CREATE’s policy and research work informs our advocacy to improve the care system.

At the national level, the policy and research focus is to:

• develop a consistent CREATE position on national or cross-jurisdictional issues
• support states in the development of quality state-based research, consultations, reports and policy submissions
• develop submissions on national issues
• coordinate CREATE’s national research program
• review and develop internal organisational policies
• research particular issues for staff briefings and current awareness
• support CREATE’s media responsiveness.

CREATE’s state offices are actively involved in policy and research work at the state/territory level.

National Child Protection Framework process

CREATE was a foundation member of the Coalition of Agencies Committed to the Safety and Well Being of Australia’s Children (the Coalition). CREATE was one of eleven Coalition member organisations who negotiated with government officials from the Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs (FaHCSIA) and State/Territory representatives to develop the Framework. The process was a productive tripartite arrangement with non-government representatives closely involved at key stages.

The Framework, launched on 30 April 2009 by the Council of Australian Governments, committed to expenditure of $62 million over three years. The focus is on a preventive and integrated approach to child protection and improved quality in tertiary services.

Key points from the Out-of-home Care section included:

• an increase to the Transition to Independent Living Allowance (by 50% to $1,500 per young person)
• the collaborative development of national out of home care standards by June 2010

CREATE advocated for both issues in our submission and was pleased with the outcome.

CREATE looks forward to active involvement in the tripartite National Framework Advisory Group and working parties in 2009-2012.

National policy issues

Transitioning from Care Report Card 2009

The Report Card is a major national research project for CREATE – involving planning, seeking government responses regarding policies and services and conducting a survey of young people in the first half of 2009. The young people’s survey elicited 471 responses following massive promotion and strong sector support. The Report Card was launched on the 18th November 2009 at AMP Foundation, Sydney.