Policy Position - DECYP and BETA partnership to tackle systemic system failures in children services.

Policy Proposal: Partnership with the Behavioural Economics Team (BETA) to Improve Outcomes for Children and Young People

Purpose:

This policy establishes a formal partnership between the Department of Education, Children and Young People (DECYP) and the Behavioural Economics Team of the Australian Government (BETA), hosted by the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet. The partnership will apply behavioural science to identify and address systemic and operational challenges affecting the safety, wellbeing, and outcomes of children and young people, including those placed in care with third-party providers, private organisations, or non-profits.

Background:

BETA specialises in applying behavioural insights to improve government decision-making and service delivery. Its track record demonstrates success in improving recruitment, communication, safety interventions, and trust in public systems. DECYP aims to leverage this expertise to improve both in-house and contracted service performance, especially in areas involving high-risk or vulnerable children.

Objectives:

1. Identify Priority Areas for Reform

   Collaborate with BETA to assess systemic risks and behavioural bottlenecks in service delivery—focusing on both internal DECYP operations and third-party services responsible for children, including residential care, disability providers, education contractors, and out-of-home care services.

   
   

2. Assess Third-Party Providers

   Engage BETA to evaluate behavioural, procedural, and communication risks within private organisations, NGOs, and non-profits responsible for children in state or shared care. This includes the use of behavioural diagnostics to assess how organisational culture, incentive structures, and communication methods impact child safety and service quality.

   
   

3. Design Behaviourally Informed Interventions

   Develop and trial strategies to improve how care providers make decisions, manage risk, and communicate with children and families—prioritising child-centred, trauma-informed, and culturally safe approaches.

   
   

4. Build Behavioural Capability Across the Sector

   Provide training and tools to both public and private sector staff working with children and young people to apply behavioural insights in recruitment, reporting, program design, and engagement.

   
   

5. Monitor, Evaluate and Scale

   Use data and trial results to inform statewide improvements in procurement, oversight, and care models. Interventions showing significant benefit may be adopted across DECYP and its network of providers.

   
   

Scope:

This policy applies to:

• Department-led programs and frontline staff

• All contracted or funded care providers responsible for children

• Community-based and school-related services engaging vulnerable children

• Recruitment and induction of child-facing roles

  
  

Governance and Oversight:

The partnership will be governed by a joint oversight committee involving DECYP, BETA, and independent child protection advisors. Evaluation protocols will adhere to state legislation, and participation by third-party providers may be included in contract review processes or service audits.