Nominations now open for SA Child Protection and Family Support Awards

South Australians are being recognised for their exceptional commitment, care, hard work or innovation in South Australia’s child protection and family support system through the Child Protection and Family Support Awards.

The awards highlight the outstanding contributions of children and young people with experience of the system, birth and carer families, volunteers, staff, non-government partners and Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations in the critical child protection and family support sector.

They are held through a partnership between the SA Government through the Department for Child Protection and the National Association for Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect (NAPCAN).

“Every day, I am inspired by the individual and collective passion, determination and expertise of those who tirelessly strive to improve the lives of children and young people, as well as the young people themselves who overcome adversity and with resilience and strength, contribute so much to our community,” SA Minister for Child Protection Katrine Hildyard said.

“Being engaged with the child protection and family support system is deeply rewarding and deeply challenging. It is complex and sometimes heartbreaking. Despite that, people are relentlessly driven to help improve children’s lives, to help them know they are not alone.”

“Our South Australian Child Protection and Family Support Awards are an opportunity to celebrate the determination, resilience, joy and hope of people in the system, and to shine a light on those who make a lasting and positive impact on children and young people.”

The following categories are open for nomination:

• Outstanding Achievement of a Child or Young Person
• Active Efforts Award
• The Voice of Children and Young People in Care
• Outstanding Service Award – Positive Impact
• Outstanding Service Award – Health, Wellbeing and Development
• Outstanding Service Award – Sector Development
• Outstanding Service Award – Regional Impact
• South Australian Foster Carer of the Year
• South Australian Kinship Carer of the Year
• Volunteer of the Year
• Community Service Award
• Minister for Child Protection Lifetime Achievement Award

Minister Hildyard encouraged South Australians to nominate those who have made a difference in the lives of children and young people and some of the remarkable young people themselves, a sentiment echoed by NAPCAN Chief Executive Leesa Waters who said that behind every award is a story of resilience, determination, and the unwavering belief that no child should face harm. 

“These moments of recognition reinforce that change is happening because of the leaders all around us,” she continued. 

“We know that conversations can play a part in ensuring adults take accountability in protecting children through grow awareness and challenging norms, however, conversations alone are not enough; true accountability requires action, ensuring that every discussion translates into tangible steps to protect children.”

Since the inaugural awards ceremony in 2021, more than 1000 nominations have been received, including more than 300 for last year’s awards.

Uniting Country SA is this year’s gold awards sponsor, while the HenderCare Foundation and SYC are the silver sponsors.

Nominations close on 16 May, with winners announced at the SA Child Protection and Family Support Awards on Friday 5 September ahead of National Child Protection Week.

To find out more about the awards or nominate, visit www.childprotection.sa.gov.au/awards