A report released by the Australian Human Rights Commission in April highlights "how important it is for governments to listen to children and families when making decisions about services and government policies that affect them." 

The Keeping kids safe and well – your voices report, led by National Children’s Commissioner Anne Hollonds, follows a request from the Australian Government Department of Social Services to find out what children and their families think would help keep children safe. It reported on various mental health conditions among children and young people, as well as how they use services. 

In the report, the top three things children, young people and families said they need to feel safe are: 

• help with housing
• mental health services
• help with basic needs, like food, clothing, transport and school supplies. 

“Many children and families said it can be hard to find the help they need and sometimes the right help isn’t there for them. They emphasised the value of more co-ordinated ‘wraparound’ services and service providers whom they can trust,” Commissioner Hollonds said.

“Better coordination across service systems aiming to help children and their families should be a priority for all governments. We want to ensure that all children in Australia reach their full potential by growing up safe and supported, and those who need extra help are able to get the help they need.

The report involved face-to-face and online consultations and surveys between May and July 2021.