We are taking a careful and collaborative approach to preparing for the implementation of the Children and Young People (Safety and Support) Act 2025 (CYPSS Act).
Our focus is on building shared understanding of the new law and ensuring, children, young people, families, carers, workers and partners have the guidance and tools they will need before the law begins operation.
Steps to readiness
Implementing the new law takes times. We are currently in a period of engagement and preparation to ensure the system is ready for these important changes.
Implementation timeline
2025 | Awareness and understanding
Building a foundation by explaining why the law is changing and what the CYPSS Act aims to achieve for our community.
2025–2026 | Listening, engagement and collaborative planning
Working with our key stakeholders to listen, share ideas, develop guidance, and revise our systems when required.
Early 2027 | Education and practice readiness
Supporting different audiences to understand how the CYPSS Act applies to them. This will include training for staff, developing information and education resources and sharing clear information across the sector.
Note: This timeline reflects current planning and will be updated as implementation progresses
The CYPSS regulations will provide specific administrative details, or practical instructions necessary to implement broad legal principles on how the CYPSS Act operates. We are working through the areas where regulations are needed to ensure the law is clear, workable, and reflects best practice.
Public consultation: Draft regulations are expected to be released for public consultation in late 2026.
The sector will play an important role in informing and supporting the development and delivery of the State Strategy for the Safety and Support of Children and Young People. Further information on the development and use of the Strategy, and associated Safety and Support plans will be shared as implementation progresses.
We are reviewing all existing policies and procedures to ensure that we provide a consistent practice framework for staff to operate within, which both complies with the requirements of the CYPSS Act and reflects best practice.
The CYPSS Act includes built-in safeguards to ensure transparency and continuous improvement, including:
- annual progress reporting by the Minister and Chief Executive
- public reporting on outcomes through the State Strategy and Safety and Support Plans
- a statutory five‑year review of the Act
- ongoing evaluation of how the guiding principles — safety, best interests, active efforts and effective intervention — support improved outcomes for children and young people.