Kids First Australia

Register for the Child Sexual Abuse and Harmful Sexual Behaviours Conference 30 years ago, Kids First Australia – then known as the Children's Protection Society – held its inaugural conference on child sexual abuse. Seen as controversial at the time, this bold step began our journey of leading best practice, community-building, and knowledge-sharing. Much has changed in three decades. We invite you to join us over two days as we bring together researchers, practitioners, public servants, and those with lived experience to share the nation's latest approaches, policy developments, and emerging ideas from across the child sexual abuse and harmful sexual behaviours space. 📅 October 31 - November 1 📍 Sofitel Melbourne on Collins. Secure your ticket today: https://ow.ly/VB8I50TnN8V Learn more: https://ow.ly/wHfu50TnN8S

A heartfelt thank you to Ross Andreou and Rob Parapouras from the Commonwealth Bank Victorian Mobile Lending team for their $5,000 donation to support our work with children, young people, and families across the nation. Their generosity enables Kids First Australia to continue providing vital services through our Sexual Abuse Counselling and Prevention Program (SACPP), which offers specialised therapeutic counselling for children and young people impacted by sexual abuse or exhibiting harmful sexual behaviour. Together, we’re building a kinder, safer world for those who need us most. #CommunitySupport #SACPP #SupportForKids

2 days to go! Join us for two impactful days as we bring together leading researchers, dedicated practitioners, public servants, and individuals with lived experience to delve into the latest strategies, policy advancements, and emerging perspectives in addressing child sexual abuse and harmful sexual behaviours. Don’t miss this opportunity to engage with insightful speakers and gain valuable perspectives across this critical sector. 📅 October 31 - November 1 📍 Sofitel Melbourne on Collins Secure your ticket now: https://ow.ly/8gM950TUXnJ Learn more: https://ow.ly/YRmx50TUXnI

We are pleased to announce our Caring Dads Facilitator Training scheduled for November 14 & 15, 2024! This 2-day in-person event will take place at the Centre for Excellence in Child & Family Welfare and is your chance to connect with a leading international network of professionals focused on fatherhood and gender-based violence. Whether you’re a social worker, psychologist, or involved in child welfare, this program is designed for you. Training Highlights Include: ✅ Interactive training on Caring Dads principles and values ✅ Role plays to practice skills ✅ Clinical consultations for ongoing support Register today to take the first step toward becoming a Caring Dads Facilitator! https://ow.ly/rKbe50TU4eP #CaringDads #FacilitatorTraining #Melbourne #ChildWelfare #ProfessionalDevelopment #DeliveredbyKidsFirst

Today, we’re celebrating the incredible work of teachers who are at the heart of nurturing and inspiring the next generation. From shaping young minds to creating safe, engaging learning environments, their professionalism and passion lay the foundation for lifelong learning. At Kids First Australia, we’re proud to recognise the dedication of our early childhood educators who make a difference every single day. To all the teachers across Victoria and beyond, thank you for your commitment to shaping the future! #WorldTeachersDay2024 #EarlyChildhoodEducation #ThankYouTeachers #WorldTeachersDay #KidsFirstAustralia #InspiringTheFuture

Yesterday, our Early Help Lead, Laura Vecchio delivered an insightful virtual presentation at the 2024.OPENSymposium.com.au Her session on “Easing the Burden: Kids First Australia’s Early Help Model” highlighted how our approach is transforming lives by providing crucial early support to families and children. We’re incredibly proud of the work Laura and our team are doing to make a difference in the community. Thank you to the Centre for Excellence in Child & Family Welfare for hosting such a valuable event, filled with knowledge-sharing and inspiration. We're grateful to be part of a community striving to enhance family and children’s services. Tickets still on sale with more inspiring keynotes, and sector-leading insights. Head to https://lnkd.in/gcu3vrf6 #OPEN2024 #KidsFirstAustralia #EarlyHelpModel #TransformFutures #ChildAndFamilyServices

Our CEO Nicole Artico and Director of Early Childhood Education and Care Jodi Spratling are proud to be at the VCOSS 2024 Recommitting to the Education State Community Sector Forum: Driving another decade of excellence and equity in education in Victoria, where the importance of early childhood education is front and centre. Deputy Premier Ben Carroll, Minister for Children Lizzie Blandthorn, and Jenny Atta, Secretary of the Department of Education, have reaffirmed that “education is the most powerful ammunition against disadvantage” – a sentiment we wholeheartedly support.   At Kids First Australia, we know that the first 1000 days are pivotal in shaping a child’s future. That’s why our Early Years Education Program – Kindergarten Model is designed to ensure every child has the support they need to thrive. Our trauma-informed approach creates safe, nurturing learning environments that equip children for lifelong success.   We’re excited to continue our Early Years expansion in 2025, where we will provide kinder services at four new sites across Victoria. This will allow us to extend our unique, high-quality, trauma-informed model to even more communities.   Together, we’re building stronger futures for children across Victoria 🌱 Interested in hearing more about our Early Years model, including details of our upcoming webinar sharing exciting evaluation results? Sign up to our newsletter: https://lnkd.in/gbqjvsMy   #EarlyYearsEducation #TraumaInformedCare #VCOSS

Join us tomorrow! We’re excited to have our very own Laura Vecchio from Kids First Australia presenting at the 2024 OPEN Symposium on “Easing the Burden: Kids First Australia’s Early Help Model.” Laura will discuss how our Early Help Model is making a real difference in the lives of children and families. This is just one of many insightful sessions this year where experts from across the sector will share the latest research and strategies in family and community services. More info & tickets head to https://lnkd.in/gRdp8R5F #OPEN2024 #EarlyHelpModel #ChildAndFamilyServices #TransformFutures OPEN: Outcomes Practice Evidence Network

National Children’s Week is an important reminder of the incredible talents, skills, and achievements of children across all our communities. From 19th - 27th October, we’re celebrating not only these remarkable contributions but also focusing on the important rights highlighted in this year’s theme: Children have the right to a clean and safe environment, based on UNCRC Article 24. This colourful painting by a child at our Korin Korin Kindergarten serves as a beautiful reflection of the world we’re shaping for our youngest citizens and the responsibility we all share to protect their future. Want to see what’s happening in your area during Children’s Week? Check out childrens-week.org.au #NationalChildrensWeek2024 #RightToAHealthyEnvironment #KidsFirstAustralia

With less than 2 weeks to go to our Child Sexual Abuse & Harmful Sexual Behaviours conference, we're proud to recognise our sponsor Australian Catholic Safeguarding Ltd. Their dedication to safeguarding children and fostering a nationally consistent culture of safety and care aligns perfectly with the heart of our mission. Together, we’re building a safer future for all children and young people.💙 There’s still time to purchase tickets—visit https://ow.ly/4AQk50TO10V to learn more. #ACSL #ChildProtection #CSACON2024 #ConferenceSponsor #MakingADifference #SafeguardingChildren