This consultation has resulted in the development of a five-point action plan for the Barkly Region, with the intention of increasing the local service response, and keeping families safe and supported.

 This action plan (attached) has five key actions:

 ·         Enhancing locally-based child protection services

·         Working in a connected way and on the ground

·         Respecting, listening and acting

·         Enhancing Territory Families’ domestic and family services

·         Expanding Territory Families’ responses to young people

The plan is being implemented immediately in collaboration with the additional staff already committed on the ground.

The plan has been informed by finding out what communities need through a direct, face-to-face approach.

To this end, Territory Families’ senior executives, including CEO Ken Davies and Deputy CEO of Operations Jeanette Kerr, were in Tennant Creek for a number of days to listen to the local service providers, the community and local Aboriginal elders to take on board their concerns and advice to drive genuine improvements.

The action plan builds on previous enhancements undertaken by NT Government and Territory Families (since its establishment in September 2016), as part of a commitment to reforming the Territory’s child protection system.

This has included a focus on responding quickly to communities’ immediate needs, while considering a meaningful long-term strategy to address the Territory’s inter-generational social and cultural issues.

Territory Families is committed to empowering and strengthening the Territory’s most vulnerable families towards a safe and better future and the action plan for Tennant Creek is part of this continued commitment.

Territory Families media contact:

Rachelle Hobbs, Director Corporate Communications: 0407 711 015