Reflecting on National Child Protection Week

This month started with National Child Protection Week, an annual campaign run by the National Association of Child Abuse and Neglect (NAPCAN) that aims to promote a safe and supported life for every child.

This year’s theme, Every conversation matters, highlights conversation as a powerful tool to keep children and young people safe and connected.

At Emerging Minds, we believe conversation is an important part of exploring mental health challenges with children and families. We also recognise that it can be difficult for practitioners, particularly those working in adult-focused services, to talk about children with their parents or caregivers.

Our PERCS Conversation Guide is designed to support collaborative, respectful conversations between practitioners and families about the effects of adversity. This free resource includes example questions related to the five important domains in a child’s life:

• Parent–child relationship
• Emotions and behaviours
• Routines
• Communication and meaning-making
• Support networks.

Although National Child Protection Week is over, we encourage you to continue thinking about the important conversations you need to have with families to support children and keep them safe.