media release

DATE 06/09/08

CHILDREN SEE, CHILDREN DO – NATIONAL CHILD PROTECTION WEEK

Senator Helen Polley today called for greater action on and awareness of the plight of  abused children. 

“Next week is National Child Protection Week.  Last year there were over 58,000 substantiated notifications to authorities of children being abused or neglected in Australia.  The long term effects of child abuse are immense.”

Senator Polley believes that this issue is too important to play politics with.

“The National Association for Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect (NAPCAN) do a wonderful job in advocating for the prevention of child abuse and neglect”.

“However it is important that we all do our part.  If you see a child that you believe is being abused or neglected, you should notify the relevant authorities”.

“There is also the Newpin campaign which tries to empower disadvantaged families to provide safe environments for their children.  Newpin targets the issues faced by disadvantaged families and gives parents the opportunity to address emotional and educational needs.

“Newpin has been evaluated for more than 20 years in the UK and Australia, and shows a significant improvement in the mental health of mothers.”

“Launceston has its own Newpin Centre, with co-ordinator Tracey Wicks doing a fantastic job.  I can recommend it to anyone who needs help”.

“We need to be doing all we can to end the scourge of child abuse”.

For more information contact Umesh Ratnagobal on 0411 244 364
Or Newpin North on 03 6339 2972