What's new in the sector
This page aims to keep you up-to-date with "what's new" at the National Child Protection Clearinghouse and in the fields of child abuse prevention, child protection and out-of-home care in the last three months.
- Bullying of children and young people
18 December 2009
The final report of the inquiry into Bullying of children and young people from the Parliament of New South Wales is now available to be downloaded. - PhD Scholarships for Indigenous students
17 November 2009
Gnibi College of Indigenous Australian Peoples at Southern Cross University is seeking applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students who are interested in participating in their PhD program. Two PhD scholarships are available to eligible applicants to conduct doctoral studies that inform the development, implementation, and evaluation of community programs that lead to positive wellbeing and healthy relationships in Indigenous communities. The successful candidates may be required to temporarily reside in rural and remote indigenous communities, develop relationships, and conduct effective respectful research. Students will be encouraged to use a mixed-methods approach and to build evaluation into their work. For further information email Dr Jeff Nelson. - National apology to the forgotten Australians and former child migrants
16 November 2009
The Australian Government has formally apologised to the Forgotten Australians and former child migrants at a special remembrance event held in Canberra on 16 November. The apology, which has bipartisan support, acknowledges the abuse and neglect suffered by many of these children and reflects the Government's determination that these terrible practices will never be repeated. Read the media release. - Ministers meet to discuss national response to violence against women and their children
13 November 2009
Minister for the Status of Women, Tanya Plibersek and Attorney-General Robert McClelland have met with their state and territory counterparts to discuss progress on national efforts to reduce violence against women. Earlier this year the Australian Government released Time for Action, the major report of the National Council to Reduce Violence against Women and their Children. Governments are currently working together to develop a National Plan to be released next year. The report makes recommendations designed to tackle the unacceptable levels of sexual assault and domestic and family violence in Australia. Read the media release to find out more about the National Plan to Reduce Violence against Women. - CEO, NAPCAN
12 November 2009
NAPCAN (National Association for Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect) is seeking to appoint a new CEO to lead the organisation through its next phase of development. Requests for further information and applications should be made in writing via email to Martin Bangs. - Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet
11 November 2009
HealthInfoNet is a 'one-stop info-shop' that aims to contribute to 'closing the gap' in health between Indigenous and other Australians by informing practice and policy in Indigenous health by making research and other knowledge readily accessible. Visit HealthInfoNet and find out more about the site. - ACMA extends cybersafety education to trainee teachers
10 November 2009
The Australian Communications and Media Authority will extend its successful cybersafety professional development program to teachers in training with the introduction of a new program. Find out more about the program from the ACMA website. - Not One More – Remembering victims of family violence homicide
9 November 2009
Each year in Australia, at least 60 women and 20 children will die as a result of family violence. To raise awareness about family violence and to remember all those women and children who have been killed, a public event is being held at Federation Square, Melbourne on Friday 27 November at 7pm. Family and friends are invited to join survivors, workers from the violence against women sector, the White Ribbon campaign, VicHealth, Victoria Police, the Metropolitan Fire Brigade, the Australian Services Union and the Electrical Trades Union to say 'Not One More' and to demand a future free from family violence. Download the flyer. - California Evidence-Based Clearinghouse for Child Welfare: new website added to links page
6 November 2009
The California Evidence-Based Clearinghouse for Child Welfare provides child welfare professionals with easy access to information about selected child welfare related programs. The site provides information on the importance of evidence-based practice, including an overview and history of evidence-based practice, the definition of evidence-based practice and the research base in child welfare. - Research forum - Towards a national research agenda: Protecting Australia's children
5 November 2009
This forum was facilitated by Dr Leah Bromfield, Manager, National Child Protection Clearinghouse, and was the first stage in the development of a national research agenda under the Council of Australian Governments (2009) National Framework for Protecting Australia's Children. The forum proceedings include presentations available on our website: Protecting children is everyone's business by Tracy Mackey; Facilitators and barriers to evidence-informed policy and practice by Dr Fiona Arney; and Towards a national research agenda; Achievements thus far and where to from here by Dr Leah Bromfield. - Developing national standards to protect vulnerable children
28 October 2009
The Australian Government has begun work on developing national standards to make sure children who cannot live with their parents receive quality, safe and secure care, no matter which state or territory they live in. The development of these national standards is a key part of the National Framework for Protecting Australia's Children 2009-2020, which was endorsed by the Council of Australian Governments. Read the media release. - Three new resource sheets
27 October 2009
Australian child protection legislation, Children's commissioners and guardians, Age of consent laws - Summary report from Wave 1 of the Longitudinal Study of Indigenous Children
23 October 2009 - Adolescent Depression - a symposium for psychologists and other workers with young people
21 October 2009
In Melbourne on November 11. Presenters include Dr Nicole Highett, Dr. Michael S. Gordon and Dr Sophie Reid. - Inclusion of children with a disability in the early years – 4 day seminar and training
21 October 2009
Noahs Ark’s and the Centre for Community Child Health are running this event in November in Melbourne, with keynote speakers Dr. Virginia Buysse and Dr. Sharon Hope Irwin. - Developing national standards to protect vulnerable children
20 October 2009
The Australian Government has begun work on developing national standards to make sure children who cannot live with their parents receive quality, safe and secure care, no matter which state or territory they live in. - Protecting Australia's Children Research Forum
9 October 2009
A research forum will be held on 27 October to facilitate the identification of research priority areas and will also create opportunities to capitalise on the skills and expertise of participants who could potentially take collective ownership and carriage of proposed future initiatives. Expressions of interest to attend the forum should go to child.protection@fahcsia.gov.au by October 12.
- Characteristics, outcomes and meanings of three types of permanent placement - adoption by strangers, adoption by carers and long-term foster care
2 October 2009
The research summary for this UK project is now available, with the full report due in 2010. - Inquiry into the sexualisation of children in the contemporary media environment
30 September 2009
The Australian government's response to the Senate Inquiry into the sexualisation of children in the media. - Report released on domestic violence and sexual assult laws up until early 2009
28 September 2009
This report provides an overview of Commonwealth, State, Territory and New Zealand legislation. It will be used to develop the Australian Government's National Plan to Reduce Violence Against Women and their Children. - Consultation on reforms to Commonwealth child sex-related offences
24 September 2009
The Minister for Home Affairs, the Hon Brendan O'Connor MP, invites public comment on proposed reforms to Commonwealth child sex-related offences. The proposed reforms would ensure comprehensive coverage of offences in areas of Commonwealth responsibility. You can find out more about the process from the Attorney-General's Department's section on consultations, reforms and reviews. - Sharing information to protect children
23 September 2009
The Minister for Human Services, Chris Bowen, and Minister for Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs, Jenny Macklin, announced Medicare Australia can now provide information to state and territory child protection agencies to help protect and support children at risk of abuse or neglect. Read the media release. - Exploring key issues in identifying the cultural background of all families at the point of contact with child protection
22 September 2009
This research being undertaken by the Clearinghouse aims to explore the potential advantages and disadvantages of identifying the cultural background of all families at the point of contact with child protection services. - Who's chatting to your kids?
21 September 2009
This site, developed by Queensland Police Service, is part of the Queensland Personal Safety Program. The site provides practical information about internet safety, including the technology being used by children and how you can reduce the risk of your child becoming a victim. - Keep them safe: A shared approach to child wellbeing
15 September 2009
The NSW government has launched a new website, which aims to provide information on key changes in child protection, and provides useful links to more specialised information. - 20th anniversary of the Convention of the Rights of the Child
14 September 2009
The 20th anniversary of the Convention on the Rights of the Child takes place on 20 November 2009. The Child Right Information Network is compiling a list of global events celebrating the special occasion. To find out more or to have your event included, access the 20th anniversary of CRC website. - National study uncovers high level of child abuse and neglect in Australia
11 September 2009
A national survey has uncovered that 1 in 4 adults have identified a case of child abuse and neglect in Australia in the past five years. The Australian Childhood Foundation, together with Monash University, has launched its report: Doing nothing hurts children. The survey, the third of a series conducted over six years by the Australian Childhood Foundation, has been released as part of its Stop Child Abuse Now Campaign. - Entries invited for child protection awards
10 September 2009
Professionals and volunteers working across the child protection field are to be recognised for their efforts and commitment in preventing child abuse. The Minister for Human Services, Lin Thorp, said entries were open for the Child Protection Awards 2009. Ms Thorp said that the Child Protection Awards provided an opportunity to publicly acknowledge individuals who made a significant contribution to preventing child harm and neglect. Download an information pack and entry form. - Hector's World helps children tackle cyberbullying
9 September 2009
A new cyberbullying episode of Hector's World, hosted on the Cybersmart website, and targeted at Australian children, has been launched by the Australian Communications and Media Authority. This newly created Hector's World episode explores the impact that cyberbullying can have and encourages children affected by cyberbullying to contact a trusted adult for help. Read the media release. - A stitch in time saves nine: Preventing and responding to the abuse and neglect of infants
8 September 2009
To coincide with National Child Protection Week, the most recent issues paper from the National Child Protection Clearinghouse has been launched today. You can access the paper and the media release. - Invitation to participate in a new research project
7 September 2009
The National Child Protection Clearinghouse invites professionals in the child and family welfare sector to share their views about the potential application of communication technologies that enable video and audio contact between case managers and children and young people in care. Feasibility of using internet communication technologies in child protection practice to increase contact with children - Society for the Protection of the Rights of the Child (SPARC)
2 September 2009
A new link has been added to the National Child Protection Clearinghouse which focuses on issues such as child labor, juvenile justice, education and violence against children in Pakistan. SPARC draws inspiration from the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child. To learn more about the organisation, visit their website. - The economic cost of child abuse and neglect
1 September 2009
Resource Sheet No. 2, The economic cost of child abuse and neglect has been revised. - Mandatory reporting working to identify child abuse
27 August 2009
Child Protection Minister Robyn McSweeney said that recent figures released by the Department of Health showed that mandatory reporting of suspected child sexual abuse cases in Western Australia was working. Under mandatory reporting laws, Western Australian doctors, nurses and midwives have been required to report cases of suspected child sexual abuse to the Department for Child Protection. Read the media release. - Comprehensive checks for people working with children
26 August 2009
The Minister for Home Affairs, Brendan O'Connor, has introduced amendments to the Commonwealth Crimes Act 1914 to help protect children from harm. Read the media release and the Bill. - Violence against children
25 August 2009 2009
The Children's Rights Information Network (CRIN) is undertaking a survey on violence against children. More information is available about CRIN and the survey from their website. - Council for the Care of Children SA
24 August 2009
The Council for the Care of Children is a statutory body established under the South Australian Children's Protection Act 1993. The website is a user friendly resource for children and young people's rights, and provides some of the latest research and policy directions about children and young people. For more information about this website and other links relevant to child protection, you can access our links page. - Protecting children: Where to from here?
21 August 2009
A free public seminar will be held in Melbourne on 10 September as part of National Child Protection Week. The seminar will be presented by Dr Adam M Tomison, Director of the Australian Institute of Criminology, and is being sponsored by the Australian Institute of Family Studies. More information is available on the website of the Institute. - Amendments to the Care and Protection of Children Act (NT)
20 August 2009
The NT Legislative Assembly today passed amendments to the Care and Protection of Children Act. These amendments seek to address community concerns about potential unintended consequences of mandatory reporting requirements under the existing Act, Minister for Children and Families Malarndirri McCarthy said. She said it was important to refine the balance between the need to protect children and the need to ensure young people feel confident they can seek medical, psychological and other support in relation to their sexual health. - Fatal child abuse
20 August 2009
Resource Sheet No. 4, Fatal child abuse has been revised. - Child Safety Commissioner (VIc) granted stronger powers
18 August 2009
The Victorian Parliament has passed new legislation granting Victoria's Child Safety Commissioner, Bernie Geary, stronger powers to review cases involving child protection clients. The amendments to the Children Youth and Families Act (2005) and the Child Wellbeing Act (2005) come a day after Premier John Brumby announced a major restructure of health, community services and local government functions to deliver better services to Victorian communities and families. Read more about the role of the Child Safety Commissioner. - New Commissioner for Children and Young People (NSW) appointed
17 August 2009
The Governor of NSW, Marie Bashir, has appointed Gaye Phillips as the Commissioner of Children and Young People, effective from 7 September 2009. - National Child Protection Week
10 August 2009
National Child Protection Week 2009 is taking place 6-12 September. It is Australia's flagship event, coordinated each year by the National Association for Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect (NAPCAN), and maintains a national focus on prevention of child abuse and neglect. NAPCAN invites you to their annual fundraiser breakfast. More information is available for each state and territory holding a breakfast: Australian Capital Territory; Northern Territory; New South Wales; Queensland; Victoria; Western Australia. - Commission for Children and Young People celebrates 10 years of operation
5 August 2009
New South Wales' only independent organisation dedicated to giving children a voice and looking after their interests, celebrated ten years of operation this week. To mark the ten year anniversary of the state's peak body for children and young people, the Commission released a publication on its history, Captured by kids. - Review of laws to protect women and children
4 August 2009
Commonwealth Attorney-General, Robert McClelland, and New South Wales Minister for Women and Acting Attorney-General, Verity Firth, announced a joint investigation into the harmonisation of domestic violence and family law. The primary aim of this work will be to address inconsistencies so as to ensure women and children are better protected under both Commonwealth and State laws regarding domestic violence, child protection, sexual assault and family law. Read the media release on the review of laws aimed at protecting women and children. - Proposed changes to child protection legislation in the Northern Territory
3 August 2009
Minister for Children and Families (NT), Malarndirri McCarthy, has advised that there will be amendments to the Care and Protection of Children Act 2007 to address concerns raised relating to the mandatory reporting of sexual offences against children. Read the media release about proposed changes to child protection legislation. - Volunteers needed for research on survivors of sexual abuse
31 July 2009
Women who have suffered childhood sexual abuse are needed to share their experiences as part of an RMIT University research project that aims to help develop better counselling and support services for older people. More information is available about the study on adult survivors of sexual abuse. - Intrafamilial adolescent sex offenders
30 July 2009
Sexual abuse of children by other children or adolescents constitutes approximately 40 to 90 percent of sexual offending against children. The Australian Institute of Criminology has released a new report which examines the nature and causes of adolescent intrafamilial sex offending and which treatment approaches are likely to be successful. Read the report: Intrafamilial adolescent sex offenders: psychological profile and treatment. - Australian Childhood Foundation request for independent judicial review
28 July 2009
The Australian Childhood Foundation has written to the Premier of Victoria as a response to the recently much publicised case of a two year old girl admitted to hospital as a result of abuse, and the reported subsequent death of her father. The request for an independent judicial review can be downloaded from the Australian Childhood Foundation website. - Protecting children more complicated than mandatory reporting
21 July 2009
The CEO of Anglicare Victoria, Dr Ray Cleary, has said that while more could be done to enhance the mandatory reporting system, the real focus should be on better training for child protection staff and improving outcomes for vulnerable children in out-of-home care. He said that "child protection systems alone cannot ensure safety. We, the community, must also play our part in ensuring our children are protected within our families". Read the media release from Anglicare Victoria. - Online child grooming
16 July 2009
The Australian Institute of Criminology has released two reports on online child grooming: Online child grooming: a literature review on the misuse of social networking sites for grooming children for sexual offences and Responding to online child sexual grooming: an industry perspective. - Global Initiative to End All Corporal Punishment of Children
15 July 2009
The legal situation in relation to corporal punishment in Australia is now available from the Global Initiative to End All Corporal Punishment of Children. A summary of law reform necessary to achieve full prohibition and the current legality of corporal prohibition are included. A table provides information on the legal status of corporal punishment of children for each State and Territory, and whether corporal punishment is prohibited: in schools; in the home; in the penal system; and in alternative care settings. This information on corporal punishment is available from Global Initiative to End All Corporal Punishment of Children. - Every image, every child
14 July 2009
A special report from the Canadian Federal Ombudsman for Victims of Crime has been released on internet-facilitated child sexual abuse. Every image, every child gives an overview of the problem of internet-facilitated child sexual abuse, provides historical information about what has been done by the government on the issue to date, identifies issues that negatively impact child victims and makes recommendations for positive change. Download the publication Every image, every child. - Forgotten Australians: Senate report 2009
14 July 2009
The Senate Community Affairs References Committee tabled its report on Lost innocents and Forgotten Australians revisited. Lost innocents: Righting the record is a report on child migration and Forgotten Australians is a report on Australians who experienced institutional or out-of-home care as children. More information is available from the Senate Community Affairs References Committee. - Wise up to sexual abuse
13 July 2009
A new guide urging parents to wise up to child abuse has been released. It informs parents and carers about what to look for if they suspect a child is being abused, as well as the impacts and statistics surrounding child abuse. It recommends parents talk to their children about early warning signs, identify a safety network with their child and teach children correct names for body parts. View the guide on preventing child abuse. - World Day for Prevention of Child Abuse: 19 November 2009
10 July 2009
The main purpose of the NGO Coalition to mark World Day for Prevention of Child Abuse is to contribute to the creation of a culture of prevention of child abuse and form a global partnership network to raise awareness, mobilise public opinion and action, and disseminate prevention programs. More information is available from Women's World Summit Foundation. - Specialist Practice Guide
6 July 2009
A recent presentation by Leah Bromfield to the Centre for Excellence in Child and Family Welfare, Resilient Families Need Resilient Workers Symposium has been added to the website: Specialist Practice Guides: Getting research into practice in family services, child protection and out-of-home care. - Overcoming Indigenous disadvantage
3 July 2009
A national report on Indigenous social and economic trends has shown a worsening in the gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians on child abuse. The report shows the rate of substantiated notifications for child abuse or neglect for Indigenous children has more than doubled since 1999-2000, from 16 per 1000 children to 35 per 1000 children. At the same time, the rate for non-Indigenous children has risen from five to six per 1000. You can read the article from ABC News: Indigenous gap "widening, not closing" or download the report Overcoming Indigenous disadvantage: Key indicators 2009 from the Productivity Commission. - What's culture got to do with it? The impact of ethnic identity on the effects of unwanted sexual experience during childhood
2 July 2009
The aim of this research is to identify the impact of ethnic identity on the effects of childhood sexual abuse among women who have been subjected to sexual abuse in childhood. This research will form part of a PhD for Tanja Stojadinovic from the University of South Australia. If you would like more information or would like to find out how to participate in the project, email Tanja Stojadinovic. - Victoria's vulnerable children better protected
1 July 2009
The Minister for Community Services Lisa Neville has announced that legislation being introduced by the Victorian Government will strengthen the powers of the Child Safety Commissioner as well as improving the transparency and accountability in the child protection system. More information about this is available on the website of the Department of Human Services.