The awards will recognise the contributions government, non-government and philanthropic partners have made to improve the lives of families, children and young people and be held during National Child Protection Week on September 8.

Delivered in partnership with the Department for Child Protection (DCP) and the National Association for Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect (NAPCAN), the awards will also acknowledge the incredible role of family-based carers and volunteers.

DCP Deputy Chief Executive Fiona Ward said the awards will cover 12 categories, including areas such as innovations in care, excellence in research, improving education and the successful implementation of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Child Placement Principle. Child Protection Volunteer and Carer of the Year awards will also be presented at the event, which will be held at the Adelaide Convention Centre.

“National Child Protection Week is a great time to acknowledge new partners who do not traditionally work in child protection, but have committed to supporting children and young people in care reach their educational, health and development outcomes and future needs in adulthood,” Ms Ward said.

The awards recognise the Investing in their future reforms, which have led to new and innovative partnerships with non-government organisations to provide targeted services for children and young people in care.

Minister for Child Protection Rachel Sanderson urged organisations, carers and volunteers to apply for the awards.

“We thank our hardworking carers, non-government organisations and our partners for working hard every day to support our most vulnerable children and young people,” Minister Sanderson said.

“These awards are a fantastic way to thank those who work on the front line and behind the scenes who are working with us to improve the lives of families, children and young people in care.”

NAPCAN CEO Richard Cooke said: “NAPCAN is extremely pleased to be able to support the inaugural South Australian Child Protection Week Awards.”

“Importantly, these awards can be an inspiration for each and every one of us to play our part in preventing child abuse and neglect,” Mr Cooke said.

"NAPCAN encourages South Australians to think about the people around them who are working to protect children, and to nominate for these important awards.”

Nominations close on Sunday, August 1. National Child Protection Week runs from September 5 – 11, 2021. For more information about the awards, visit www.childprotection.sa.gov.au/awards.