The Association of Children’s Welfare Agencies (ACWA) has welcomed calls by the Australian Council of Social Services (ACOSS) for a new national effort to address the rise of child poverty in Australia.
According to ACOSS, one in six children are living below the poverty line. The national peak has marked the beginning of this week’s Anti-Poverty Week with an appeal to the Federal government to tackle this disturbing issue, with a commitment to halving poverty by 2030.
ACWA Acting CEO Dr Wendy Foote supports the ACOSS call to action, saying decreasing poverty is key to stemming the scourge of child abuse and neglect in our community.
“It is widely acknowledged that poverty is a key driver of child abuse and neglect, and the reason why so many children in our community are living in out-of-home care,” Dr Foote said.
“Here in NSW, the number of children in care has jumped from 10,600 in 2006 to 18,600 in 2016.
“Providing effective supports that will help lift families out of poverty will go a long way to lowering the susceptibility of children to maltreatment and, in doing so, reduce the risk for entry into care.”
Anti-Poverty Week runs from October 15 to 21. For more information visit: www.antipovertyweek.org.au
The Association of Children’s Welfare Agencies is the NSW peak body representing non-government organisations which provide services to vulnerable children, young people and their families.
Media enquiries: Libby McCalman 0418 659 525 libby@acwa.asn.au