Youthline Supports Child, Young Persons and their Families Review

Youthline applauds the move to make the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families Act a more effective tool to protect young people, says National Spokesperson Stephen Bell.

If it goes ahead, the Bill aims to better represent the views of young people in legal processes that affect them, says Bell.

However this will need to be implemented carefully if it is to work as intended.

“While it’s great that there’s a chance to have young people’s opinions treated with respect, we must be sure that young people’s involvement is meaningful.

“There is a difference between getting young people involved and actually hearing their opinions,” says Bell.

The Bill will see a chief social worker appointed for practice reviews, which should improve the responsiveness of the law.

“Having some overseeing reviews to improve practices and look after the interests of young people is a big step in the right direction.”

Other changes in the bill include shifting the age for young people in the Act to 18, in line with United Nations conventions.

The Bill will go through the select committee process early this year before being introduced to the House.

ENDS

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