Children and Families Tripartite Forum

10 Year Generational Strategy for Children and Families

The development of a 10-Year Generational Strategy for Children and Families in the Northern Territory (Generational Strategy) fulfils a recommendation by the Royal Commission into the Protection and Detention of Children.

The Generational Strategy sets out a shared vision and policy framework to improve services for the wellbeing and safety of all children, young people and families in the Northern Territory. The framework describes strengthened collaboration and coordination between local communities, service providers and governments.

The first action plan "Planting the Seeds" was released on 2 October 2023.

The 10 Year Generational Strategy is complemented by the Australian Government and Northern Territory Government Coordinated Investment Framework. The framework is an agreement between the Northern Territory and Commonwealth Governments and outlines their commitment to coordinate the planning, funding and delivery of services aimed at improving outcomes for children in the Northern Territory.

Consultation

More than 340 people, including 102 organisations and groups contributed to the Strategy through consultation. The consultation report contains a summary of the information obtained during consultations.

About the Children and Families Tripartite Forum

The Children and Families Tripartite Forum is a key component of the reform program. The forum’s purpose is to address an identified need for structured and sustained high level engagement between the Northern Territory Government, Commonwealth Government and community sector regarding children experiencing vulnerability, young people and families, and child protection and youth justice issues.

The Children and Families Tripartite Forum membership includes the Northern Territory and Commonwealth governments and the community sector represented by Aboriginal Peak Organisations Northern Territory (APO NT), the Northern Territory Council of Social Service (NTCOSS); and the North Australian Aboriginal Justice Agency (NAAJA).

  • The role of the Tripartite Forum is to provide advice to the Northern Territory and Commonwealth governments to guide and support the implementation of the agreed reform agenda arising from the Royal Commission report including:
    enable and facilitate cross-government, inter-agency and inter-sectoral cooperation, coordination and collaboration in delivering the reform agenda and services for children and young people experiencing vulnerability including those in the youth justice and child protection systems;
  • work collaboratively with other relevant bodies as appropriate in light of the broad-based influence of social determinants on the life course of individuals including their potential interaction with child protection or youth justice services;
  • provide strategic oversight and monitor the development and implementation of the ten year Generational Strategy and key reforms for children and families in the Northern Territory; and
  • provide strategic advice and facilitate integrated efforts in relation to community engagement and supporting Local Decision Making to help ensure that local engagement is coordinated, purposeful and shaped as far as possible by the interests and preferences of local communities

The Children and Families Tripartite Forum (the Forum) is chaired by Mr Rob McPhee and held its inaugural meeting in Alice Springs on 23 July 2018.

Download the Children and Families Tripartite Forum Terms of Reference PDF (672.2 KB)