Prosody Blog
Walking 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 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 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 …
Read MoreA wake-up call for Australian early education: the need for comprehensive reform
‘A wake-up call for Australian early education: the need for comprehensive reform’ blog article was written by Hanif Reza Jaberipour, Senior Advisor, Parenting and Early Years Program at Australian Childhood Foundation. Ten years ago, when I came to Australia as an early childhood educator, I had an idealised vision of the Australian early childhood education …
Read MoreEnding child exploitation – how businesses can lead the change
At On Us: Australian Business Coalition for Safeguarding Children, we firmly believe that when businesses come together, they have the power to create environments where children and young people are safe and protected. That’s why we hosted an exclusive On Us Masterclass with human rights specialist Julie McBride from Tony’s Chocolonely, a global authority on …
Read MoreWhat really is therapy?
‘What really is therapy?’ blog article was written by Denika French, former Therapeutic Specialist at Australian Childhood Foundation. As a former Therapeutic Specialist at Australian Childhood Foundation and now a children’s counsellor, I am commonly asked, “What really is therapy?”. Truthfully, after six games of UNO and two rounds of around the world on the basketball court, I can begin to …
Read MoreRethinking using the word resilient for children who have experienced trauma
‘Rethinking using the word resilient for children who have experienced trauma’ blog article was written by Sue Buratti, General Manager, Therapeutic Services at Australian Childhood Foundation. In a ‘trauma-informed’ world where we are more advanced than ever in understanding the best approaches to supporting trauma healing, it is alarming that we continue to characterise children …
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