Prosody Blog
Ordinary People, Extraordinary Hearts: reflecting on WA Foster and Family Carers Week
‘Ordinary People, Extraordinary Hearts: reflecting on WA Foster and Family Carers Week’ blog article was written by Shaun Chandran, Regional Director, Therapeutic Services at Australian Childhood Foundation. Last week, we celebrated Western Australia’s Foster and Family Carers Week in recognition of the invaluable contribution foster and family carers make opening the doors of their hearts …
Read MoreWalking together in the desert: Psychological support for remote NT schools
Delivering support to remote schools in the Northern Territory is never a one-size-fits-all journey. These schools face a unique constellation of challenges: low student attendance, high staff turnover, diverse learning needs, and the fact that for many children, English is their third or fourth language. Add to that the impact of community events and cultural …
Read MoreWhy spit hoods don’t create safety in youth detention
The Northern Territory Government’s decision to reintroduce spit hoods in youth detention is a step backwards. These devices don’t create safety—they escalate harm, undermine trust, and make it harder for both young people and youth justice officers to feel safe. At Australian Childhood Foundation, we work alongside children and young people who have experienced significant …
Read MoreHow our EYES program helped Sarah reconnect with school and herself
Sarah*, a 15-year-old young person referred to the Equestrian Youth Engagement Service, had a documented history of school disengagement due to significant anxiety. Prior to her involvement in the program, Sarah attended school infrequently and was socially withdrawn, with limited participation in extracurricular activities or peer relationships. Australian Childhood Foundation designed the EYES program to …
Read MoreWhat is child abuse and neglect?
Would you recognise the signs if a child were at risk of harm—and know what to do? Understanding the indicators of child abuse and neglect, and knowing how to respond and report, is a vital part of keeping children safe. Safeguarding children is everyone’s responsibility. The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child—ratified …
Read MoreUrgent need for mandatory prevention education in Working with Children Check
Premier and Police reveal extensive childcare sexual abuse case Victoria Police have today identified a childcare worker, charged with 70 sexual offenses against children in 20 childcare centres across Melbourne. This is one of the most significant and far-reaching cases of child sexual abuse ever seen in a childcare setting in Australia. It demonstrates …
Read MorePromoting the safety and wellbeing of LGBTQIA+ children and young people
Studies show a lack of safe and nurturing environments Child-focused organisations have a duty to demonstrate their commitment to the safety and wellbeing of LGBTQIA+ children and young people—especially in light of what we know about the impacts of stigma and discrimination on mental health. The Productivity Commission’s Inquiry Report into Mental Health highlights poorer …
Read MoreThe International Childhood Trauma Conference returns in 2025
Transforming trauma: connection and healing Every two years, practitioners, researchers, policy makers, and advocates from around the globe come together in Melbourne for the International Childhood Trauma Conference — a unique opportunity to learn, connect and be inspired by the world’s leading experts in trauma and attachment. In 2025, the conference returns to the …
Read MoreDo we really need more training for people working and volunteering with children? Isn’t abiding by Principle 7 of the National Principles for Child Safe Organisations enough?
Principle 7 of the 10 National Principles for Child Safe Organisations requires staff and volunteers to receive education and training in knowledge, skills and awareness to keep children and young people safe. Since their development all Australian states and territories have implemented Child Safe Standards for Organisations who work with children and young people. These …
Read MoreHow to listen to children and young people in organisations
Empowering children and young people to be active, vocal and confident participants in organisations is essential if those organisations are to become genuinely ‘child safe’. It is critical that organisations invest in seeking and understanding children’s views about safety and who they trust to communicate key messages to them. Policies are important, and leadership is …
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