Culture at the heart of change for National Child Protection Week
The WA State Government has made the start of National Child Protection Week by announcing new culturally responsive approaches in Western Australia’s Signs of Safety Child Protection Practice Framework.
‘Culture at the Heart’ ensures the framework explicitly addresses the need to respect and value the culture of children and families involved with child protection services.
The culturally responsive principle encourages practitioners to elevate practice to better reflect the culture and customs of Aboriginal and culturally and linguistically diverse children, families and communities.
The revisions have been made in consultation with Aboriginal Practice Leaders and other Aboriginal staff, Aboriginal Community leaders and people with lived experience to ensure the updated framework and child protection practice fully supports all children and families.
The new framework aligns with the State Government’s active efforts to support Closing the Gap targets, including reducing the number of Aboriginal children in care and strengthening placement, prevention, participation, partnership and connection for Aboriginal children.
National Child Protection Week is an opportunity to share the incredibly important work of child safety practitioners across the State and is a reminder that everyone has a role to play in protecting children and young people.
Held from 7 to 13 September 2025, this year’s theme is ‘Every conversation matters: Shifting Conversation to Action’.
