and members of the criminal justice system gathered together during National Child Abuse Awareness Month to call attention to the importance of shining a light on violence against children so communities can respond more proactively to abuse. Child abuse is not an issue, it's a crisis, Senior Deputy Director for Michigan Department of Health and Human Services' (MDHHS) Children's Services Administration Demetrius Starling told the crowd outside the Capitol. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention acknowlege child abuse and neglect as 'serious public health problems' which can have lifelong negative impacts on a person's health and opportunities. Physical harm, psychological abuse and sexual violence are all forms of child abuse that impact hundreds of millions of children globally, according to the World Health Organization. Child abuse is an every day problem that the adults in charge can't afford to ignore, Starling said. About one in six of Michigan's children experience abuse or neglect, according to Michigan state data. 'As a society, we have a moral obligation to protect children from harm. That's not rocket science. Preventing child abuse is a collective responsibility that reflects our values and commitment to human rights. Children are the future for our communities, and ensuring that safety and well being is essential for the continued growth and development of our society,' Starling said. 'Community awareness events play an important role in preventing child abuse and neglect by educating the public about available programs services and critical topics such as parent education.' And those programs are being utilized, Starling said, noting that in 2024, the Michigan Children's Trust Fund, a statewide nonprofit group funding child abuse prevention programming, partnered with community groups to organize 531 community awareness events which reached over 75,000 people. Eliminating child abuse can't simply be reactionary, though understanding the signs of abuse and neglect and reporting systems is valuable, Starling said. To truly fight child abuse, prevention has to be the focus. And that can be hard to make people understand, Michigan Children's Trust Fund Board Chair Amy Tattrie Loepp told attendees at the rally Tuesday. 'Prevention is a really tough thing to get funded, because how do you prove that something didn't happen,' Tarrie Loepp said. It's easier to get programs that respond to violence funded than prevention measures, Loepp said, but ultimately empowering schools, communities and families to heal and learn how to end cycles of violence saves the state money in responding to violence and creates a society where the smallest Michiganders can live with better opportunities. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX
Yahoo
05-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Chipley buzzing with 2025 Panhandle Bee Conference
WASHINGTON COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB) – There are about 5000 beekeepers in the state of Florida, managing around 750,000 bee colonies. The bees benefit not only the environment but the economy as well. 'Honeybees specifically are very important for specialty crops and pollination purposes in our nation. So, without bees, there would not be a lot of the fruits, vegetables, and nuts that you see at the grocery store. And we have our beekeepers to thank for that,' UF/IFAS State Specialized Extension Agent Amy Vu said. 'Everything they do helps everything else in the environment. You know, the pollination services, the honey creation, the wax, I mean, literally every aspect of their life is beneficial to people and the ecosystem,' AA Live Bee Removal Owner Emil Albrecht said. Whether beekeeping is your hobby, your business, or just a venture you're thinking about exploring, the Panhandle Bee Conference is for you. Bay County candidates discuss city's future at First Friday 'We can either help somebody who hasn't even started beekeeping yet, or who have some intermediate or advanced skills. So we really wanted to make it welcoming to anybody at any level,' UF/IFAS Horticulture & Regional Specialized Agent Julie McConnell said. Those in attendance were able to listen to expert speakers, take classes, and receive a live hive demonstration where they could spot the queen bee. Danny Bost attended the event in 2019 with the idea of getting into beekeeping. Now, he's the president of the Central Panhandle Beekeepers Association. 'Beekeeper needs the right tools to be able to do what they do successfully. If not, then the only thing they're going to do is they're going to get frustrated,' Central Panhandle Beekeepers Association President Danny Bost said. Bost now shares those tools with the beekeeping community. 'The number of beekeepers that we have in Florida is constantly growing. So, any time that you increase the number of bees, you also increase the amount of honey that comes in. Honey isn't doing nothing but going up in value,' Bost said. Remember, it is springtime, and the professional pollinators are out and about. 'The bees are getting really excited. It's starting to warm up outside. And so as flowers start to bloom, those bees are foraging and looking for the resources out there so that they can be productive in their own homes,' Vu said. 'Bonded by Blue' event raises awareness for Child Abuse Prevention month 'This is something not to be scared of. They're docile during this time period. And if you do see that and you don't want the bees and the surrounding area, call a beekeeper; they'll come and get them for you,' Bost added. The second day of the conference starts Saturday at 9:00 a.m. You can buy tickets at the door until 10:30. To learn more about honey bees click here, if you need them removed from your home, click here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
02-04-2025
- Yahoo
Children's Advocacy Center starts child abuse prevention month with pinwheel ceremony
SAN ANGELO, Texas (Concho Valley Homepage) — April marks the start of Child Abuse Prevention Month, and the Children's Advocacy Center kicked off the month with its annual Pinwheel Ceremony. Hundreds of colorful pinwheels now decorate the CAC campus, symbolizing hope and the commitment to protecting children. Students from local schools participated in placing the pinwheels, each representing the national symbol for child abuse prevention. Justin DeLoach, Chief Executive Officer of the Children's Advocacy Center, emphasized the importance of the event. 'Today was our annual Pinwheel Ceremony, which kicks off Child Abuse Prevention Month for our community,' he said. 'Even though April is the national month for Child Abuse Prevention, we hope that our community observes Child Abuse Prevention 365 days of the year. Today is just to remind everybody what we can be doing to protect kids in our community,' DeLoach added. April Fools' Day is celebrated with pranks and hoaxes worldwide This statement reflects the CAC's mission to raise awareness and promote year-round vigilance against child abuse. The pinwheel, representing childhood innocence, is a symbol of the freedom every child deserves. 'Pinwheels are the whimsical feel that we hope every child in our community has,' DeLoach explained. 'Just as the wind blows through a pinwheel, we hope children in our community are free and worry-free. It is the national symbol of childhood abuse prevention.' Sheriff Nick Hanna also spoke at the event, emphasizing the role of law enforcement in preventing child abuse. 'Our role is to intervene, identify victims, and the Children's Advocacy Center gives us tools that we use on a daily basis,' Hanna said. The partnership between law enforcement and the CAC is crucial for identifying and helping children who have suffered abuse. 'The CAC served over 5,800 children and families through services, training, and outreach,' the Sheriff explained. 'The Department of Family and Protective Services conducted over 900 investigations in Tom Green County, with over 250 cases of child abuse,' Hanna added. DeLoach highlighted the importance of community involvement in preventing abuse. Sutton law enforcement searches for wanted escapee 'This turnout is a reminder that children still need us. We are their strongest voice, and it starts with the community. We are all mandatory reporters in Texas. If you suspect something, we hope you'll stand with our children,' DeLoach said. The event was a reminder that child abuse prevention is a shared responsibility. The sight of hundreds of pinwheels spinning in the wind symbolizes hope for a future where every child is free from abuse. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
