About the Council
The Child Development Council is an independent body established in February 2018 under the Children and Young People (Oversight and Advocacy Bodies) Act 2016.
The Council’s key function is to maintain and review South Australia’s Outcomes Framework for Children and Young People.
The purpose of the Framework is to improve outcomes for young South Australians by:
- Monitoring, reviewing and reporting on how they are developing and progressing over time across five dimensions – Wellbeing, Health, Safety, Education and Preparing for Adulthood
- Supporting and guiding State Authorities to create strategies, set objectives and develop policies, programs and initiatives both individually and collectively
Embedded in the Framework is the Charter for Children and Young People with 20 aspirational conditions, that all young South Australians can and should have to thrive. The Charter reflects a commitment to work from a foundation of state, national and international children’s rights including the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) and other human rights instruments.
The conditions in the Charter represent the voices of children and young people, highlighting what is important to them: having a good home life, support from trusted adults, being listened to, participating in decisions that affect them, opportunities for quality education and employment, and most importantly, being respected and valued.
The Council facilitates a Charter Ambassador Program which aims to empower young individuals to drive positive change and foster awareness about the Charter in their schools and communities.
Our vision is that ‘Every young South Australian counts!’