POLICY SUMMARY

To read the full details of the Greens NSW Children and Young People Policy click the orange download button on the right

 

Children are at the start of their lives.   But they still deserve access to the resources and opportunities necessary for them to lead full and healthy lives.  Young people want and need to participate in decisions that affect their lives.

Children should be able to access appropriate services, regardless of where they are growing up, and deserve a loving and nurturing home environment which is free of physical, emotional and sexual abuse, neglect, exploitation and discrimination.

The "best interests of the child" must be the paramount consideration when dealing with children and young people and the primary guiding principle for developing policies that govern their lives. 

Young people have the right to a future which guarantees employment, democracy, peace and a sustainable environment.  Governments, families and communities should work together with young people to find workable solutions.

The Greens NSW will work to:

  • Adopt a whole of government approach to children’s and young persons’ issues;
  • Adopt a Children and Young People's Policy which incorporates and is guided by the UNCROC, ICESCR and ICCPR; 
  • Provide a more meaningful existence for young people by confronting our environmental and social problems;
  • Significantly increase funding to the Department of Community Services (DOCS) so it can effectively deal with the issue of child abuse, neglect and exploitation;
  • Support increased funding for community based long day care services;
  • Promote a policy of free voluntary pre-school for all 4 years olds in NSW;
  • Immediately provide adequate funding for emergency and permanent youth accommodation services;
  • Support the implementation of a national employment strategy for young people