Protecting children’s rights

Every day across the Northern Territory, parents, grandparents, aunties, uncles, older siblings, carers, teachers, friends and organisations play their part in nurturing and teaching our children. For children to thrive as they grow, their rights need to be protected.

The focus of Children’s Week 2020 comes from the United Nations Convention of the Rights of the Child which states ‘Children have the right to meet together and to join groups and organisations.’

Anglicare NT is committed to keeping children safe and supports families to build strong foundations for their children and create spaces for children’s voices to be heard. Our children’s services provide opportunities for children and families to connect, learn and grow in safe, culturally connected environments.

At Remote Playgroups in Ngukurr and Numbulwar, parents and carers of young children learn on country through connecting and having fun. Playgroup staff use culturally meaningful play-based developmental activities, in both English and children’s first languages.

In Darwin, families with young children take part in an early learning program called HIPPY. The Home Interaction Program for Parents & Youngsters (HIPPY) is a two-year, home-based, early learning and parenting program. Families are supported by a home tutor to complete weekly activity books with their child and join regular group activities involving art, craft and excursions.

On group excursions to the beach, children learn effortlessly sharing language, food and culture. Together with their mums, dads, grandparents, aunties, uncles and siblings, children listen to stories, play games, use sign language, explore nature and create artworks with sand, rocks, leaves and shells.

In Alice Springs and East Arnhem regions, our Communities for Children initiatives work with community partners and place-based coordination efforts to deliver targeted activities and supports for children and their families. Last year, over 50 early childhood, children’s services and family support staff came together with stakeholders to share ideas, learnings and good practice in Nhulunbuy.

In Alice, the hopes and aspirations of 500 children and families were captured in the ‘Child Friendly Alice Community Profile’ project. The Profile found that the top priorities for children in Alice Springs include being safe and free, having access to education, equal opportunities for employment and a society free from racism and crime.