The Children, Young People and Families Policy was approved by council on 27 August 2020.

Children, young people and families are central to Ipswich’s identity, growth and success. We share the community’s aspirations for a city where all children, young people and families:

• feel valued and included and have an active role in their community.
• grow up in a clean and healthy environment with a strong connection to nature.
• are supported to live their best, healthy and active lives with access to good nutrition, healthy environments and physical activity opportunities.
• have equal access to affordable activities, services, information and knowledge.
• take part in and learn from a range of local cultural experiences.
• have access to safe and inviting public places, spaces and community facilities.
• have the choice to live, work, play and thrive in Ipswich.

This policy will guide council's contribution to a child, youth and family-friendly city.

Over 500 people of all ages provided feedback during the development of the policy. Feedback was captured by online and paper surveys, interviews at Children's Week events and other community events and key consultations with local educators and students.

A number of events during Children's Week 2020 acknowledged the launch of the Policy. These included Flick the Swich, a forum for young people to discuss multiple topics, and Ipswich Children's Voices, a child led panel discussion.