Resource hub
Elevate your professional knowledge, strengthen your practical skills, and deepen your understanding to make a greater impact in your field.
Last updated: 18 Nov 2024
Resource hub
Category
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External Link
Impacts of pornography on young people
- Children and Young People's Wellbeing
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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
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Submission
Inquiry into capturing data on family violence perpetrators in Victoria
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Submission
Review of Online Safety Act 2021
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Submission
Inquiry into vaping and tobacco controls (letter submission)
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Submission
Inquiry into Compulsory Income Management and human rights
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Submission
Reducing the Harm cause by Gambling
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Submission
Rental and housing affordability crisis
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Submission
Recognition of unpaid carers
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Submission
State Education System
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Submission
Social Services and Other Legislation Amendment (Strengthening the Safety Net) Bill 2023
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Submission
Inquiry into the worsening rental crisis in Australia
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Submission
Discussion paper on permanency settings under the Children, Youth and Families Act
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Submission
A stronger, more diverse and independent community sector
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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
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Submission
Early Childhood Education and Care Capacity Study
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Submission
Blueprint Not for Profit Sector Development (DSS)
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Submission
Victoria State Budget Response 2024 – 2025
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Submission
Review of Financial Wellbeing and Capability programs
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Submission
NDIS participant experience in rural, regional and remote Australia
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Submission
Federal pre-budget submission
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Submission
Productivity Commission Inquiry into Early Childhood Education and Care
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Submission
Strong Foundations Building on Victoria’s work to end family violence
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Submission
Inquiry into the operation of the Freedom of Information Act 1982
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Submission
Draft Action Plan Addressing Gender-based violence in higher education
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Submission
Inquiry into Climate Resilience
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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)
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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)
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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)
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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)
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Intersectionality with Dr Kate Foord
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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)
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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)
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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)
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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)
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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
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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
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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
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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
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Intersectionality with Dr Kate Foord
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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)
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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)
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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)
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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
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External Link
Aspect
Aspect provides services including autism-specific school programs, community programs and individual supports- Disability Advocacy and Support Groups
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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
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External Link
Autism Awareness Australia (AAA)
AAA provide a large range of resources for people with autism, carers and families- Autism Spectrum Disorder
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External Link
AMAZE
AMAZE provide resources and training on the topic of autism, including the 'Autism Connect' helpline- Autism Spectrum Disorder
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External Link
Aspergers Victoria
Aspergers Victoria provide peer support, job coaching, education and training for people with autism- Autism Spectrum Disorder
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External Link
Dr Tony Attwood
This site includes a selection of resources and articles about autism- Autism Spectrum Disorder
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External Link
Adaptations to autism
This page features chapter 1 of 'Autism and Girls' by Tony Attwood and Michelle Garnett- Autism Spectrum Disorder
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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
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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
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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
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External Link
Autism Parenting Magazine
Autism Parenting Magazine is published monthly, based in the UK- Autism Spectrum Disorder
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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
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External Link
MyTime
MyTime facilitates supported groups for parents and carers of children with disability- Disability Advocacy and Support Groups
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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
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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
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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
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External Link
VALID
VALID is the Victorian peak advocacy organisation for adults with intellectual disability.- Disability Advocacy and Support Groups
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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
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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
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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
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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
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External Link
Tandem
Tandem is a support and referral service for people with mental health issues, and their carers- Disability Advocacy and Support Groups
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External Link
Synapse
Synapse provides a range of supports and services for people impacted by brain injuries- Disability Advocacy and Support Groups
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External Link
Sane
Sane offers counselling, peer support, groups and events, for people with mental health needs- Disability Advocacy and Support Groups
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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
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External Link
NEAMI
NEAMI provides mental health and wellbeing, and homelessness, services- Disability Advocacy and Support Groups
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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
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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
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External Link
Beyond Blue
Beyond Blue provides support for people experiencing mental health distress- Disability Advocacy and Support Groups
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External Link
Siblings Australia Inc
Siblings Australia Inc supports siblings of children and adults with disability- Disability Advocacy and Support Groups
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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
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External Link
Young Carers Network
YCN provides support and resources for young carers- Disability Advocacy and Support Groups
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External Link
Pregnancy Birth and Baby
This page provides resources for parents with a disability- Disability Advocacy and Support Groups
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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
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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
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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
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External Link
Disability Gateway, “Ask Izzy” disability advicacy finder
This database includes over 450,000 disability services in Australia- Disability Advocacy and Support Groups
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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External Link
Melbourne East Disability Advocacy
MEDA promotes the rights and interests of people with intellectual disabilities- Disability Advocacy and Support Groups
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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
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External Link
Grampians disAbility Advocacy
GDA works across the Grampians region, including Ballarat, Horsham, Warracknabeal, Ararat, Stawell, Daylesford, Clunes- Disability Advocacy and Support Groups
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External Link
Gippsland Disability Advocacy
GDAI provides both disability services and advocacy in the Gippsland region- Disability Advocacy and Support Groups
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External Link
Disability Justice Australia Inc
DJA provides disability services and advocacy, including NDIS appeals- Disability Advocacy and Support Groups
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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
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External Link
AED Legal Centre
AED specialised in definding the rights of people with disability, including NDIS appeals- Disability Advocacy and Support Groups
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External Link
Action on Disability within Ethnic Communities(ADEC)
South Morang and Dandenong areas- Disability Advocacy and Support Groups
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External Link
Action for More Independence & Dignity in Accommodation (AMIDA)
AMIDA provides housing advocacy and NDIS appeals advocacy- Disability Advocacy and Support Groups
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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
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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
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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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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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External Link
Worker Self-Care Template (RCLDS)
A template for leaders to utilise in promoting proactive self-care for staff wellbeing.- Practical Advice
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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
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File
Shadow Shift Checklist (RCLDS)
- Practical Advice
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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
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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
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External Link
Behaviour Support Plan template
A template for creating a Behaviour Support Plan- Practical Advice
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External Link
Missing from Care
Practice advice for residential carers when young person is missing from care- Practical Advice
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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
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File
Residential Care Provider Reporting Template
A template to utilise when reporting police contact in residential care- Practical Advice
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File
Residential Care Reporting Template: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
FAQ regarding Residential Care Reporting template- Practical Advice
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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
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External Link
Framework for trauma-informed practice
A framework that supports service providers and practitioners in delivering trauma-informed practice- Education
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External Link
Let Us Learn
This enquiry that examined the educational experiences of children and young people in out-of-home care- Education
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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
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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
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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
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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
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File
Career Pathways for young people with care experience
Useful links to explore career pathways for young people in out-of-home-care- Education
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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
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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
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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
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File
Case Noting Template (RCLDS)
An example of a Case Noting template- Practical Advice
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File
Round Table – Stories of Collaboration
Graphic Scribe visualisations- Collaboration
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File
Workshop – Collaboration for impact
Graphic Scribe visualisations- Collaboration
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File
Workshop – Progress Collaboration Ideas
Graphic Scribe visualisations- Collaboration
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External Link
Sue Sealey/Heidi Tucker/ Chris Testimonial
Testimonials from the tri-peaks mentroing program- Mentoring
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External Link
Julia Feiss – Testimonial
Testimonials from the tri-peaks mentroing program- Mentoring
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External Link
Heidi Tucker – Testiomonial
Testimonials from the tri-peaks mentroing program- Mentoring
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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External Link
State of Social Innovation
Exploration of recent advancements in social innovation, with a focus on emerging trends and sustainable change.- Addiction/Health
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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
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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
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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
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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
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External Link
Young people and AOD
- Innovation/COVID
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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External Link
Four Keys to an Effective Board
Guide for community organizations on board effectiveness, covering governance, strategy, accountability, and leadership essentials.- Governance
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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
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File
Round Table – Collaboration of Strength
Graphic Scribe visualisations- Collaboration
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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+
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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
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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
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External Link
Brief Interventions
Techniques for brief intervention in Substance Use Disorder, offering tools for community health professionals to support recovery.- COVID
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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
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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
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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
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Title
Description -
File
Round Table – Stories of Collaboration
Graphic Scribe visualisations- Collaboration
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File
Workshop – Collaboration for impact
Graphic Scribe visualisations- Collaboration
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File
Workshop – Progress Collaboration Ideas
Graphic Scribe visualisations- Collaboration
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External Link
Sue Sealey/Heidi Tucker/ Chris Testimonial
Testimonials from the tri-peaks mentroing program- Mentoring
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External Link
Julia Feiss – Testimonial
Testimonials from the tri-peaks mentroing program- Mentoring
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External Link
Heidi Tucker – Testiomonial
Testimonials from the tri-peaks mentroing program- Mentoring
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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External Link
State of Social Innovation
Exploration of recent advancements in social innovation, with a focus on emerging trends and sustainable change.- Addiction/Health
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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
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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
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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
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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
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External Link
Young people and AOD
- Innovation/COVID
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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External Link
Four Keys to an Effective Board
Guide for community organizations on board effectiveness, covering governance, strategy, accountability, and leadership essentials.- Governance
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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
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File
Round Table – Collaboration of Strength
Graphic Scribe visualisations- Collaboration
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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+
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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File
Sample MARAM Resource
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Overview of the NDIS
