Title

Not-for-profit Sector Development Blueprint

This Blueprint from the Department of Social Services outlines a ten-year vision for a thriving NFP sector, focusing on reform and essential initiatives. It emphasises collaboration between the NFP sector and the Australian Parliament to enhance the sector’s impact and visibility, ensuring long-term progress and meaningful reform.

Audits Inquiries and Investigations

External Link

Inclusive Victoria: State Disability Plan Midway Report (2022 – 2024)

This midway report shows how the Victorian Government is tracking against the actions of the state disability plan. Currently, 28 actions have been completed, the government is on track to complete a further 139 by 2026, with eight actions still to be progressed.

Audits Inquiries and Investigations

External Link

Protecting Students From Bullying

This Queensland Audit Office has examined the effectiveness of the Queensland Department of Education's strategies to protect students from bullying. Findings of relevance to all jurisdictions include the need for improved data collection about students’ experience of bullying, including cyberbullying, and better engagement of parents in addressing this complex issue.

Audits Inquiries and Investigations

External Link

Stories From Berry Street: Bringing a New Model of Care to Victoria

In this podcast, Berry Street interviews James Stubbs, Director of Berry Street's Northern Region, and Jarrod Wheatley, CEO of Professional Individualised Care (PIC) NSW, about its trauma-informed relational model, and successful outcomes for children in Germany and NSW. They also discuss how PIC equips professionals with the skills to become paid carers, fostering better support for vulnerable children.

Podcasts

External Link

‘Thank You for Helping Our Children’: Refugee Families’ Perspective

This study from University of Edinburgh researchers examines a tutoring project in Scotland designed to support the educational achievement and school inclusion of children from refugee families. Recognising education as a pathway to stability, the project addressed parents’ priorities and helped children build literacy skills and connections to their new country. Qualitative data from 18 parents and 19 children highlighted the project’s positive impact on children’s academic confidence and enjoyment. The research underscores the importance of including the voices of refugee families in evaluating interventions, offering valuable insights into the role of education in fostering integration and opportunity.

Education

External Link

The Overlap Between Viewing Child Sexual Abuse Material and Fringe or Radical Content Online

This report from the Australian Institute of Criminology investigates the characteristics and behaviours of individuals viewing child sexual abuse material (CSAM) and fringe or radical content online. Among respondents, 40.6 per cent viewed fringe or radical content, and 4.5 per cent viewed CSAM in the past year. Notably, 64.7 per cent of CSAM viewers also engaged with fringe or radical content. Those viewing both were predominantly younger males with higher rates of mental illness diagnoses and criminal justice contact, highlighting the need for targeted interventions addressing their distinct online behaviours and platform usage.

Family and Community

External Link

National Action Plan for the Health and Wellbeing of LGBTQIA+ People (2025 – 2035)

The Department of Health and Aged Care has recently released an action plan to support the health and wellbeing of LGBTQIA+ people. Areas of focus include recognising LGBTIQIA+ people as priority populations and supporting consistency in key models of care to establish best practice framework.

Family and Community

External Link

Fostering Children With a Disability in Victoria: Who Are the Children and What Are the Experience of Their Foster Carers?

This research by the Fostering Connections team at the Centre for Excellence in Child and Family Welfare examines the prevalence of disability among children in foster care and the experiences of their carers in Victoria. Analysis of data from 23 foster care agencies revealed that 41 per cent of children in foster care have disabilities, yet only 53 per cent of this group have an NDIS plan. The Centre's surveys of foster carers, recruitment workers, and caseworkers show some of the key challenges, but also the rewards, in supporting children with disabilities and recruiting carers.

Family and Community

External Link

Kinship Care in the Welfare System: The Lived Experience and the Case for Reform

A Victorian study from researchers at Latrobe and Melbourne University examines the complexities of formal kinship care, where family or friends care for children unable to live with their parents. Drawing on stakeholder insights, the report highlights systematic issues such as inadequate resources, unmet support needs and policy gaps. These challenges create compounded disadvantages for carers and children, emphasising the need for reform to better support kinship care in child and family services.

Family and Community

External Link

The Criminalisation of Coercive Control: A National Study of Victim-Survivors’ Views on the Needs for Benefits, Risks and Impacts of Criminalisation

This new report from the Australian Institute of Criminology examines victim-survivors' views on criminalising coercive control, highlighting its benefits and limitations. It is widely recognised that violence against women is a national crisis in Australia, with legal responses to coercive control often failing victim-survivors. Findings offer critical insights for states and territories pursuing legal reforms on this issue.

Family and Community

External Link

Lived Experience Participation and Influence in Homelessness and Housing Policy, Service Design and Practice

This research from the Australian Housing and Urban Research Institute explores the role of lived experience in shaping housing and homelessness policy, service design, and practice. It highlights the potential of incorporating the perspectives of people with lived experience to improve service effectiveness, legitimacy, and advocacy for systemic change. Focus groups in South Australia and Victoria revealed recurring themes of people with lived experience feeling unseen, unheard and disempowered. Participants emphasised the need for meaningful engagement, structural change, and a stronger lived experience workforce to address systemic barriers and enhance policy and practice outcomes.

Family and Community

External Link

Opening Doors: Access to Early Childhood Service for Families Impacted by Poverty in the UK

The National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children and UNICEF UK have released research examining access to early childhood services for low-income families in the UK. The report, based on an evidence review, interviews with professionals and surveys with parents, reveals that these families face significant barriers at interpersonal, service, and systemic levels. Recommendations for the UK Government include setting measurable goals within the Child Poverty Strategy to improve access to early childhood services, developing a clear plan to reform services, and making sure these services serve as gateways to support families in poverty.

Family and Community

External Link

Hitting the Mark: Specialised Responses in Services and Initiative for a Multicultural Australia

This policy brief from Settlement Services International underscores the necessity of specialised services for multicultural Australians. These services cultivate a sense of belonging and engagement while inclusive mainstream options are significant during the early stages of settlement. Governments should reinvest in multicultural services, adopt culturally responsive frameworks, and ensure the financial sustainability of these organisations. Essential actions include providing culturally responsive training, enhancing digital inclusion, and improving data collection on cultural diversity.

Family and Community

External Link

National Strategy to Prevent and Respond to Child Sexual Abuse 2021 – 2030: Second Annual Report 2024

The Attorney General’s Department has released the second update on the implementation of the National Strategy which outlines key achievements and progress for all 62 activities contained in the Strategy’s initial action plan. The report notes significant progress, with seven National Strategy activities now completed.

Children and Young People's Wellbeing

External Link

Infant Vulnerability to Court Decision-Making Processes Regarding Oohc: Perspectives of Frontline Workers

This study by University of New South Wales researchers, explores the complex decision-making processes involved in the removal of infants from their birth parents. Interviews with professionals from the legal, child protection, and health sectors revealed that, while these systems aim to protect vulnerable infants, they can sometimes unintentionally make them more vulnerable. The findings emphasise the need for further research on how domestic and international laws can be improved to better address the unique developmental needs and vulnerabilities of infants in the child protection system.

Children and Young People's Wellbeing

External Link

More for Children Issues Paper 4: Education

Issue paper 4 from the Children’s Policy Centre focuses on what children have told them about education and how poverty impacts learning in and out of school. Children spoke about narrowed opportunities for learning due to a lack of material resources, time-pressured families, and/or lack of transport. They also described the negative impact of housing stress on learning.

Children and Young People's Wellbeing

External Link

Australian Children With Disabilities’ Unmet Needs: Evidence From the Better Support for Kids With Disabilities Survey

This working paper from the Life Course Centre examines unmet support needs among Australian children with disabilities, based on data from the Better Support for Kids with Disabilities survey. It found that 83 per cent of these children have unmet needs, mainly in therapy, school support, and access to support workers. The findings highlight significant inequalities and the need for better monitoring and data collection to enhance access to support under the NDIS.

Children and Young People's Wellbeing

External Link

The Role of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACES) in Adolescent Use of Violence

This AIFS resource supports practitioners working with adolescents at risk of violent behaviour. It explores the connection between adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and aggression, emphasising the need for early intervention and a trauma-informed approach. Understanding the impact of ACEs is essential for creating effective interventions that reduce violence risk and support vulnerable young people.

Children and Young People's Wellbeing

External Link

Value for Whom: Rethinking Cost-Effectiveness From Young People’s Perspective

This article from University of Sussex researchers redefines value in safeguarding and welfare services for young people facing adversity. Current discussions on cost-effectiveness' often focus on financial costs and measurable outcomes, ignoring the moral and societal costs of inadequate support. The article calls for the inclusion of ‘softer’ outcomes like wellbeing and educational engagement. The authors propose a holistic approach to better understand the long-term benefits of timely and effective support for vulnerable young people.

Children and Young People's Wellbeing

External Link

System Review Into Out-Of-Home Care: Final Report From the Nsw Government

This review highlights significant challenges and areas for reform in NSW's out-of-home care (OOHC) system. The Department of Communities and Justice oversees OOHC, using a hybrid model combining government and NGO services. Findings reveal the system is fragmented, overly complex, and lacks accountability. Limited data sharing and inconsistencies across department districts hinder effective service delivery, while carers and children often feel excluded from decision-making. Recommendations include improving performance metrics, contract management, and embedding reforms into a comprehensive program redesign.

Children and Young People's Wellbeing

External Link

Family Law Amendment Bill 2024

The Family Law Amendment Bill inquiry and report has been finalised with some key recommendations including explicitly recognising family violence as a matter to be considered in property and financial proceedings under the Family Law Act 1975.

Audits Inquiries and Investigations

External Link

Commission for Children and Young People: Annual Report

The Commission for Children and Young People has released its annual report which prioritised hearing from children and young people and integrating their perspectives into key initiatives. The Commission advocated for changes in education, child protection and youth justice systems.

Audits Inquiries and Investigations

External Link

The Did You Hear Me? Podcast

Did You Hear Me? The Podcast is a three-part series focused on enhancing participation for children and young people in community services. Through discussions with young individuals and service staff, it examines participation challenges and shares strategies for improvement. The podcast is designed as a learning resource, offering insights into how community service professionals can foster meaningful engagement and innovative practices.

Podcasts

External Link

Help Seeking for Young Rural Males Disengaged From Education

This article from researchers at the University of New England in NSW explores the mental health literacy and help-seeking behaviours of young rural Australian males aged 15–24, disengaged from mainstream education. The study shows the value of help-seeking but reveals a range of barriers such as stigma, limited mental health literacy, and unsuitable service models.

Education

External Link

Co-design Integrated Child and Family Hubs for Families Experiencing Adversity

This article with contributions from various universities and research institutions across Australia examines the potential of integrated ‘child and family hubs’ to improve mental health outcomes for children facing adversity, such as abuse, neglect or socio-economic disadvantage. The article discusses how a community paediatric service in Sydney is co-designing such hubs to provide comprehensive health services to families experiencing adversity, aiming for better intergenerational health outcomes.

Family and Community

External Link

2024 Family Matter Report: Strong Communities, Strong Culture, Stronger Children

SNAICC’s annual report examines the over-representation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children in the child protection system. It identifies systemic barriers and underscores the importance of culturally safe, community-led solutions. Key recommendations include investing in prevention, early intervention, and family-led decision-making models, and appointing independent Commissioners for Indigenous children nationwide. The report evaluates progress under the National Agreement on Closing the Gap, advocating for Aboriginal community-controlled organisations to lead efforts in ensuring child safety and wellbeing.

Family and Community

Mental Wellbeing Amongst Parents and Carers From Minoritise and Marginalised Ethnic Backgrounds

This rapid evidence review from the Coram Institute for Children examines the mental wellbeing of parents and carers from minoritised and marginalised ethnic backgrounds, pointing to systemic barriers and their impact on mental wellbeing. The study evaluated two grassroots programs which support families in high-violence areas through therapy, peer support, and workshops. The review is intended to guide practitioners and policymakers in addressing structural inequities and improving support systems for these communities.

Family and Community

External Link

Family Support, Enriched Preschool and Serious Youth Offending

This report from the Australian Institute of Criminology examines the effect of the Pathways to Prevention Program on offending rates among children up to age 17 in a disadvantaged area of Brisbane. The program combined a preschool communication skills initiative with ongoing family support. The findings indicate family support should be combined with early preventive measures and targeted programs for children and parents during late primary school to achieve the best outcomes.

Family and Community

External Link

An Anti-racism Framework: Voices of First Nations People

This report from the Australian Human Rights Commission is based on around 500 consultations conducted in urban and remote areas. Key challenges identified in the report include systemic racism, unconscious bias, the legacy of colonisation, over-policing, high incarceration rates, and a lack of accountability. The report offers several recommendations, including the development of cross-sector workforce strategies and the establishment of a First Nations Anti-Racism Framework.

Family and Community

External Link

Investigating the Links Between Objective Social Media Use, Attentional Control, and Psychological Distress

This timely journal article conducted by researchers from Curtin University, examined the relationship between social media use, psychological distress and inhibitory attentional control using objective measures. The study's findings have challenged the perception that high social media use can negatively impact mental health, with the results indicating no correlation between the two factors.

Family and Community

External Link

Attitudes Matter: The 2021 National Community Attitudes Towards Violence Against Women Survey: Findings for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Respondents.

ANROWS has recently released findings from their periodic representative survey, NCAS. This report explores Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander respondents’ understanding of violence against women and attitudes towards gender inequality. Based on survey data from 442 respondents, the report highlights the impact of systemic racism impact and calls for systemic changes, including partnerships with Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations (ACCOs).

Family and Community

External Link

Wellbeing, Participation and Connection in the Middle Years of Childhood

This article in The Medical Journal of Australia highlights how children’s health and wellbeing during the middle years are best supported through strong community connections, opportunities for participation, and intergenerational relationships. Investing in children, families and community environments is essential to creating pathways that promote participation, connection and overall wellbeing.

Children and Young People's Wellbeing

External Link

In Their Own Right: Actions to Improve Children and Young People’s Safety From Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence

ANROWS' guide outlines actions for effective policy responses to children and young people experiencing violence. Drawing from over 20 research reports, it emphasises the need for centring children’s voices, addressing intersecting oppressions, and adopting rights-based approaches. The guide highlights eight priorities, including holistic system design, trauma-informed care, and collaboration across services. It underscores the need for prevention strategies prioritising children’s wellbeing, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander knowledge, and knowledge sharing among systems. It aims to equip policymakers and advocates to advance consistent, impactful reforms.

Children and Young People's Wellbeing

External Link

Children’s Voices for Change: A Rights-Based Approach to Understanding and Implementing Effective Supports for Children and Pre-adolescents as Victim-Survivors of Family Violence

This joint project funded by the Victorian Government involved Southern Cross University, Swinburne University, Safe & Equal, and the Centre. The project explored how to effectively support children under 13 as victim-survivors of family violence, emphasising a children’s rights-based approach. The study showed the need for individualised, inclusive services acknowledging children as distinct rights-bearers. Children identified connection, safety and stability as critical needs.

Children and Young People's Wellbeing

External Link

Transition for Care Experienced Young People: A Thematic Review

This report, from the Care Inspectorate, outlines the findings of a thematic review regarding the experiences of young people in and transitioning out of care in Scotland, focusing on how their rights were upheld. The report highlights the significance of strong, personalised relationships with workers and calls for ongoing efforts to uphold the rights of young people and enhance their outcomes during this crucial transition from care.

Children and Young People's Wellbeing

External Link

Australian Child and Youth Wellbeing Atlas

The Australian Child and Youth Wellbeing Atlas is a free data asset, mapping information on children and young people aged 0 to 24 in communities across Australia. This data asset can allow researchers, and non-government, state, and federal organisations to identify priorities for child health and wellbeing research and initiatives in meaningful and cost-effective ways.

Children and Young People's Wellbeing

External Link

Impacts of Pornography on Young People

This summary report from Our Watch highlights findings from a survey focused on young people’s exposure to pornography.

Children and Young People's Wellbeing

External Link

Living with a parent in prison: Learning from young people

Monash University explores how children aged 11 to 15 are affected by parental imprisonment, highlighting their strengths and coping strategies. It emphasises the critical role of family support and suggests that teachers can contribute significantly with the right knowledge and skills. The report calls for timely family support, school-based initiatives, and child-centred practices in the justice system, underscoring the need for integrated approaches to better support these often-overlooked children.

Children and Young People's Wellbeing

Submission

Further resources

File

Overview of Compliance Frameworks

This document provides an explanatory memorandum on the Voice of Parents, outlining the rationale, objectives, and key principles for involving parents with lived experience in child protection and family services. It highlights the importance of parent engagement in shaping policies, practices, and service delivery to improve outcomes for families and children.

Further resources

File

Survey Report on Child and Family Service Worker Experiences of Engaging Birth Parents

This document presents the findings of the Voice of Parents Sector Survey (March 2021), summarising feedback from various stakeholders on the importance of parent participation in child protection and family services. It highlights key challenges and recommendations for improving parent engagement and integrating their perspectives into service delivery.

Further resources

File

Literature Review on Participation Framework Executive Summary

This document offers an evidence summary on the Voice of Parents, highlighting research findings that demonstrate the positive impact of involving parents with lived experience in child protection and family services, and advocating for their active participation in service design and decision-making processes.

Further resources

File

Literature Review on Participation Frameworks

This document provides a literature review on the Voice of Parents, examining research and key insights related to parent involvement in child protection and family services.

Further resources

File

Infographic: Understanding the child

This infographic helps organisations understand the child protection process, highlighting key steps and considerations to ensure the child's needs and wellbeing are central to decision-making and service delivery.

For everyone

File

Listening to lived experience voices, including birth parents (for Boards)

This document provides guidance for organisational boards on how to listen to and incorporate voices of lived experience.

For organisations

File

Feedback and complaints form – template

This template is designed for organisations to create feedback and complaints forms, providing a structured way for parents and clients to share their experiences, raise concerns, and contribute to improving services.

For organisations

File

Embedding parent voice in design of services

This document provides guidance for organisations on embedding the voice of parents in the design of services, highlighting the importance of co-design, collaboration, and incorporating parental feedback to create more effective and responsive services.

For organisations

File

Planning engagement with parents to support service delivery

The document offers guidance for organisations on planning parent engagement to support service delivery, emphasising the importance of inclusive practices, clear communication, and collaboration to ensure that parents are actively involved in shaping and accessing services.

For organisations

File

Ten tips for working with birth parents: For practitioners

This document provides a tip sheet for practitioners, offering practical advice on how to engage and support parents effectively throughout their involvement with child and family services, focusing on communication, empathy, and fostering collaborative relationships.

For practitioners

File

Supporting parent participation when their child is in out-of-home care

The document offers guidance for practitioners on supporting parent participation when their child is in out-of-home care (OOHC), emphasising the importance of maintaining clear communication, offering support, and involving parents in decision-making to ensure the best outcomes for both the child and the family.

For practitioners

File

Supporting parent participation in Court

The document provides guidance for practitioners on supporting parent participation in court proceedings, highlighting the importance of clear communication, empathy, and ensuring parents understand the legal process while being actively involved in decision-making related to their children.

For practitioners

File

Supporting parent participation in child protection investigations

The document offers guidance for practitioners on supporting parent participation during child protection investigations, emphasising the need for clear communication, respect, and collaboration to ensure parents are informed and involved throughout the process.

For practitioners

File

Supporting parent participation from the first point of contact

This document provides guidance for practitioners on how to support parent participation from the first point of contact, emphasising the importance of building trust, fostering open communication, and ensuring parents are actively involved in decision-making throughout their journey with child and family services.

For practitioners

File

How parents want to tell their stories

This document highlights how parents share their stories with practitioners in child and family services, emphasising the importance of respectful, empathetic listening and creating a supportive environment where parents feel heard and understood.

For practitioners

File

Ten tips for supporting birth parents: For friends and family

This document offers a tip sheet for friends and family of parents involved in child and family services, providing guidance on how they can offer support, understand the process, and advocate for the parent's needs and rights effectively.

For parents

File

Ten tips for working with services including child protection: For birth parents

This document provides a tip sheet for parents involved in child and family services, offering practical advice and strategies to support them in navigating the system, advocating for their children, and ensuring their voices are heard throughout the process.

For parents

File

What does it mean? Child protection, child and family services, and Courts

This document explains key terms and processes related to child and family services, helping parents understand important concepts and procedures to navigate the system more effectively and advocate for their rights and needs.

For parents

File

How to make the most of your meetings

This document offers guidance to parents on how to effectively participate in meetings with child and family services, providing tips on preparation, communication, and advocacy to ensure their voice is heard and their needs are addressed.

For parents

File

Parent Participation Framework (Plain English version)

In plain English, this document provides a model and framework for integrating the voices of parents with lived experience into child and family services, emphasizing co-design, inclusive practices, and shared decision-making to enhance service outcomes and family wellbeing.

Project publications - Parent Participation Framework

File

Parent Participation Model & Framework (Universal version)

This document provides a model and framework for integrating the voices of parents with lived experience into child and family services, emphasizing co-design, inclusive practices, and shared decision-making to enhance service outcomes and family wellbeing.

Project publications - Parent Participation Framework

File

Parent Participation Model (Plain English version)

This document, in plain English, presents a model for embedding the voices of parents with lived experience in child and family services, focusing on meaningful engagement, collaboration, and shared decision-making to improve service design and delivery.

Project publications - Parent Participation Model

File

This simplified document presents a model for embedding the voices of parents with lived experience in child and family services, focusing on meaningful engagement, collaboration, and shared decision-making to improve service design and delivery.

Project publications - Parent Participation Model

File

Parent Participation Model (Universal version)

This document presents a model for embedding the voices of parents with lived experience in child and family services, focusing on meaningful engagement, collaboration, and shared decision-making to improve service design and delivery.

Project publications - Parent Participation Model

File

Charter of Parent Participation (Plain English version)

In plain English, this document outlines a charter promoting meaningful participation of parents in child and family services, emphasizing collaboration, respect, and inclusion of their lived experiences to improve outcomes for families and children.

Project publications - Charter of Parent Participation

File

Charter of Parent Participation (Universal version)

This document outlines a charter promoting meaningful participation of parents in child and family services, emphasizing collaboration, respect, and inclusion of their lived experiences to improve outcomes for families and children.

Project publications - Charter of Parent Participation

File

Hearing the Lived Experience of Birth Parents

The document explores the importance of listening to and learning from the lived experiences of birth parents in improving child protection and family support services, ensuring these systems are more responsive and effective.

Project publications - preliminary documents

File

Supporting Participation of Birth Parents

This document outlines a model for effectively including the voices of parents with lived experience in child protection and family services systems.

Project publications - preliminary documents

External Link

Hearing from birth parents – Voice of Parents

Hear directly from the Lived Experience of Birth Parents.

Project publications – introduction

File

Letter from the Parental Advisory Group (PAG)

This document is an invitation for parents with lived experience in the child protection and family services system to join the Parents' Advisory Group (PAG). It highlights the group's role in providing feedback and contributing to the improvement of services that support children and families.

Project publications – introduction

File

MARAM Risk Factors

Outlining risk factors for adult and child victims stemming from perpetrator behaviours, emphasising serious threats like controlling behaviours, weapon access, threats, violence, and isolation, while highlighting risks unique to adult victims and children. Certain factors indicate heightened danger of fatal outcomes.

Centre Resources - MARAM in Practice (Victim Survivors)

External Link

Family Law Amendment Bill 2024

The Family Law Amendment Bill inquiry and report has been finalised with some key recommendations including explicitly recognising family violence as a matter to be considered in property and financial proceedings under the Family Law Act 1975.

Audits Inquiries and Investigations

External Link

Commission for Children and Young People: Annual Report

The Commission for Children and Young People has released its annual report which prioritised hearing from children and young people and integrating their perspectives into key initiatives. The Commission advocated for changes in education, child protection and youth justice systems.

Audits Inquiries and Investigations

External Link

The Did You Hear Me? Podcast

The Did You Hear Me? The Podcast is a three-part series focused on enhancing participation for children and young people in community services. Through discussions with young individuals and service staff, it examines participation challenges and shares strategies for improvement. The podcast is designed as a learning resource, offering insights into how community service professionals can foster meaningful engagement and innovative practices.

Podcasts

External Link

Help seeking for young rural males disengaged from education

This article from researchers at the University of New England in NSW explores the mental health literacy and help-seeking behaviours of young rural Australian males aged 15–24, disengaged from mainstream education. The study shows the value of help-seeking but reveals a range of barriers such as stigma, limited mental health literacy, and unsuitable service models.

Education

External Link

Academic performance, health and support needs: Comparing foster care alumni and peers in higher education in Norway

This article from researchers at the University of Bergen in Norway examines the educational and wellbeing outcomes of foster care alumni in higher education. It compares their sociodemographic, academic functioning, mental health and economic challenges to the general student population. The research highlights the need for targeted policies and support systems to address the unique burdens faced by care-experienced students, including financial struggles and poorer mental health.

External Link

Co-design integrated child and family hubs for families experiencing adversity

This article with contributions from various universities and research institutions across Australia examines the potential of integrated ‘child and family hubs’ to improve mental health outcomes for children facing adversity, such as abuse, neglect or socio-economic disadvantage. The article discusses how a community paediatric service in Sydney is co-designing such hubs to provide comprehensive health services to families experiencing adversity, aiming for better intergenerational health outcomes.

Children and Young People's Wellbeing

External Link

2024 Family Matter Report: Strong communities, strong culture, stronger children

SNAICC’s annual report examines the over-representation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children in the child protection system. It identifies systemic barriers and underscores the importance of culturally safe, community-led solutions. Key recommendations include investing in prevention, early intervention, and family-led decision-making models, and appointing independent Commissioners for Indigenous children nationwide. The report evaluates progress under the National Agreement on Closing the Gap, advocating for Aboriginal community-controlled organisations to lead efforts in ensuring child safety and wellbeing.

Family and Community

External Link

Mental wellbeing amongst parents and carers from minorities and marginalised ethnic backgrounds

This rapid evidence review from the Coram Institute for Children examines the mental wellbeing of parents and carers from minoritised and marginalised ethnic backgrounds. It points to systemic barriers and their impact on mental wellbeing. The study evaluated two grassroots programs which support families in high-violence areas through therapy, peer support, and workshops. The review is intended to guide practitioners and policymakers in addressing structural inequities and improving support systems for these communities.

External Link

Family support, enriched preschool and serious youth offending

This report from the Australian Institute of Criminology examines the effect of the Pathways to Prevention Program on offending rates among children up to age 17 in a disadvantaged area of Brisbane. The program combined a preschool communication skills initiative with ongoing family support. The findings indicate that family support should be combined with early preventive measures and targeted programs for children and parents during late primary school to achieve the best outcomes.

Family and Community

External Link

An anti-racism framework: Voices of First Nations people

This report from the Australian Human Rights Commission is based on around 500 consultations conducted in urban and remote areas. Key challenges identified in the report include systemic racism, unconscious bias, the legacy of colonisation, over-policing, high incarceration rates, and a lack of accountability. The report offers several recommendations, including the development of cross-sector workforce strategies and the establishment of a First Nations Anti-Racism Framework.

External Link

Investigating the links between objective social media use, attentional control and psychological distress

This timely journal article conducted by researchers from Curtin University, examined the relationship between social media use, psychological distress and inhibitory attentional control using objective measures. The study's findings have challenged the perception that high social media use can negatively impact mental health, with the results indicating no correlation between the two factors. This research highlights the importance of a nuanced understanding of the links between social media use, mental health and cognitive processes.

Children and Young People's Wellbeing

External Link

Attitudes matter: The 2021 National Community Attitudes towards Violence against Women Survey: Findings for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander respondents

ANROWS has recently released findings from their periodic representative survey, NCAS. This report explores Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander respondents’ understanding of violence against women and attitudes towards gender inequality. Based on survey data from 442 respondents, the report highlights the impact of systemic racism impact and calls for systemic changes, including partnerships with Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations (ACCOs).

Children and Young People's Wellbeing

External Link

Wellbeing, participation and connection in the middle years of childhood

This article in The Medical Journal of Australia highlights how children’s health and wellbeing during the middle years are best supported through strong community connections, opportunities for participation, and intergenerational relationships. Investing in children, families and community environments is essential to creating pathways that promote participation, connection and overall wellbeing.

Children and Young People's Wellbeing

External Link

In their own right: Actions to improve children and young people’s safety from domestic, family and sexual violence.

This guide by ANROWS outlines actions for effective policy responses to children and young people experiencing violence. Drawing from over 20 research reports, it emphasises the need for centring children’s voices, addressing intersecting oppressions, and adopting rights-based approaches. The guide highlights eight priorities, including holistic system design, trauma-informed care, and collaboration across services. It underscores the need for prevention strategies prioritising children’s wellbeing, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander knowledge, and knowledge sharing among systems. It aims to equip policymakers and advocates to advance consistent, impactful reforms.

External Link

Transition for care experienced young people: A thematic review

This report from the Care Inspectorate outlines the findings of a thematic review regarding the experiences of young people in and transitioning out of care in Scotland, focusing on how their rights were upheld. The report highlights the significance of strong, personalised relationships with workers and calls for ongoing efforts to uphold the rights of young people and enhance their outcomes during this crucial transition from care.

Children and Young People's Wellbeing

External Link

Australian Child and Youth Wellbeing Atlas

The Australian Child and Youth Wellbeing Atlas is a freely available data asset that maps information on children and young people aged 0 to 24 in communities across Australia. This data asset can allow researchers, and non-government, state, and federal organisations to identify priorities for child health and wellbeing research and initiatives in meaningful and cost-effective ways.

Children and Young People's Wellbeing

External Link

Impacts of pornography on young people

Children and Young People's Wellbeing

External Link

Living with a parent in prison: Learning from young people

This report from Monash University explores how children aged 11 to 15 are affected by parental imprisonment. The report highlights their strengths and coping strategies. It emphasises the critical role of family support and suggests that teachers can contribute significantly with the right knowledge and skills. The report calls for timely family support, school-based initiatives, and child-centred practices in the justice system, underscoring the need for integrated approaches to better support these often-overlooked children.

Children and Young People's Wellbeing

Submission

Inquiry into capturing data on family violence perpetrators in Victoria

Data collection provides valuable insights to better understand patterns, trends and common characteristics of perpetrators, which in turn feeds into prevention strategies, policy development, and practical support for victim survivors. Quality data collection helps to give service providers in child and family services a better understanding of the risks of violence, and the circumstances surrounding each family’s experience. Information about the perpetrator is key to these understandings. Without this data, threats to the safety of women, children and young people are very real. Workers themselves are not always safe from perpetrators when working with victim survivors. There is also less…

Submission

Review of Online Safety Act 2021

Our response focuses primarily on Part 3 of the Issues paper: Protecting those who have experienced or encountered online harms. The Act defines online safety for children as the capacity of Australian children to use social media services and electronic services in a safe manner and includes the protection of Australian children using those services from cyber-bullying material targeted at an Australian child. However, this barely scratches the surface of the range and types of risks which children and young people can be exposed to in an online environment. The Australian Childhood Maltreatment Study highlighted five types of harm which…

Submission

Inquiry into vaping and tobacco controls (letter submission)

The adverse health impacts of vaping and vape products are well documented. Despite the public health messaging aimed at deterring the use of vape products, the incidence of vaping and tobacco use continues to rise, particularly among young people. Though current Victorian laws prohibit the sale and use of e-cigarettes which contain nicotine without a prescription, significant numbers of teenage ‘vapers’ use these products knowing they contain nicotine. The risk of addiction and additional health complications are significant, particularly on the developing adolescent brain. Many e-cigarettes claim to be nicotine free, and are generally perceived by young people to be…

Submission

Inquiry into Compulsory Income Management and human rights

Submission

Reducing the Harm cause by Gambling

With Australians losing $25 billion to gambling annually, gambling is a pressing public policy issue that affects the health and wellbeing of children, young people, and families in many ways. Despite compelling data showing a link between gambling and damage to mental ill health, gambling harm is rarely discussed in mainstream public health dialogue.2 Harmful gambling often presents with co-existing health issues such as consumption of cigarettes, alcohol abuse and drug use. The harm caused by gambling should be addressed by efficient harm reduction and preventive strategies, supported by strong public health messaging on the harms of problem gambling.

Submission

Rental and housing affordability crisis

Everyone has the right to an adequate living, which includes access to safe housing, food, clothing, and necessities. Families should not have to choose between rent payments or meeting other basic needs, but the rising cost of living and the housing affordability crisis in Victoria are most affecting those experiencing economic disadvantage. A growing number of Victorians do not have access to safe and secure housing.

Submission

Recognition of unpaid carers

Unpaid care work is essential to the social and economic wellbeing of individuals, families, and societies. Australians make many valuable unpaid care contributions to our country, such as caring for children, caring for family members and volunteer work. Our work and caring commitments may change over the course of our lives, but some of these will be measured and valued, while others are not. The work of unpaid carers in Australia is significantly undervalued. Some forms of care are undervalued by way of underpayment, namely formal foster and kinship care arrangements. Failing to measure and monitor social production contributions suggests…

Submission

State Education System

Research highlights evidence of disparities in pre-school (in terms of academic readiness, self-regulation and attention), K-12 (engagement in schooling, performance) and educational attainment (on-time graduation, postsecondary readiness). There is a large body of literature which describes the factors contributing to these disparities, with children’s socioeconomic status being a significant predictor of educational success. Providing equity in education means providing a ‘level playing field’ for all children and young people so that background characteristics do not predict children’s educational performance or outcomes. The Centre recognises the critically important role of government in providing all children with equal access to high quality…

Submission

Social Services and Other Legislation Amendment (Strengthening the Safety Net) Bill 2023

The Centre for Excellence in Child and Family Welfare (the Centre) supports the passage of the Strengthening the Safety Net Bill, so that Australians on low and very low incomes who rely on government financial support can receive the benefits of the slightly higher proposed payments.

Submission

Inquiry into the worsening rental crisis in Australia

The issues of high rental costs and low housing affordability also have broader implications for communities in Victoria. When individuals and families cannot find affordable housing, they may be forced to move away from their established communities, disrupting social connections, support networks, and community cohesion. This loss of social capital can have long-term consequences for community wellbeing and resilience.

Submission

Discussion paper on permanency settings under the Children, Youth and Families Act

Permanency can provide stability and security to a child or young person living in out of home care. The Children, Youth and Families Act 2005 (the Act) has been instrumental in providing continuity of care with permanency arrangements for children who are unable to be cared for by their parents or families. Investment in the Family Preservation and Reunification (FPR) initiative has provided opportunities for service providers to empower families in decision making about their lives with a strong focus on preservation. However, there has been less focus on preparing families for reunification as part of the FPR.

Submission

A stronger, more diverse and independent community sector

The Centre’s membership comprises mainly CSOs delivering services to children, young people and families, working across the spectrum of human need, including poverty, family violence, alcohol and other drugs, mental health and disability. As noted in the issues paper, community services are bearing the brunt of higher cost-of-living expenses. The impacts of COVID-19 and natural disasters, and a decline in volunteer numbers at a time when there is a shortage of key workers, have also presented strategic and operational challenges for our service system.

Submission

Social Security (Administration) (Enhanced Income Management Regime—Volunteers) Determination 2023, Social Security (Administration) (Enhanced Income Management Regime—State Referrals) Determination 2023, and Social Security (Administration) (Enhanced Income Management Regime – Commonwealth Referrals and Exemptions) Determination 2023

While the Centre welcomes the Federal Labor Government’s announcement that it would end the cashless debit card and transition from compulsory to voluntary income management, this review of the three legislative instruments is a reminder that the issue of income management continues to be put forward by government for comment despite all the evidence questioning the efficacy of welfare programs like ParentsNext and the Cashless Debit Card

Submission

Early Childhood Education and Care Capacity Study

Health, neuroscience, and education research consistently emphasises the importance of the first 2,000 days of a child's life, from conception to the beginning of formal schooling.1 This period is foundational, setting a trajectory that not only shapes childhood and adolescence but also has far-reaching impacts over the life course.2 Investing in early childhood development is a core component of public policy, with a focus on providing supportive family environments, access to quality early education and care, and healthcare services tailored to the needs of young children.3 The Centre has consistently advocated for investment in the education and care sector workforce…

Submission

Blueprint Not for Profit Sector Development (DSS)

The NFP sector is driven by values and ethics and a commitment to the public good. It is by definition not a sector motivated by profit. From the Centre’s perspective as a peak body for agencies providing services to children, young people and families, we believe this commitment is more important than ever. While the Issues Paper recognises the value of the NFP sector, there is one missing element which our members rate highly and that is the crucial role the NFP sector plays in advocating for structural reform to improve the circumstances of people experiencing hardship and vulnerability, often…

Submission

Victoria State Budget Response 2024 – 2025

This budget submission from the Centre for Excellence in Child and Family Welfare (the Centre) comes at a time of significant challenges for many families and individuals in Victoria as they grapple with spiralling cost-of-living pressures, lack of affordable housing options, the implications of climate change and the sobering aftermath of the recent referendum. The most recent Australian Council for Social Service (ACOSS) survey from September this year indicates that the most vulnerable amongst us are ‘regularly rationing meals, going without heating and cooling, forgoing essential medication and medical care, and experiencing social isolation’.

Submission

Review of Financial Wellbeing and Capability programs

The Centre’s response to the consultation paper is focused primarily on the impact of financial hardship on those experiencing co-occurring vulnerabilities and aligns with earlier feedback we provided in response to the consultation on A stronger, more diverse and independent community sector. At a time when many Australians are feeling the pressures of rising costs of living, Government-funded financial wellbeing and capability programs provide critical support to people experiencing hardship and vulnerability

Submission

NDIS participant experience in rural, regional and remote Australia

All Australians with disability have a right to accessible mainstream services and supports. However, as the recent NDIS Working together to deliver the NDIS report shows, despite over ten years of the NDIS, change has been slow and many services remain inaccessible.1 As we know from our members, this is exacerbated for participants located in regional, rural and remote locations. Currently, there are limited services available in regional and rural areas which can support participants from start to finish

Submission

Federal pre-budget submission

The Centre for Excellence in Child and Family Welfare (the Centre) welcomes the opportunity to provide a submission on priorities for consideration by the Australian Government for the 2024-25 budget. Our submission is consistent with the five wellbeing themes of the Measuring What Matters Framework relating to good health; security; sustainability; cohesion; and prosperity. We have also applied an equity lens in developing our recommendations. The submission is informed by our members’ firsthand experience of the challenges facing families experiencing hardship and/or with co-existing vulnerabilities

Submission

Productivity Commission Inquiry into Early Childhood Education and Care

The Centre supports the key findings and recommendations in the report and believes this inquiry, and the potential policy reforms that may come from it, are timely. We particularly welcome the Commission’s recommendation to boost the child care fee subsidy from 90 per cent to 100 per cent for lower income families. This will remove the affordability barrier to accessing education and care for many children and their families. Though the draft report addresses significant issues around accessibility, affordability, and workforce reforms which are needed to achieve universal early education and care (ECEC) in Australia, the Centre would also like…

Submission

Strong Foundations Building on Victoria’s work to end family violence

As the peak for child and family services, the Centre welcomes the opportunity to provide feedback on Victoria’s Strong foundations: Building on Victoria’s work to end family violence. Our submission has a strong focus on the impact of family violence on children and young people and the need for more targeted and evidence-informed responses to address their needs. We look at each of the five key priorities and provide some introductory comments about the document as a whole

Submission

Inquiry into the operation of the Freedom of Information Act 1982

The Centre endorses the insightful and informed content contained in the submission from the Find and Connect service (Child Welfare Records and Freedom of Information), which focuses on suggestions for improving the effectiveness of the current FOI Act as a process for release of child welfare records. In particular, we note the difficulties faced by care leavers wanting to access personal information held about them and the emotional and psychological impact of lengthy delays and bureaucratic processes. The Centre has previously been asked by some care leavers for assistance in negotiating their trauma histories and can speak from experience about…

Submission

Draft Action Plan Addressing Gender-based violence in higher education

SASVic and the Centre provided a joint submission on the draft action plan addressing gender-based violence (GBV) in higher education. Recommendations include resourcing specialist sexual assault services for counsellor advocates in higher education providers, co-designing perpetrator accountability measures with victim-survivors, students, and staff, and co-designing reporting pathways and resources with relevant peak bodies and victim-survivors to ensure accessibility.

Submission

Inquiry into Climate Resilience

Our advocacy promotes the rights of those experiencing disadvantage and vulnerabilities, and our submission recognises that this cohort of families, children and young people are likely to be the most impacted by the changing climate in Victoria. Building climate resilience means recognising and seeking to prevent and/or mitigate the forecasted impacts of natural disasters. This includes making sure those experiencing vulnerabilities are foremost in government decision making.

Title

Description

File

Importance of engaging with children and young people

In engaging with children, particular attention needs to be paid to the safety and wellbeing of children who are non-verbal or very young, who have developmental challenges, who have a disability, who are from a non-English speaking background, who are Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander, who have a parent with a disability or mental ill-health, who identify as LGBTIQA+ or who experience (and/or use) violence in the home.

Practice

File

Theoretical frameworks underpinning practice

This guide examines some of the key theoretical frameworks and concepts that underpin practice when engaging with children and young people.

Practice

File

Engaging with children

This guide looks specifically at the importance and benefits of engaging with and empowering children. It looks at practice considerations to increase confidence and staff capability in achieving effective and meaningful observation and discussion with children. The guide outlines some simple techniques that can be used to engage with children, regardless of whether this involvement is over a short or longer period of time.

Practice

File

Engaging with young people

This guide looks at the different stages of adolescence to support better understanding of, and ability to respond to, what young people say and do. It looks at the particular challenges involved in working with young people, how to engage confidently with them and the benefits for young people when professionals are skilled at listening to and engaging with them.

Practice

File

Engaging with parents and carers

This guide focuses on the importance of listening to their parents and caregivers. Listening to parents and caregivers can provide insights into the needs of children and young people as individuals and in the context of their family and community

Practice

File

Understanding cumulative harm

Cumulative harm is a form of chronic maltreatment which has significant negative consequences for children and young people. It is defined as a series or pattern of harmful events and experiences that may be evident in the child’s history or ongoing, with the strong possibility of interrelated and co-existing risk factors.

Practice

File

Understanding the legislative that underpins practice

Legislation provides a framework for practice, particularly in relation to statutory responsibilities. Legislation can guide and support professionals in their decision making, often in complex and challenging situations, when working with service users. Legislation gives practitioners authority for the decisions they make. This Practice Guide outlines some of the key legislation relevant to child and family services.

Practice

File

Understanding consent

This Practice Guide looks at the issue of consent, its legislative requirements and practice complexities, and some examples of application. It considers consent in the context of direct engagement with children and young people without having obtained prior authorisation from their parent/and or guardian. It also considers obtaining consent from children and young people for the purpose of sharing important information with other professionals and/or parents/guardians and family members.

Practice

External Link

Statewide Childrens Resource Centre: Practitioner Toolkit

The Statewide Children’s Resource Program (SCRP) advocates for and assists practitioners in homelessness support and other non-government services to respond more effectively to the needs of children who have experienced homelessness and/or family violence.

Other Resources

File

MARAMIS General Overview Guide

This guide outlines information to suport professionals to develop a shared understanding of family violence, the MARAM Framework, and the Information Sharing Schemes.

Centre Resources - MARAM Alignment

File

MARAMIS Organisational Overview Guide

This guide provides information about aligning to and implementing the MARAM Framework and Information Sharing Schemes across prescribed organisations and services.

Centre Resources - MARAM Alignment

File

MARAMIS Practice Implementation Guide

This guide provides information about embedding the MARAM Framework into practice. It outlines relevant information from the practice guides, training, and tools.

Centre Resources - MARAM Alignment

File

Diversity in Practice: Understanding intersectionality

Part one of a series of tip sheets on working with children and young people from diverse backgrounds.

Centre Resources - MARAM in Practice (Victim Survivors)

File

Diversity in Practice: Working with children and young people with disability

Part two of a series of tip sheets on working with children and young people from diverse backgrounds.

Centre Resources - MARAM in Practice (Victim Survivors)

File

Diversity in Practice: Working with LGBTQIA+ children and young people

Part three of a series of tip sheets on working with children and young people from diverse backgrounds.

Centre Resources - MARAM in Practice (Victim Survivors)

File

Diversity in Practice: Working with culturally and linguistically and faith diverse children and young people

Part four of a series of tip sheets on working with children and young people from diverse backgrounds.

Centre Resources - MARAM in Practice (Victim Survivors)

Intersectionality with Dr Kate Foord

External Link

Child Information Sharing Scheme Ministerial Guidelines

The CISS Ministerial Guidelines explain how prescribed Information Sharing Entities should handle information under the Scheme.

State Government Guidelines - Information Sharing Schemes

External Link

Child Information Sharing Scheme Summary

This summary is designed to assist authorised Information Sharing Entities and should be read in conjunction with the CISS Ministerial Guidelines.

State Government Guidelines - Information Sharing Schemes

External Link

Family Violence Information Sharing Scheme Ministerial Guidelines

The FVISS Ministerial Guidelines explain how prescribed Information Sharing Entities should handle information under the Scheme.

State Government Guidelines - Information Sharing Schemes

External Link

Family Violence Information Sharing Scheme Summary

This summary is designed to assist authorised Information Sharing Entities and should be read in conjunction with the FVISS Ministerial Guidelines.

State Government Guidelines - Information Sharing Schemes

External Link

Family Violence Multi-Agency Risk Assessment and Management Framework

The MARAM Framework aims to increase the safety and wellbeing of Victorians by ensuring that prescribed organisations can effectively identify, assess and manage family violence risk.

State Government Guidelines - MARAM Framework

External Link

MARAM Foundation Knowledge Guide

Guidance for professionals working with child or adult victim survivors, and adults using family violence.

State Government Guidelines - MARAM Framework

External Link

MARAM Victim Survivor Practice Guides

These practice guides support professionals to identify, assess and manage family violence risk when working with victim survivors.

State Government Guidelines - MARAM Framework

External Link

MARAM Adults Using Family Violence Practice Guides

These practice guides support professionals to identify, assess and manage family violence risk when working with adults using family violence.

State Government Guidelines - MARAM Framework

External Link

Child-Focused Resource Drive

This resource drive aims to assist professionals to strengthen their practice when working with children and young people.

Other Resources

External Link

CISS in Action: Anita’s Story

A testimonial from an Integrated Family Services team leader highlighting their use of the Child Information Sharing Scheme (CISS) to promote the wellbeing and safety of a child and help to achieve a positive outcome for the child's family

Centre Resources - Information Sharing Schemes

External Link

CISS in Action: Maria’s Story

A testimonial from an Integrated Family Services practitioner highlighting their use of the Child Information Sharing Scheme (CISS) to promote the wellbeing and safety of a child and help to achieve a positive outcome for the child's family.

Centre Resources - Information Sharing Schemes

External Link

CISS in Action: Hana’s Story

A testimonial from a program manager at a community and wellbeing organisation highlighting their use of the Child Information Sharing Scheme (CISS) to promote the wellbeing and safety of a child and help to achieve a positive outcome for the child's family.

Centre Resources - Information Sharing Schemes

External Link

Emerging Themes: Recognising children as victim survivors in their own right

In the first instalment of the Emerging Themes video series, Dee Honeychurch speaks on the importance of recognising children as victim survivors in their own right and what information sharing can do to support a child who has experienced family violence.s developed to enable a greater understanding of issues that relate to the family violence reforms

Centre Resources - MARAM in Practice (Victim Survivors)

External Link

Emerging Themes: Effective system collaboration and coordination

In the second instalment of the Emerging Themes video series, Professor Sarah Wendt & Dr Carmela Bastian, speak on the importance of how effective system collaboration and coordination can keep children and families safe.

Centre Resources - MARAM in Practice (Victim Survivors)

External Link

Emerging Themes: Safe and effective enagagement with young people experiencing family violence

In the third instalment of the Emerging Themes video series, Dr Heidi Saunders, speaks on the importance of safe and effective engagement with young people in the context of domestic and family violence (DFV).

Centre Resources - MARAM in Practice (Victim Survivors)

External Link

Emerging Themes: Trauma-informed practice

In the final instalment of the Emerging Themes video series, Larisa Freiverts, speaks on working with children and young people who have experienced relational trauma.

Centre Resources - MARAM in Practice (Victim Survivors)

External Link

Coordinated and Collaborative Responses: Infants experiencing family violence

This webinar explores good practice and how the three workforces can contribute to coordinated and collaborative risk management including ongoing assessment when working with families where there are infants and young children experiencing family violence.

Centre Resources - Collaboration

External Link

Coordinated and Collaborative Responses: Children experiencing family violence

This webinar focuses on collaborative responses for the safety and wellbeing of infants experiencing family violence through the lens of family services, perpetrator services and specialist family violence services. It will utilise a case study from the sector to work through coordinated practice approaches to respond to family violence risk to children.

Centre Resources - Collaboration

External Link

Coordinated and Collaborative Responses: Adolescents experiencing family violence

This webinar collaborative practice for the safety and wellbeing of adolescents experiencing family violence through the lens of family services, perpetrator services and specialist family violence services.

Centre Resources - Collaboration

External Link

Family Services and Specialist Family Violence Services: Working Together Model

The Working Together Project is a joint initiative of the Family Services Alliance (CHFSA) and Central Highlands Integrated Family Violence Committee (CHIFVC). This video explores the project's strategic vision to develop a collaborative service system and practice model that can best respond to the immediate and longer-term needs of families experiencing family violence.

Centre Resources - Collaboration

Intersectionality with Dr Kate Foord

External Link

Statewide Childrens Resource Centre: Practitioner Toolkit

The Statewide Children’s Resource Program (SCRP) advocates for and assists practitioners in homelessness support and other non-government services to respond more effectively to the needs of children who have experienced homelessness and/or family violence.

Other Resources

File

MARAMIS General Overview Guide

This guide outlines information to suport professionals to develop a shared understanding of family violence, the MARAM Framework, and the Information Sharing Schemes.

Centre Resources - MARAM Alignment

File

MARAMIS Organisational Overview Guide

This guide provides information about aligning to and implementing the MARAM Framework and Information Sharing Schemes across prescribed organisations and services.

Centre Resources - MARAM Alignment

File

MARAMIS Practice Implementation Guide

This guide provides information about embedding the MARAM Framework into practice. It outlines relevant information from the practice guides, training, and tools.

Centre Resources - MARAM Alignment

File

Diversity in Practice: Understanding intersectionality

Part one of a series of tip sheets on working with children and young people from diverse backgrounds.

Centre Resources - MARAM in Practice (Victim Survivors)

File

Diversity in Practice: Working with children and young people with disability

Part two of a series of tip sheets on working with children and young people from diverse backgrounds.

Centre Resources - MARAM in Practice (Victim Survivors)

File

Diversity in Practice: Working with LGBTQIA+ children and young people

Part three of a series of tip sheets on working with children and young people from diverse backgrounds.

Centre Resources - MARAM in Practice (Victim Survivors)

File

Diversity in Practice: Working with culturally and linguistically and faith diverse children and young people

Part four of a series of tip sheets on working with children and young people from diverse backgrounds.

Centre Resources - MARAM in Practice (Victim Survivors)

External Link

Child Information Sharing Scheme Ministerial Guidelines

The CISS Ministerial Guidelines explain how prescribed Information Sharing Entities should handle information under the Scheme.

State Government Guidelines - Information Sharing Schemes

External Link

Child Information Sharing Scheme Summary

This summary is designed to assist authorised Information Sharing Entities and should be read in conjunction with the CISS Ministerial Guidelines.

State Government Guidelines - Information Sharing Schemes

External Link

Family Violence Information Sharing Scheme Ministerial Guidelines

The FVISS Ministerial Guidelines explain how prescribed Information Sharing Entities should handle information under the Scheme.

State Government Guidelines - Information Sharing Schemes

External Link

Family Violence Information Sharing Scheme Summary

This summary is designed to assist authorised Information Sharing Entities and should be read in conjunction with the FVISS Ministerial Guidelines.

State Government Guidelines - Information Sharing Schemes

External Link

Family Violence Multi-Agency Risk Assessment and Management Framework

The MARAM Framework aims to increase the safety and wellbeing of Victorians by ensuring that prescribed organisations can effectively identify, assess and manage family violence risk.

State Government Guidelines - MARAM Framework

External Link

MARAM Foundation Knowledge Guide

Guidance for professionals working with child or adult victim survivors, and adults using family violence.

State Government Guidelines - MARAM Framework

External Link

MARAM Victim Survivor Practice Guides

These practice guides support professionals to identify, assess and manage family violence risk when working with victim survivors.

State Government Guidelines - MARAM Framework

External Link

MARAM Adults Using Family Violence Practice Guides

These practice guides support professionals to identify, assess and manage family violence risk when working with adults using family violence.

State Government Guidelines - MARAM Framework

External Link

Child-Focused Resource Drive

This resource drive aims to assist professionals to strengthen their practice when working with children and young people.

Other Resources

External Link

CISS in Action: Anita’s Story

A testimonial from an Integrated Family Services team leader highlighting their use of the Child Information Sharing Scheme (CISS) to promote the wellbeing and safety of a child and help to achieve a positive outcome for the child's family

Centre Resources - Information Sharing Schemes

External Link

CISS in Action: Maria’s Story

A testimonial from an Integrated Family Services practitioner highlighting their use of the Child Information Sharing Scheme (CISS) to promote the wellbeing and safety of a child and help to achieve a positive outcome for the child's family.

Centre Resources - Information Sharing Schemes

External Link

CISS in Action: Hana’s Story

A testimonial from a program manager at a community and wellbeing organisation highlighting their use of the Child Information Sharing Scheme (CISS) to promote the wellbeing and safety of a child and help to achieve a positive outcome for the child's family.

Centre Resources - Information Sharing Schemes

External Link

Emerging Themes: Recognising children as victim survivors in their own right

In the first instalment of the Emerging Themes video series, Dee Honeychurch speaks on the importance of recognising children as victim survivors in their own right and what information sharing can do to support a child who has experienced family violence.s developed to enable a greater understanding of issues that relate to the family violence reforms

Centre Resources - MARAM in Practice (Victim Survivors)

External Link

Emerging Themes: Effective system collaboration and coordination

In the second instalment of the Emerging Themes video series, Professor Sarah Wendt & Dr Carmela Bastian, speak on the importance of how effective system collaboration and coordination can keep children and families safe.

Centre Resources - MARAM in Practice (Victim Survivors)

External Link

Emerging Themes: Safe and effective enagagement with young people experiencing family violence

In the third instalment of the Emerging Themes video series, Dr Heidi Saunders, speaks on the importance of safe and effective engagement with young people in the context of domestic and family violence (DFV).

Centre Resources - MARAM in Practice (Victim Survivors)

External Link

Emerging Themes: Trauma-informed practice

In the final instalment of the Emerging Themes video series, Larisa Freiverts, speaks on working with children and young people who have experienced relational trauma.

Centre Resources - MARAM in Practice (Victim Survivors)

External Link

Coordinated and Collaborative Responses: Infants experiencing family violence

This webinar explores good practice and how the three workforces can contribute to coordinated and collaborative risk management including ongoing assessment when working with families where there are infants and young children experiencing family violence.

Centre Resources - Collaboration

External Link

Coordinated and Collaborative Responses: Children experiencing family violence

This webinar focuses on collaborative responses for the safety and wellbeing of infants experiencing family violence through the lens of family services, perpetrator services and specialist family violence services. It will utilise a case study from the sector to work through coordinated practice approaches to respond to family violence risk to children.

Centre Resources - Collaboration

External Link

Coordinated and Collaborative Responses: Adolescents experiencing family violence

This webinar collaborative practice for the safety and wellbeing of adolescents experiencing family violence through the lens of family services, perpetrator services and specialist family violence services.

Centre Resources - Collaboration

External Link

Family Services and Specialist Family Violence Services: Working Together Model

The Working Together Project is a joint initiative of the Family Services Alliance (CHFSA) and Central Highlands Integrated Family Violence Committee (CHIFVC). This video explores the project's strategic vision to develop a collaborative service system and practice model that can best respond to the immediate and longer-term needs of families experiencing family violence.

Centre Resources - Collaboration

External Link

Mansfield Autism Statewide Services (MASS)

MASS provides programs, activities and courses, to build capacity for autistic children and their families

Disability Advocacy and Support Groups

External Link

Aspect

Aspect provides services including autism-specific school programs, community programs and individual supports

Disability Advocacy and Support Groups

External Link

Association for Children with a Disability (ACD)

ACD provides a wide range of advocacy and support for parents and carers of children with disability

Disability Advocacy and Support Groups

External Link

Autism Awareness Australia (AAA)

AAA provide a large range of resources for people with autism, carers and families

Autism Spectrum Disorder

External Link

AMAZE

AMAZE provide resources and training on the topic of autism, including the 'Autism Connect' helpline

Autism Spectrum Disorder

External Link

Aspergers Victoria

Aspergers Victoria provide peer support, job coaching, education and training for people with autism

Autism Spectrum Disorder

External Link

Dr Tony Attwood

This site includes a selection of resources and articles about autism

Autism Spectrum Disorder

External Link

Adaptations to autism

This page features chapter 1 of 'Autism and Girls' by Tony Attwood and Michelle Garnett

Autism Spectrum Disorder

External Link

Source Kids

Source Kids gathers a wide range of resources, including a magazine, to support young people with various disabilities, and their carers

Disability Advocacy and Support Groups

External Link

Parental Stress Centre, training for parents and carers

Parental Stress Centre runs parenting training that may be funded by NDIS

Autism Spectrum Disorder

External Link

Parental Stress Centre

This site hosts a wide range of resources, including training, for parents of young people with disability

Disability Advocacy and Support Groups

External Link

Autism Parenting Magazine

Autism Parenting Magazine is published monthly, based in the UK

Autism Spectrum Disorder

External Link

Raising Children

The Raising Children website provides a range of resources to support parents of young people with disability

Disability Advocacy and Support Groups

External Link

MyTime

MyTime facilitates supported groups for parents and carers of children with disability

Disability Advocacy and Support Groups

External Link

My Care Space

MyCareSpace is a free community service that supports people living with a disability, their families and carers

Disability Advocacy and Support Groups

External Link

Carers Victoria

Carers Victoria is the peak body representing all unpaid carers in Victoria, championing all carers across Victorian communities

Disability Advocacy and Support Groups

External Link

Women with Disabilities Victoria

Women with Disabilities Victoria (WDV) is an organisation led by women and non-binary people with disabilities, for women and non-binary people with disabilities.

Disability Advocacy and Support Groups

External Link

VALID

VALID is the Victorian peak advocacy organisation for adults with intellectual disability.

Disability Advocacy and Support Groups

External Link

Southwest Advocacy Association (SWAA)

SWAA provides advocacy services for people with disabilities in the City of Warrnambool and Shires of Moyne, Glenelg, Southern Grampians and Corangamite

Disability Advocacy and Support Groups

External Link

People with Disability Australia (PWDA)

PWDA is Australia's peak rights and advocacy organisation for people with disability who are deaf

Disability Advocacy and Support Groups

External Link

Victorian Disability Services Commissioner

Disability Services Commissioner (DSC) works with people with a disability to resolve complaints about disability service providers, and we work with disability service providers to improve outcomes for people with a disability.

Disability Advocacy and Support Groups

External Link

Australian Community Support Organisation

ACSO provide services in the areas of mental health, AOD, forensic case work and residential serviceshttps://www.acso.org.au/

Disability Advocacy and Support Groups

External Link

Tandem

Tandem is a support and referral service for people with mental health issues, and their carers

Disability Advocacy and Support Groups

External Link

Synapse

Synapse provides a range of supports and services for people impacted by brain injuries

Disability Advocacy and Support Groups

External Link

Sane

Sane offers counselling, peer support, groups and events, for people with mental health needs

Disability Advocacy and Support Groups

External Link

Reimagine

Reimagine works with people with psychosocial disabilities to help them access, and get the best from, the NDIS

Disability Advocacy and Support Groups

External Link

NEAMI

NEAMI provides mental health and wellbeing, and homelessness, services

Disability Advocacy and Support Groups

External Link

Disability Support Guide

The Commonwealth Department of Social Services funds the National Disability Advocacy Program (NDAP) to provide people with disability access to effective advocacy support. There are a range of services avaliable on the site

Disability Advocacy and Support Groups

External Link

Bipolar Australia

Bipolar Australia is the peak national organisation supporting people affected by bipolar disorders, their carers, and families

Disability Advocacy and Support Groups

External Link

Beyond Blue

Beyond Blue provides support for people experiencing mental health distress

Disability Advocacy and Support Groups

External Link

Siblings Australia Inc

Siblings Australia Inc supports siblings of children and adults with disability

Disability Advocacy and Support Groups

External Link

Livewire

Livewire creates opportunities for young people with disabilities to connect others, discover new skills, and make new friends

Disability Advocacy and Support Groups

External Link

Young Carers Network

YCN provides support and resources for young carers

Disability Advocacy and Support Groups

External Link

Pregnancy Birth and Baby

This page provides resources for parents with a disability

Disability Advocacy and Support Groups

External Link

LaTrobe University, Families where a parent has a mental illness (FaPMI)

This page links to resources and services for families where a parent has a mental illness

Disability Advocacy and Support Groups

External Link

Children of Parents with a Mental Illness (COPMI)

COPMI provides resources to assist parents, children, family and friends of families where one of more parents has a mental illness

Disability Advocacy and Support Groups

External Link

Disability Advocacy Resource Unit (DARU)

This site includes a directory of disability advocacy organisations, publications and online courses

Disability Advocacy and Support Groups

External Link

Disability Gateway, “Ask Izzy” disability advicacy finder

This database includes over 450,000 disability services in Australia

Disability Advocacy and Support Groups

External Link

DSS National Disability Advocacy Program

The Commonwealth Department of Social Services funds the National Disability Advocacy Program (NDAP) to provide people with disability access to effective advocacy support. There are a range of services avaliable on the site

Disability Advocacy and Support Groups

External Link

Villamanta Disability Rights Legal Service

This is a Geelong-based community legal centre that works in the area of disability advocacy

Disability Advocacy and Support Groups

External Link

Southern Disability Advocacy

Southern Disability Advocacy works with residents of the Cities of Port Phillip, Stonnington, Bayside, Glen Eira, Kingston, Casey, Frankston & the Shire of Mornington Peninsula.

Disability Advocacy and Support Groups

External Link

Rights Information ant Advocacy Centre (RIAC)

RIAC offers a diverse range of disability advocacy and support services across 22 local government areas (LGAs) in Victoria and southern New South Wales.

Disability Advocacy and Support Groups

External Link

Regional Disability Advocacy Service

RDAS provides disability advocacy in the Wangaratta, Alpine, Benalla, Mansfield, Strathbogie, Mitchell, and Murrindindi areas

Disability Advocacy and Support Groups

External Link

Melbourne East Disability Advocacy

MEDA promotes the rights and interests of people with intellectual disabilities

Disability Advocacy and Support Groups

External Link

Leadership Plus

Leadership Plus provides disability advocacy services, indluding NDIS appeals. It has resources in the Melbourne CBD and the Dandenong area

Disability Advocacy and Support Groups

External Link

Grampians disAbility Advocacy

GDA works across the Grampians region, including Ballarat, Horsham, Warracknabeal, Ararat, Stawell, Daylesford, Clunes

Disability Advocacy and Support Groups

External Link

Gippsland Disability Advocacy

GDAI provides both disability services and advocacy in the Gippsland region

Disability Advocacy and Support Groups

External Link

Disability Justice Australia Inc

DJA provides disability services and advocacy, including NDIS appeals

Disability Advocacy and Support Groups

External Link

Colac Otway Region Advocacy Service (CORAS)

CORAS provides disability services and advocacy, including NDIS appeals across the Colac, Otway and Surf Coast regions

Disability Advocacy and Support Groups

External Link

AED Legal Centre

AED specialised in definding the rights of people with disability, including NDIS appeals

Disability Advocacy and Support Groups

External Link

Action on Disability within Ethnic Communities(ADEC)

South Morang and Dandenong areas

Disability Advocacy and Support Groups

External Link

Action for More Independence & Dignity in Accommodation (AMIDA)

AMIDA provides housing advocacy and NDIS appeals advocacy

Disability Advocacy and Support Groups

External Link

Better Health Channel disability services directory

Better Health Channel is funded by the Victorian Department of Health. This site links to a range of information resources about laws and services

Disability Advocacy and Support Groups

External Link

Carer Gateway

Carer Gateway provides a range of supports focused on carers and parents of people with disabilities

Disability Advocacy and Support Groups

External Link

Youth Disability Advocacy Service (YDAS)

YDAS focuses specifically on supporting disabled young people in Victoria, aged 12-25.

Disability Advocacy and Support Groups

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Description

Title

Description

External Link

Understanding the wellbeing needs of First Nations children in out-of-home care in Australia: A comprehensive literature review

The literature review, published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, was undertaken by representatives from Australian and Canadian research institutes. The researchers analysed qualitative reports from 35 articles, including perspectives from First Nations children, caregivers, caseworkers and stakeholders. The review highlights that cultural connection is paramount for the wellbeing of First Nations children in out-of-home care and services must prioritise culturally appropriate permanency options.

Children and Young People's Wellbeing

External Link

National review of child sexual abuse and sexual assault legislation in Australia

This Australian Institute of Criminology review of child sexual abuse and sexual assault legislation aims to strengthen legal frameworks to improve justice outcomes for victims. The review found significant legislative inconsistencies across jurisdictions, impacting investigations and victim support. The findings underscore the need for harmonised legislation to ensure better protection and support for victims, particularly children, in navigating the criminal justice system.

Children and Young People's Wellbeing

External Link

Young people under youth justice supervision and their interaction with the child protection system

This report from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare links youth justice involvement with past interactions in the child protection system, showing that young people under supervision are at a higher risk of prior maltreatment. Data from 2013 to 2023 reveals that nearly two-thirds of those under youth justice supervision had prior contact with child protection services, with higher rates in detention than community supervision. The report highlights the importance of coordinated interventions across these systems to support affected youth effectively.

Children and Young People's Wellbeing

External Link

Family relationships service program review

This report from Australian Institute of Family studies was commissioned by the Australian Government Attorney-General Department, which analyses the Family Relationships Services Program (FRSP) in Australia. The review evaluates its effectiveness in meeting diverse family needs, particularly for First Nations and CALD Families. Key findings highlight the complex challenges faced by families, the need for trauma-informed care, and the importance of improved accessibility and coordination of services.

Family and Community

External Link

The changing geography of homelessness in Australia (2001-21) and its structural drivers

This report from Swinburne University, RMIT and Launch Housing explores the evolving geography of homelessness in Australia from 2001 to 2021. The study examines the interplay between homelessness, specialist homelessness service capacity, and affordable rental housing supply. It also models factors such as housing affordability, labour markets, poverty, and demographic that influence homelessness.

Family and Community

External Link

Willing, capable and confident: Men, masculinities and the prevention of violence against women

Respect Victoria's report analyses attitudes of Australian men aged 18 to 45 regarding harmful stereotypes of masculinity. The report identifies five key opportunities for encouraging healthier masculinity, such as promoting support relationships and addressing the impact of gender norms on parenting. It provides actionable insights from practitioners and policymakers focused on engaging men in violence prevention efforts.

Family and Community

External Link

Lies my child welfare system has told me: The critical importance of centring families’ voices in family policy legal advocacy

In this Family Court Review article by researchers from the United States critiques the American child welfare system, which operates under the premise of protecting children through laws and policies. The article proposes a framework that acknowledges the trauma inflicted on families and advocates for an approach that centres the experiences of people impacted by child welfare systems.

Family and Community

External Link

Young urban Aboriginal adults’ perspectives of culture and SEWB

This community report from Monash University, emphasises young urban Aboriginal people’s views on culture and social and emotional wellbeing (SEWB). It highlights the need to incorporate Aboriginal knowledge into SEWB initiatives and address gaps in current programs. Recommendations include holistic healthcare approaches, culturally safe environments, and greater visibility of Aboriginal-led SWEB programs.

Family and Community

External Link

What interventions improve outcomes for kinship carers and the children in their care

This systematic review by the Centre for Evidence and Implementation, Monash University and Colorado State University explores how interventions, such as service navigation support, can improve outcomes for kinship carers and the children in their care. The review highlights the potential benefits of tailored support for kinship carers.

Family and Community

External Link

‘We’ve been robbed’: Young women and gender diverse people’s housing experiences and solutions

This report from Swinburne University and YWCA explores the housing experiences of young women and gender diverse individuals in Australia. The study employed a generation, gendered, and intersectional approach to examine housing insecurity, homelessness risk, and actual homelessness among young people aged 18 to 30. The research identifies housing challenges and possible solutions.

Family and Community

External Link

An anti-racism framework: Experiences and perspectives of multicultural Australia

In 2023, the Federation of Ethnic Communities’ Councils of Australia undertook nationwide consultations with multicultural communities to inform the development of an anti-racism framework. The findings highlight the presence of racism in daily interactions and the need for systemic action, including government leadership, education reform and improved workplace policies.

Family and Community

External Link

The impact of context on evidence-based practices: A rapid literature scan on formative assessment, explicit instruction and mastery learning

The Australian Education Research Organisation (AERO) has published a literature review examining the effectiveness of three evidence-based teaching practices (formative assessment, explicit instruction, and mastery learning) across different contexts. One key finding suggests that while these practices generally have a positive impact, their effectiveness can vary depending on specific contextual factors.

Education

External Link

Exploring parent’s understanding of children’s learning through the lens of belonging, being and becoming within the Early Years Learning Framework for Australia

This Children Australia journal article by a Deakin University researcher examines preschool parents’ views on children’s learning within the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF). The study emphasises the importance of parenting knowledge in shaping children’s educational experiences and the need for collaborative efforts between parents and educators to optimise children’s learning and development.

Education

External Link

Empowering young minds: A review of Australian children and young people’s learning

Australia's Child and Youth Wellbeing Framework, ‘The Nest', assesses children's wellbeing across six interconnected domains. This report, developed by ARACY and UNICEF Australia, reveals significant progress in early childhood education participation and overall educational attainment, but disparities persist, particularly for marginalised groups. The report calls for actions to address inequalities, enhance social-emotional support, and respond to the cost-of-living crisis affecting educational opportunities.

Education

External Link

Stories from Berry Street: Providing safe homes

This podcast from Berry Street explores the reasons some children cannot live with their families and the increasing pressure on the out-of-home care system. The discussion highlights how the Teaching Family Model is positively impacting residential care by creating a family-style environment.

Podcasts

External Link

Inquiry into compulsory income management

This Commonwealth review considered whether the compulsory income management scheme is compatible with human rights and what its impact had been on communities where it was imposed. The report finds that the compulsory scheme limits human rights and as a result recommends its abolition in favour of a voluntary scheme.

Audits Inquiries and Investigations

External Link

A path to universal early childhood education and care

The recent inquiry into early childhood education and care (ECEC) by the Productivity Commission had produced a report which identifies key reforms needed to support availability, inclusion, affordability, quality and equity in relation to ECEC. The report outlines a vision for a universal ECEC system.

Audits Inquiries and Investigations

External Link

Victorian Government response to the Commission for Children and Young People’s report: ‘Let us Learn: Systematic inquiry into the educational experiences of children and young people living in out of home care.

The Victorian Government has accepted in full or in principle 46 out of the 47 recommendations put forth by the Commission for Children and Young People’s report into the education experiences of children and young people living in out of home care.

Audits Inquiries and Investigations

External Link

Improving the safety and wellbeing of vulnerable children: A consolidation of systemic recommendations and evidence

This report, a collaboration between the Australian Institute of Family Studies (AIFS) and the Australian Human Rights Commission, examines more than 3,000 recommendations from sixty-one Royal Commissions and inquiries relevant to the child protection and youth justice systems held between 2010 and 2022. The study provides a national focus for reforms to these systems by examining the nature of recommendations from the reports and inquiries.

Children and Young People's Wellbeing

External Link

2024 Gen Z Wellbeing Index

This report from Scape and Year13 provides findings from their annual Gen Z wellbeing index, which aims to gather insights about the individual choices young people (18-24 years old) make and the influences of global forces on their wellbeing. The report compares findings from a national representative group of young people living in Scape’s purpose-built student accommodation with young people who are not in this student accommodation. The study highlights the impacts of multiple issues young people face, the effects on different domains and the higher numbers of young people seeking mental health therapy

Children and Young People's Wellbeing

External Link

Early maternal death following child removal: A short report using observational data

This research report from the University of Edinburgh highlights practitioner-based knowledge about women entering a program for mothers who have had, or are at risk of having, recurrent child removals. Insights from the demographics of women in the program showed that women who have had a child removed are at a much greater risk of early death than their peers. The paper highlights the need for more research into the health trajectories of women who have had children removed. It also shows that not only children in the care system but the mothers themselves need to receive specialist support.

Children and Young People's Wellbeing

External Link

Being a young man online: Tensions, complexities, and possibilities

This timely report from the Office of the eSafety Commissioner, in collaboration with Deakin University and Queensland University of Technology, examines the online experiences of over 100 young men in Australia aged 16 to 21 years old. In-depth interviews and focus groups with the young men identified complex competing experiences and influences, pointing to a tension between an understanding of personal experiences of manhood and the portrayal of manhood online and its influences.

Children and Young People's Wellbeing

External Link

Child Protection Australia 2022-23: Insights

This is the latest Australian Institute of Health and Welfare report on children in the child protection system in Australia. The report highlights an increase in notifications of alleged maltreatment, investigations and finalised investigations since the 2021-22 AIFS report.

Children and Young People's Wellbeing

External Link

Parenting, child maltreatment, and social disadvantage: A population-based implementation and evaluation of the Triple P System of evidence-based parenting support

This new research from the University of Queensland examines the effectiveness of the Triple P System (TPS) in preventing child maltreatment using a public health approach. The findings demonstrate significant improvement in TPS communities, with medium to large effect sizes, indicating TPS’s potential to reduce child maltreatment. The study highlights the importance of cost-effective, evidence-based, parenting support in disadvantaged communities and notes the influence of uncontrolled contextual factors on outcomes.

Family and Community

External Link

Chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) in the context of longstanding intimate partner violence

This Acta Neuropathologica correspondence highlights details from two autopsy case studies of chronic traumatic encephalopathy and its relationship to intimate partner violence. CTE is commonly found in people with a history of repeated mild traumatic brain injury. The report details some symptoms and contributing factors that intimate partner violence interventions and programs should be aware of and assess for when individuals enter their service

Family and Community

External Link

Securing women’s lives: Examining system interactions and perpetrator risk in intimate femicide sentencing judgments over a decade in Australia

This new research project from Monash University contributes to the evidence to inform a whole-of-systems approach to repeat violence and intimate femicide. The project has contributed to the evidence of risk from perpetrators and system interactions before acts of intimate femicide. The findings indicate that the perpetrators are often between 29 - 40 years old, with many exhibiting mental health issues. The study highlights different points within the service system where interventions could have been implemented to help prevent intimate partner femicide.

Family and Community

External Link

Attitudes matter: The 2021 National Community Attitudes toward Violence against Women Survey (NCAS), Findings for people born in countries where the main language is not English

This ANROWS report outlines findings in relation to attitudes towards violence against women and gender equality in culturally diverse populations. The report highlights gaps in understanding that could inform programs tailored for different groups. Additionally, the report offers implications about how to design and what prevention initiatives services and programs should focus on.

Family and Community

External Link

Understanding mental health developmental dyslexia: A scoping review

This scoping review from Curtin University details factors that may influence the association between mental health problems and children with literacy difficulties. Some of the factors identified are at the level of the individual, family, and community. This review points to possible opportunities for interventions when working with children experiencing literacy difficulties to help mitigate future mental health problems.

Education

External Link

Linking quality and child development in early childhood education and care: Research summary

This research summary from the Australian Education Research Organisation (AERO) and researchers from the University of Queensland highlights findings from a study that examined quality ratings of Australian childhood education and care services and the relationship with child development outcomes. The study found that children in a service classified as ‘Exceeding’ National Quality Standard (NQS) practice were less likely to experience developmental vulnerability than those in Working Towards or Significant Improvement Required NQS services. The report also offers suggestions for future linked data to demonstrate the relationship between NQS ratings and developmental outcomes for school-aged children.

Education

External Link

Growing together: A future universal early childhood education and care system for Australia

This report from the Centre for Policy Development highlights the importance of creating an accessible, affordable, high quality, universal early childhood education and care system for Australian children. There is policy momentum around this issue, and it is achievable. The report sets out the ways government can support all young children to thrive and develop with the best opportunities in their early years.

Education

External Link

Cost of Living Index: Income support payments

This index from Anglicare Australia clearly shows that many people living on income support payments are structurally unable to afford the basics of life. Anglicare Australia has called on the Australian Government to act and pull these Australians out of poverty, and to protect them from the worst impacts of the current cost-of-living crisis.

Audits Inquiries and Investigations

External Link

Take-up of parental leave pay and dad and partner pay among Australian parents: Analysis using the Person Level Integrated Data Asset

This AIFS study examines the uptake of two government payments designed to support eligible working parents to have time away from paid employment to care of a newborn or newly adopted child. By exploring take-up, this research highlights the significant gap in knowledge about the proportion of eligible parents who were using these payments, and the factors explaining different levels of take-up for the parents

Audits Inquiries and Investigations

External Link

Safeguarding the rights of Aboriginal children in the child protection system

The NSW Department of Communities and Justice (DCJ) is responsible for safeguarding the rights of Aboriginal children, families, and communities when they come into contact with the child protection system. This audit assesses whether DCJ, and five funded, non-government organisations which provide out of home care services, are effectively safeguarding the rights of Aboriginal children in the child protection system.

Audits Inquiries and Investigations

External Link

Promoting child mental health in primary health care

This podcast from Emerging Minds shares the experiences of primary health care practitioners who work directly with families, and explores how to respond to mental health concerns for children in their daily practice.

Podcasts

External Link

Young people’s experiences of online sexual extortion or ‘sextortion’

This briefing paper from the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children explores the experiences of children and young people facing “sextortion”, a form of online blackmail involving threats to share explicit images to extort money or manipulate victims. A key finding reveals the profound emotional toll sextortion can have on young people, underscoring the importance of early intervention and open communication to protect those at risk.

Children and Young People's Wellbeing

External Link

Measuring accumulation: Constructing a tool for evaluating cumulative harm in children engaged with an intensive family support service

This Child Abuse Review article by researchers from the University of Southern Queensland and Australian Catholic University introduces a theory-driven measure (Cumulative Experiences Index) designed to assess the accumulation of adverse childhood experiences in high-risk populations. The Index offers practitioners and researchers a valid method of reflecting the complexity of harm exposure over time, helping to inform prevention and intervention strategies across public health programs.

Children and Young People's Wellbeing

External Link

Identifying service, research and policy priorities for preventing the impacts of family adversity on children’s mental health: An Australian national resources allocation study with professional and lived experience experts.

This Australian and New Zealand Journal of Public Health article by researchers from Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, University of Melbourne and University of NSW identified service, research and policy priorities to address the impact of family adversity on child mental health through a staged process, involving professionals and individuals with lived experience. Key service priorities include creating intersectoral hubs and home-visiting programs

Children and Young People's Wellbeing

Title

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The care trajectories and nature of care received by children aged 5-11 who are in need of therapeutic residential care.

This Youth journal article by the Scottish Children’s Reporter Administrationhighlights the care trajectories and experiences of 5-11-year-old children intherapeutic residential care facilities in Scotland. The results indicate thatsmall-group residential care services which adopt social pedagogical andpsychotherapeutic approaches were considered beneficial for addressing theneeds of younger children with significant trauma histories. The article also highlights the need for morecomprehensive training for foster carers when supporting children with complextrauma, and access to paediatric mental health services

Children and Young People's Wellbeing

External Link

Key tenets of programs that successfully engage young people

This Youth Action report – the product of a collaboration between the NSW Department of Communities and Justice, Thrive International and Youth Action – collated evidence from diverse sources to identify effective ways of engaging young people in programs and service delivery. Some identified ways of engaging were client-centred, strengths-based, trauma-informed and culturally safe.

Children and Young People's Wellbeing

External Link

Building digital resilience: Girls and young women demand a safer future

This report from Plan Internation and CNN As Equals highlights the harm young women and girls face online, how they protect themselves, and the role that technology companies, government, and local communities play in keeping them safe. The report gathered responses from young women and girls (13-24 years old) through surveys and focus groups about their experiences, with 75 percent indicating that they had harmful online experiences.

Children and Young People's Wellbeing

External Link

More for children: Children’s experience of poverty in Australia

This report from The Children’s Policy Centre focuses on children growing up in the context of poverty in two communities in Australia. The research was conducted using a rights-based, child-centred approach with one of the key emerging themes highlighting how material deprivation is a core component of children’s experiences of poverty. The report highlights key themes in the experience of poverty for children and opportunities to enact change

Children and Young People's Wellbeing

External Link

Domestic and family violence affecting children and young people from culturally and racially marginalised migrant backgrounds in Australia: A scoping review of child experiences and services responses

This Trauma, Violence and Abuse scoping review, undertaken by researchers from the University of Melbourne, looks at the domestic and family violence (DFV) experiences of children and families from culturally and racially marginalised (CARM) migrant backgrounds, and how DFV services respond to their needs. The review found that children and families from CARM backgrounds feel fear and distrust when engaging with DFV services and offers suggestions for an intersectional approach.

Children and Young People's Wellbeing

External Link

Young people’s experiences and use of violence in the home: Examining four types of child maltreatment, their intersections and self-reported use of violence in the home.

This ANROWS-funded study by researchers from Monash and Griffith Universities examines the intersection of different types of child maltreatment and their association with young people’s use of violence in the home. The most common experiences of maltreatment were domestic violence, with cisgender females more likely to experience all four types of child maltreatment. These findings point to the need for education about the impacts of child maltreatment and primary prevention strategies to address risk factors across individuals, communities and society.

Children and Young People's Wellbeing

External Link

‘Help way earlier!’ How Australia can transform child justice to improve safety and wellbeing

This Australian Human Rights Commission review explores urgent opportunities for reform within Australia’s child justice system, grounded in children’s rights and the latest evidence. Highlighting the voices of children, their families, and key stakeholders, the report reminds us that early intervention and addressing unmet needs are critical to preventing children’s involvement in the justice system.

Children and Young People's Wellbeing

External Link

Unlocking the prevention potential: Accelerating action to end domestic, family and sexual violence

This rapid review was carried out over a couple of months by the six members of a Rapid Review Expert Panel. As its name implies, the Panel has reviewed current approaches to preventing domestic, family and sexual violence in Australia, with a strong focus on the unmet needs of children and young people, experience of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women and children, and communities which experience marginalisation.

Family and Community

External Link

Multisector collaboration to improve community wellbeing

This report from the Wales Centre for Public Policy and the Resourceful Communities Partnership details what makes multisector collaboration effective and reports on ten factors that support multisector collaboration, such as strengthening communities. The report also offers a Framework for Action which details actions, examples, success factors and the resources required.

Family and Community

External Link

Towards fairness – A multicultural Australia for all

The Department of Home Affairs has released a new report reviewing the Multicultural Framework. The framework aims to bring about generational reform that will necessitate a collaborative effort from government and community to help Australia fully realise its potential as a multicultural country. The report offers 29 recommendations and proposes a roadmap for a multicultural framework.

Family and Community

External Link

Establishing trust and creating safety for play therapy services provision with an Australian Aboriginal community: Informing culturally responsive practice

This International Journal of Play Therapy article by two Deakin University researchers explores how to create a culturally appropriate play therapy program for Australian Aboriginal children, families and communities. The findings highlight important factors, such as organisational practices, location and environment in ensuring a culturally responsive practice.

Family and Community

External Link

Grief and loss: Supporting foster carer families through placement transitions

This Australian Social Work journal article by Melbourne University explores carers’ experience of grief and loss, their coping strategies and what support they need. The article highlights the importance of the foster care agency's role in supporting its carers through these transitions, with carers wanting support through training and professional relationships.

Family and Community

External Link

A national conversation on Measuring What Matters in Australia

This Centre for Policy Development paper highlights the importance of having a national conversation on Measuring What Matters. The discussion paper offers foundational ways of engaging communities, government representatives and sector partners in a national conversation on what Australians identify as the necessary components of collective wellbeing. This is timely given that the first annual report on progress against Measuring What Matters indictors was recently released without fanfare on the ABS website rather than through Treausry where it initially sat.

Family and Community

External Link

Release of the Carer Census Report

The Foster Care Association of Victoria has released its 2024 census report which highlights the experiences of Victorian foster carers, including their demographics and attitudinal data about the caring experience. The report highlights important findings around the challenges and rewarding aspects of being a foster carer and could help inform service delivery and advocacy.

Family and Community

External Link

The Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence Commission yearly report to Parliament

This Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence Commission report details the progress of the National Plan to End Violence against Women and Children 2022-2032. The report highlights areas for policy reform, service delivery, and governance and presents opportunities to progress towards eliminating violence against women and children. The findings offer insights and constructive guidance for governments and shows just how much work remains to be done.

Family and Community

External Link

What features of education policies are effective in facilitating successful outcomes for Australian Department of Education students in out-of-home care

This Children & Society journal article highlights findings from a study that analysed current out-of-home care educational policies from Australian Departments of Education across states and territories. It found significant differences across regions, with only Queensland, New South Wales and Victoria having dedicated policies for students with care experience. The study offers recommendations for improvement, for the Departments of Education, schools and teaching staff to better support the educational experiences of children in out-of-home care.

Education

External Link

Disruption and adaptation: The school mobility experience of young people in residential care

This Children and Youth Services Review journal article by four researchers from the University of Tasmania provides qualitative insights from young people aged 14-18 years in residential care in Canada relating to their common experience of changing schools through their residential placements. Based on the interpretation of the narrative data, school change represented a significant event and impacted the educational experience for most of the young people interviewed. This article identifies factors that could facilitate school career continuity, including involving young people in decision-making.

Education

External Link

Digital intervention and self-harm prevention

This Association for Child and Adolescent Mental Health podcast focuses on self-harm and technology. It offers insights into the prevalence of self-harm in children and young people and the type of support that children and young people tend to access.

Podcasts

External Link

Victorian Government response to the Royal Commission into violence, abuse, neglect and exploitation of people with disability

The Victorian Government has accepted in full, in principle, or in part most of the recommendations within its responsibility, including some of the recommendations around decision-making processes and equitable access to health services in policy instruments.

Audits Inquiries and Investigations

External Link

Worker Self-Care Template (RCLDS)

A template for leaders to utilise in promoting proactive self-care for staff wellbeing.

Practical Advice

External Link

Worker Safety Plan Template (RCLDS)

A template for leaders to utilise for staff wellbeing - planning responses for staff to utlise in stressful or unsafe situations.

Practical Advice

File

Shadow Shift Checklist (RCLDS)

Practical Advice

External Link

Trauma-sensitive language for use with children

A tool which provides suggestions for alternatives to negative words when representing children’s experiences of trauma.

Practical Advice

Title

Description

External Link

Implementation of the Framework to Reduce Criminalisation of Young People in Residential Care

An overview of the framework to reduce criminalisation of young people in residential care

Education

External Link

Behaviour Support Plan template

A template for creating a Behaviour Support Plan

Practical Advice

External Link

Missing from Care

Practice advice for residential carers when young person is missing from care

Practical Advice

File

A Guide to Reporting: Flowchart for Residential Care Workers

A guide to recording police contact in residential care - reporting flowchart for workers

Practical Advice

File

Residential Care Provider Reporting Template

A template to utilise when reporting police contact in residential care

Practical Advice

File

Residential Care Reporting Template: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

FAQ regarding Residential Care Reporting template

Practical Advice

External Link

Residential Care Workforce Research

In 2022, the Residential Care Learning Development Strategy (RCLDS) commissioned research to gain a better picture of the Victorian Residential Care Workforce. We gathered insights from residential care providers representing over 2,000 residential care staff.

Education

External Link

Framework for trauma-informed practice

A framework that supports service providers and practitioners in delivering trauma-informed practice

Education

External Link

Let Us Learn

This enquiry that examined the educational experiences of children and young people in out-of-home care

Education

File

Partnering Agreement Overview – Case Managers

An overview of the Partnering Agreement outlining the structures in place to support children in care to access and engage with education. The document shows how case managers can help support children and young people in care with their education.

Education

File

Snapshots for Carers – Partnering Agreement Overview

An overview of the Partnering Agreement as relevant to carers, showing how the elements of the Partnering Agreement fit together and how carers can advocate for children and young perople to get the appropriate support for their education.

Education

File

Practice Guide – Getting the most out of Student Support Group Meetings (SSGs)

A practice guide supporting professionals working with children and young people in care to best engage in Student Support Group (SSG) meetings consistent with the best interests of the child and young person involved.

Practical Advice

File

It’s Never Too Late – Poster Series (Colour)

A poster series for use in residential care homes highlighting the different pathways to post-secondary education and employment and where to seek further guidance around these.

Education

File

Career Pathways for young people with care experience

Useful links to explore career pathways for young people in out-of-home-care

Education

External Link

As a Good Parent Would

This enquiry reviewing the adequacy of the provision of residential care services to Victorian children and young people who have been subject to sexual abuse or sexual exploitation whilst residing in residential care.

Education

External Link

In Our Own Words

A systemic inquiry into the lived experience of children and young people in the Victorian out-of-home care system

Education

External Link

Care Teams Advice

This advice provides additional information regarding the establishment and ongoing participation in care teams for children in care.

Practical Advice

File

Case Noting Template (RCLDS)

An example of a Case Noting template

Practical Advice

Title

Description

File

Round Table – Stories of Collaboration

Graphic Scribe visualisations

Collaboration

File

Workshop – Collaboration for impact

Graphic Scribe visualisations

Collaboration

File

Workshop – Progress Collaboration Ideas

Graphic Scribe visualisations

Collaboration

External Link

Sue Sealey/Heidi Tucker/ Chris Testimonial

Testimonials from the tri-peaks mentroing program

Mentoring

External Link

Julia Feiss – Testimonial

Testimonials from the tri-peaks mentroing program

Mentoring

External Link

Heidi Tucker – Testiomonial

Testimonials from the tri-peaks mentroing program

Mentoring

File

Infopack – Mentoring Program

The Community Services Mentoring (CSM) Program brings together experienced cross-sectoral leaders, managers, and frontline workforces from the child and family services, alcohol and other drugs, and community health sectors

Mentoring

External Link

WorkSafe Victoria On Creating Mentally Healthy Workplaces

WorkSafe Victoria’s strategies for promoting mental health and reducing stress in the workplace, geared toward building a supportive environment.

Workplace Safety

External Link

Technology and Addiction Part 1: Gaming and eSports

Examination of gaming addiction in eSports, with Associate Professor Sarah Kelly discussing its mental health impacts and risk factors.

Technology Addiction

External Link

Global Trends in Long-Term Covid Resilience

International perspectives on long-term resilience strategies for community services, focusing on continuity and staff support.

COVID

External Link

Rethinking Child Protection System Design Assumptions for Families with Multiple and Complex Needs

New approaches to child protection that enhance support for families with multiple, complex needs.

Child Protection

External Link

Voice of the Client Framework and Implementation Tool

Best practices for integrating client feedback into service delivery, fostering responsive, client-centered decision-making.

Young people & AOD

External Link

Where we are at: The social, economic, and wellbeing impacts of COVID-19 and exploring the ‘new vulnerable’

Overview of COVID-19’s impacts on social, economic, and personal Wellbeing, with insights from Tom Craven on trends and recovery.

Workplace Safety

External Link

State of Social Innovation

Exploration of recent advancements in social innovation, with a focus on emerging trends and sustainable change.

Addiction/Health

External Link

Implementing a quality and clinical governance framework in a community health service

Part two of the AOD series, offering practical intervention skills for community health professionals.

COVID

External Link

An update on the first Australian Child Maltreatment Study, Prof. Ben Matthews

New findings from the Australian Child Maltreatment Study and their potential impact on child protection policies and practices.

Child Maltreatment

External Link

‘AOD 101’ – Introduction to the alcohol and other drug sector: part 2

Part two of the AOD series, offering practical intervention skills for community health professionals.

Young people & AOD

External Link

‘AOD 101’ – Introduction to the alcohol and other drug sector: part 1

Introduction to Alcohol and Other Drugs (AOD) concepts and challenges in community health.

Young people & AOD

External Link

Young people and AOD

Innovation/COVID

External Link

Changes in working, innovation and impact on clients that have been developed and implemented during COVID-19

Examination of shifts in work models and innovations impacting client service delivery amid COVID-19.

Innovation

External Link

Risk Management Fundamentals for Health and Community Services

Fundamentals of risk management for health and community services, covering risk identification and response planning.

Workplace Safety

External Link

Methamphetamine and Pregnancy: Issues, Challenges and Opportunities

Challenges of methamphetamine use during pregnancy, with interventions to improve maternal and child health outcomes.

Young people & AOD

External Link

The Journey from Response to Recovery from COVID-19 for Victoria’s Community Health and Human Services Sector

Victoria’s community health sector shares insights from COVID-19 response to recovery, highlighting resilience-building lessons.

COVID

External Link

The financial future beyond COVID-19: Why financial education matters for employers and employees

Exploration of the evolving role of philanthropy in child and family services, with trends and funding opportunities in response to COVID-19.

COVID

External Link

Four Keys to an Effective Board

Guide for community organizations on board effectiveness, covering governance, strategy, accountability, and leadership essentials.

Governance

External Link

Victoria’s New Workplace Manslaughter Laws from 1 July 2020

Overview of Victoria's workplace manslaughter laws, detailing employer responsibilities and compliance requirements.

Workplace Safety

File

Round Table – Collaboration of Strength

Graphic Scribe visualisations

Collaboration

External Link

Strengthening workforce capacity and capability

Strategies to build a resilient, skilled workforce in community services, with a focus on enhancing skills, retention, and workforce capability.

Workforce

External Link

Emerging Practice within the family violence sector

Insight into innovative practices in the family violence sector, with trends and approaches to enhance safety and outcomes.

Family Violence

External Link

Opportunities for community health-led responses to drug and alcohol consumption

Overview of recent developments in alcohol and other drug (AOD) services in community health, focusing on prevention and treatment advancements.

Treating Addiction

External Link

Victorian Fair Jobs Code

Explanation of the Victorian Fair Jobs Code and its implications for fair employment practices and compliance in community services.

Social Services Regulation

External Link

Innovation Grants: Youthlaw Stand up for Your Rights

Overview of the ‘Stand Up for Our Rights’ youth empowerment project, supporting leadership and advocacy in young people.

Youth Justice

External Link

The impact of Reconciliation Action Plan across community services

Importance of Reconciliation Action Plans (RAPs) for fostering respect and opportunity with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, with tips for effective RAP creation and implementation.

Reconciliation

External Link

The epidemiology of health and social outcomes for young people

Dr Calais Ferreira provides an introduction to and overview of epidemiological evidence relating to physical, mental and social outcomes among young people in Australia, including emerging evidence. He also discusses his and others’ research on twins and what this can tell us about differences and similarities in life course, including risks and protective factors to development, outcomes and quality of life.

Mental Health

External Link

Nutrition & Mood

Dr Tetyana Rocks from the Deakin Food & Mood Centre presents an introduction to nutritional psychiatry aimed at the social and community services sector.

Sector Reform

External Link

Supporting the health and Wellbeing of young people leaving care

Strategies to support young people transitioning from care, covering mental health, life skills, and resources for independence.

Leaving Care

External Link

Innovation Series – Family Drug Treatment Court: Collaborating with parents to support family reunification

Insight into the Family Drug Treatment Court’s approach to family reunification, focusing on support for parents with substance use issues.

Drug Treatment & Family Reunification

External Link

Innovation Series – Child Maltreatment

New findings from the Australian Child Maltreatment Study and their potential impact on child protection policies and practices.

Child Maltreatment

External Link

Innovation Webinar Series – Homestretch

Overview of the 'Home Stretch' model, advocating extended care for improved youth outcomes in education, employment, and housing.

Leaving Care

External Link

AOD and the LGBTIQ+ community

This webinar explores the vital role that youth development programs play in promoting the Wellbeing and empowerment of young individuals. It emphasizes a holistic approach to youth development, addressing emotional, social, and academic needs to foster overall growth.

LGTBIQ+

External Link

MARAM

Introduction to MARAM (Multi-Agency Risk Assessment and Management) framework and best practices for family violence risk management and information sharing.

MARAM

External Link

Child Safe Standards across the Health and Community Health, AOD, and Children and Family sectors.

Guidelines for meeting Child Safe Standards to create safe environments for children, focusing on compliance and risk management in community services.

Child Safety

External Link

Brief Interventions

Techniques for brief intervention in Substance Use Disorder, offering tools for community health professionals to support recovery.

COVID

External Link

Omicron: lessons learned and where to next

Reflecting on the lessons from the Omicron wave and strategies for resilience and preparedness in community health services.

Technology Addiction

External Link

International insights on the impact of COVID-19 on children and family services

Exploration of COVID-19’s impact on children and family services, with global insights on resilience strategies and family support.

COVID

External Link

Technology and Addiction Part 2: Gaming Addiction

A continuation of the gaming addiction series, focusing on intervention strategies and treatment for gaming addiction.

Technology Addiction

Title

Description

File

Round Table – Stories of Collaboration

Graphic Scribe visualisations

Collaboration

File

Workshop – Collaboration for impact

Graphic Scribe visualisations

Collaboration

File

Workshop – Progress Collaboration Ideas

Graphic Scribe visualisations

Collaboration

External Link

Sue Sealey/Heidi Tucker/ Chris Testimonial

Testimonials from the tri-peaks mentroing program

Mentoring

External Link

Julia Feiss – Testimonial

Testimonials from the tri-peaks mentroing program

Mentoring

External Link

Heidi Tucker – Testiomonial

Testimonials from the tri-peaks mentroing program

Mentoring

File

Infopack – Mentoring Program

The Community Services Mentoring (CSM) Program brings together experienced cross-sectoral leaders, managers, and frontline workforces from the child and family services, alcohol and other drugs, and community health sectors

Mentoring

External Link

WorkSafe Victoria On Creating Mentally Healthy Workplaces

WorkSafe Victoria’s strategies for promoting mental health and reducing stress in the workplace, geared toward building a supportive environment.

Workplace Safety

External Link

Technology and Addiction Part 1: Gaming and eSports

Examination of gaming addiction in eSports, with Associate Professor Sarah Kelly discussing its mental health impacts and risk factors.

Technology Addiction

External Link

Global Trends in Long-Term Covid Resilience

International perspectives on long-term resilience strategies for community services, focusing on continuity and staff support.

COVID

External Link

Rethinking Child Protection System Design Assumptions for Families with Multiple and Complex Needs

New approaches to child protection that enhance support for families with multiple, complex needs.

Child Protection

External Link

Voice of the Client Framework and Implementation Tool

Best practices for integrating client feedback into service delivery, fostering responsive, client-centered decision-making.

Young people & AOD

External Link

Where we are at: The social, economic, and wellbeing impacts of COVID-19 and exploring the ‘new vulnerable’

Overview of COVID-19’s impacts on social, economic, and personal Wellbeing, with insights from Tom Craven on trends and recovery.

Workplace Safety

External Link

State of Social Innovation

Exploration of recent advancements in social innovation, with a focus on emerging trends and sustainable change.

Addiction/Health

External Link

Implementing a quality and clinical governance framework in a community health service

Part two of the AOD series, offering practical intervention skills for community health professionals.

COVID

External Link

An update on the first Australian Child Maltreatment Study, Prof. Ben Matthews

New findings from the Australian Child Maltreatment Study and their potential impact on child protection policies and practices.

Child Maltreatment

External Link

‘AOD 101’ – Introduction to the alcohol and other drug sector: part 2

Part two of the AOD series, offering practical intervention skills for community health professionals.

Young people & AOD

External Link

‘AOD 101’ – Introduction to the alcohol and other drug sector: part 1

Introduction to Alcohol and Other Drugs (AOD) concepts and challenges in community health.

Young people & AOD

External Link

Young people and AOD

Innovation/COVID

External Link

Changes in working, innovation and impact on clients that have been developed and implemented during COVID-19

Examination of shifts in work models and innovations impacting client service delivery amid COVID-19.

Innovation

External Link

Risk Management Fundamentals for Health and Community Services

Fundamentals of risk management for health and community services, covering risk identification and response planning.

Workplace Safety

External Link

Methamphetamine and Pregnancy: Issues, Challenges and Opportunities

Challenges of methamphetamine use during pregnancy, with interventions to improve maternal and child health outcomes.

Young people & AOD

External Link

The Journey from Response to Recovery from COVID-19 for Victoria’s Community Health and Human Services Sector

Victoria’s community health sector shares insights from COVID-19 response to recovery, highlighting resilience-building lessons.

COVID

External Link

The financial future beyond COVID-19: Why financial education matters for employers and employees

Exploration of the evolving role of philanthropy in child and family services, with trends and funding opportunities in response to COVID-19.

COVID

External Link

Four Keys to an Effective Board

Guide for community organizations on board effectiveness, covering governance, strategy, accountability, and leadership essentials.

Governance

External Link

Victoria’s New Workplace Manslaughter Laws from 1 July 2020

Overview of Victoria's workplace manslaughter laws, detailing employer responsibilities and compliance requirements.

Workplace Safety

File

Round Table – Collaboration of Strength

Graphic Scribe visualisations

Collaboration

External Link

Strengthening workforce capacity and capability

Strategies to build a resilient, skilled workforce in community services, with a focus on enhancing skills, retention, and workforce capability.

Workforce

External Link

Emerging Practice within the family violence sector

Insight into innovative practices in the family violence sector, with trends and approaches to enhance safety and outcomes.

Family Violence

External Link

Opportunities for community health-led responses to drug and alcohol consumption

Overview of recent developments in alcohol and other drug (AOD) services in community health, focusing on prevention and treatment advancements.

Treating Addiction

External Link

Victorian Fair Jobs Code

Explanation of the Victorian Fair Jobs Code and its implications for fair employment practices and compliance in community services.

Social Services Regulation

External Link

Innovation Grants: Youthlaw Stand up for Your Rights

Overview of the ‘Stand Up for Our Rights’ youth empowerment project, supporting leadership and advocacy in young people.

Youth Justice

External Link

The impact of Reconciliation Action Plan across community services

Importance of Reconciliation Action Plans (RAPs) for fostering respect and opportunity with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, with tips for effective RAP creation and implementation.

Reconciliation

External Link

The epidemiology of health and social outcomes for young people

Dr Calais Ferreira provides an introduction to and overview of epidemiological evidence relating to physical, mental and social outcomes among young people in Australia, including emerging evidence. He also discusses his and others’ research on twins and what this can tell us about differences and similarities in life course, including risks and protective factors to development, outcomes and quality of life.

Mental Health

External Link

Nutrition & Mood

Dr Tetyana Rocks from the Deakin Food & Mood Centre presents an introduction to nutritional psychiatry aimed at the social and community services sector.

Sector Reform

External Link

Supporting the health and Wellbeing of young people leaving care

Strategies to support young people transitioning from care, covering mental health, life skills, and resources for independence.

Leaving Care

External Link

Innovation Series – Family Drug Treatment Court: Collaborating with parents to support family reunification

Insight into the Family Drug Treatment Court’s approach to family reunification, focusing on support for parents with substance use issues.

Drug Treatment & Family Reunification

External Link

Innovation Series – Child Maltreatment

New findings from the Australian Child Maltreatment Study and their potential impact on child protection policies and practices.

Child Maltreatment

External Link

Innovation Webinar Series – Homestretch

Overview of the 'Home Stretch' model, advocating extended care for improved youth outcomes in education, employment, and housing.

Leaving Care

External Link

AOD and the LGBTIQ+ community

This webinar explores the vital role that youth development programs play in promoting the Wellbeing and empowerment of young individuals. It emphasizes a holistic approach to youth development, addressing emotional, social, and academic needs to foster overall growth.

LGTBIQ+

External Link

MARAM

Introduction to MARAM (Multi-Agency Risk Assessment and Management) framework and best practices for family violence risk management and information sharing.

MARAM

External Link

Child Safe Standards across the Health and Community Health, AOD, and Children and Family sectors.

Guidelines for meeting Child Safe Standards to create safe environments for children, focusing on compliance and risk management in community services.

Child Safety

External Link

Brief Interventions

Techniques for brief intervention in Substance Use Disorder, offering tools for community health professionals to support recovery.

COVID

External Link

Omicron: lessons learned and where to next

Reflecting on the lessons from the Omicron wave and strategies for resilience and preparedness in community health services.

Technology Addiction

External Link

International insights on the impact of COVID-19 on children and family services

Exploration of COVID-19’s impact on children and family services, with global insights on resilience strategies and family support.

COVID

External Link

Technology and Addiction Part 2: Gaming Addiction

A continuation of the gaming addiction series, focusing on intervention strategies and treatment for gaming addiction.

Technology Addiction

File

Partnering Agreement Overview – Case Managers

An overview of the Partnering Agreement outlining the structures in place to support children in care to access and engage with education. The document shows how case managers can help support children and young people in care with their education.

For Professionals

File

Snapshots for Carers – Partnering Agreement Overview

An overview of the Partnering Agreement as relevant to carers, showing how the elements of the Partnering Agreement fit together and how carers can advocate for children and young perople to get the appropriate support for their education.

For Carers or Professionals Supporting Carers

File

Practice Guide – Getting the most out of Student Support Group Meetings (SSGs)

A practice guide supporting professionals working with children and young people in care to best engage in Student Support Group (SSG) meetings consistent with the best interests of the child and young person involved.

For Professionals

File

Practice Guide Snapshot – Getting the most out of Student Support Group Meetings (SSGs)

A brief explainer of some of the key terms for effective Student Support Groups.

For Professionals

File

Case Study: Targeted therapeutic education for school staff

A case study following the transition from primary to secondary school for a young person in care with complex challenges. It includes questions and suggestions for how care providers and schools can work together to support a smooth transition.

For Professionals

File

It’s Never Too Late – Poster Series (B&W)

A black and white poster series for use in residential care homes highlighting the different pathways to post-secondary education and employment and where to seek further guidance around these.

For Carers or Professionals Supporting Carers

File

It’s Never Too Late – Poster Series (Colour)

A poster series for use in residential care homes highlighting the different pathways to post-secondary education and employment and where to seek further guidance around these.

For Carers or Professionals Supporting Carers

File

Support for Carers – Poster

A list of the services that provide support for carers in many forms, from resources and training to helplines and counselling.

For Carers or Professionals Supporting Carers

File

Help for Kids – Poster

Directed at children and young people, this resource shares some of the places to go for help including mental health support and counselling, LGBTIQA+ resources and more.

For Children and Young People

File

Supporting the transition to primary school

A quick guide for carers and professionals on ways to support children in care transitioning to primary school, including important timelines and things to share with and ask the school.

For Carers or Professionals Supporting Carers

File

State Schools’ Relief: Support for uniforms and other school essentials

A brief overview the State Schools' Relief program including what is provided, who is eligible and how to access it.

For Carers or Professionals Supporting Carers

Resource hub

Topic

Not-for-profit Sector Development Blueprint

Inclusive Victoria: State Disability Plan Midway Report (2022 – 2024)

Protecting Students From Bullying

Stories From Berry Street: Bringing a New Model of Care to Victoria

‘Thank You for Helping Our Children’: Refugee Families’ Perspective

The Overlap Between Viewing Child Sexual Abuse Material and Fringe or Radical Content Online

National Action Plan for the Health and Wellbeing of LGBTQIA+ People (2025 – 2035)

Fostering Children With a Disability in Victoria: Who Are the Children and What Are the Experience of Their Foster Carers?

Kinship Care in the Welfare System: The Lived Experience and the Case for Reform

The Criminalisation of Coercive Control: A National Study of Victim-Survivors’ Views on the Needs for Benefits, Risks and Impacts of Criminalisation

Lived Experience Participation and Influence in Homelessness and Housing Policy, Service Design and Practice

Opening Doors: Access to Early Childhood Service for Families Impacted by Poverty in the UK

Hitting the Mark: Specialised Responses in Services and Initiative for a Multicultural Australia

National Strategy to Prevent and Respond to Child Sexual Abuse 2021 – 2030: Second Annual Report 2024

Infant Vulnerability to Court Decision-Making Processes Regarding Oohc: Perspectives of Frontline Workers

More for Children Issues Paper 4: Education

Australian Children With Disabilities’ Unmet Needs: Evidence From the Better Support for Kids With Disabilities Survey

The Role of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACES) in Adolescent Use of Violence

Value for Whom: Rethinking Cost-Effectiveness From Young People’s Perspective

System Review Into Out-Of-Home Care: Final Report From the Nsw Government

Family Law Amendment Bill 2024

Commission for Children and Young People: Annual Report

The Did You Hear Me? Podcast

Help Seeking for Young Rural Males Disengaged From Education

Co-design Integrated Child and Family Hubs for Families Experiencing Adversity

2024 Family Matter Report: Strong Communities, Strong Culture, Stronger Children

Mental Wellbeing Amongst Parents and Carers From Minoritise and Marginalised Ethnic Backgrounds

Family Support, Enriched Preschool and Serious Youth Offending

An Anti-racism Framework: Voices of First Nations People

Investigating the Links Between Objective Social Media Use, Attentional Control, and Psychological Distress

Attitudes Matter: The 2021 National Community Attitudes Towards Violence Against Women Survey: Findings for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Respondents.

Wellbeing, Participation and Connection in the Middle Years of Childhood

In Their Own Right: Actions to Improve Children and Young People’s Safety From Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence

Children’s Voices for Change: A Rights-Based Approach to Understanding and Implementing Effective Supports for Children and Pre-adolescents as Victim-Survivors of Family Violence

Transition for Care Experienced Young People: A Thematic Review

Australian Child and Youth Wellbeing Atlas

Impacts of Pornography on Young People

Living with a parent in prison: Learning from young people

Tasmania State Budget Submission 2025-26

Victoria State Budget Submission 2025-26

Shared Strength: Families Taking Their Place at the Table

Overview of Compliance Frameworks

Survey Report on Child and Family Service Worker Experiences of Engaging Birth Parents

Literature Review on Participation Framework Executive Summary

Literature Review on Participation Frameworks

Infographic: Understanding the child

Listening to lived experience voices, including birth parents (for Boards)

Feedback and complaints form – template

Embedding parent voice in design of services

Planning engagement with parents to support service delivery

Ten tips for working with birth parents: For practitioners

Supporting parent participation when their child is in out-of-home care

Supporting parent participation in Court

Supporting parent participation in child protection investigations

Supporting parent participation from the first point of contact

How parents want to tell their stories

Ten tips for supporting birth parents: For friends and family

Ten tips for working with services including child protection: For birth parents

What does it mean? Child protection, child and family services, and Courts

How to make the most of your meetings

Parent Participation Framework (Plain English version)

Parent Participation Model & Framework (Universal version)

Parent Participation Model (Plain English version)

Parent Participation Model (Universal version)

Charter of Parent Participation (Plain English version)

Charter of Parent Participation (Universal version)

Hearing the Lived Experience of Birth Parents

Supporting Participation of Birth Parents

Hearing from birth parents – Voice of Parents

Letter from the Parental Advisory Group (PAG)

MARAM Risk Factors

Family Law Amendment Bill 2024

Commission for Children and Young People: Annual Report

The Did You Hear Me? Podcast

Help seeking for young rural males disengaged from education

Academic performance, health and support needs: Comparing foster care alumni and peers in higher education in Norway

Co-design integrated child and family hubs for families experiencing adversity

2024 Family Matter Report: Strong communities, strong culture, stronger children