ARACY

ARACY strongly supports these calls for systemic reform. Child justice is a child wellbeing issue, and real change requires a commitment to early intervention, accountability, and evidence-based solutions. Join ARACY as an Act for Children Ally and help make children’s rights and wellbeing a national priority. You can join as an individual or an organisation. https://lnkd.in/gE3g-Wvg

Thank you, Prevention United, for the warm welcome! We’re excited to join the Wellbeing and Prevention Coalition in Mental Health alongside such dedicated organisations committed to prevention and early intervention. At ARACY, we know that investing in child and youth health and wellbeing is key to building a healthier future for all. By working together, we can ensure that prevention remains a priority, shaping policies and programs that support young people’s mental health from the start. Looking forward to collaborating and amplifying this crucial work!

Supporting Children’s Wellbeing After Disaster: Thriving Kids in Disasters Serious weather events are traumatic for everyone but especially for children. As the current threat of a cyclone approaches South East Queensland and Northern NSW, children and young people need more than just physical safety—they need support to process their experiences, rebuild a sense of stability, and thrive. The Thriving Kids in Disasters initiative, led by the Thriving Queensland Kids Partnership, ensures children’s voices, wellbeing, and recovery are prioritised in disaster preparedness, response, and recovery efforts. By working together across sectors, we can strengthen community resilience and create environments where all children can thrive—even in adversity. The Thriving Kids in Disasters initiative aligns with ARACY’s The Nest framework, which highlights six key wellbeing domains: 🔹 Valued, Loved & Safe – Ensuring children feel secure and supported in times of crisis. 🔹 Healthy – Providing access to healthcare and mental health support. 🔹 Learning – Minimising disruption to education and fostering continued growth. 🔹 Material Basics – Meeting children’s essential needs, like food, shelter, and clothing. 🔹 Participating – Involving children and young people in recovery efforts and decision-making. 🔹 Positive Sense of Identity & Culture – Recognising and strengthening cultural and community connections. Let’s make sure no child is left behind in disaster recovery. Learn more about how we can support children and young people through disasters: https://hubs.la/Q0395xXF0 #Queensland #DisasterResilience #TKID

Have you heard of BCEs? Awareness of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) is growing, but we don’t talk as much about Benevolent Childhood Experiences (BCEs)—the positive experiences that help children thrive, even in adversity. BCEs include: ✅ Feeling loved and supported ✅ Having a trusted adult to turn to ✅ Feeling safe in school and the community ✅ Experiencing a sense of belonging A recent study found that the higher a child's BCE score, the greater their ability to thrive over time—even when they have experienced multiple ACEs. At ARACY, we know that positive relationships and supportive environments are essential for children's wellbeing. This aligns with: 🔹 The Nest framework, which highlights the importance of feeling valued, loved, and safe for lifelong wellbeing. 🔹 The Common Approach, which supports practitioners in having strengths-based conversations to identify and nurture protective factors like BCEs. How can we embed BCEs in every child’s life? Educators, families, and communities all have a role to play. By focusing on relationality and actively planning for positive experiences, we can help children feel safe, supported, and ready to thrive. What are some ways you create BCEs in your community? Let's start the conversation! 👇

Yesterday, ARACY’s Research Manager Barbara Barker had the pleasure of presenting the evidence on *How to Engage Parents in Learning* to an enthusiastic group of #Queensland schools. The Mastering Parent Engagement program is a collaboration between ISQ and the QIS Parents Network. The Masterclass was delivered to almost 50 educators representing 11 different schools. Congratulations to Jacky Dawson and Amanda Watt from Independent Schools Queensland and the Queensland Independent Schools Parent Network for their commitment to helping transform the home-school partnership through their flagship Mastering Parent Engagement program for school leaders and teachers. This is the 2nd year ARACY has proudly partnered with ISQ & QISPN to share what we’ve learned over the past decade (plus!). Read our Parent Engagement Guide: https://lnkd.in/gpZj6CaB #ParentAndFamilyEngagement #ParentEngagement #Learning #StudentWellbeing #TheNest The Lakes College | Riverside Christian College | Michelle Gouge | Queensland Government | Queensland Department of Education | Australian Education Research Organisation (AERO) | Australian Institute for Teaching & School Leadership (AITSL) | Karen Mapp | Anne T. Henderson | Debbie Pushor | Janet Goodall | FrameWorks Institute | NAFSCE (National Association for Family, School, and Community Engagement) | Thriving Queensland Kids Partnership

Big news for early childhood education and care! At an event in Melbourne yesterday, the Prime Minister reaffirmed his commitment to making early childhood education and care (ECEC) more affordable for families by ultimately introducing a fixed daily fee—potentially between $10 and $20 a day. With 71% of parents backing this model, this pledge could be transformative. At ARACY, we welcome this direction and will continue advocating for a system that supports every child to thrive. 

We've added two more Young and Wise roundtables! Social media - EOI close date 2 March, roundtable between 10 to 14 March Drugs and alcohol - EOI close date 16 March, roundtable between 31 March to 4 April Nutrition and Healthy Eating - EOI close date 13th April, roundtable between 28 to 2 May If you're between 14 and 25 and want to have your say on these issues find out more and apply now: https://lnkd.in/gcjn52jg

Champion for Children’s Rights & Wellbeing Needed! This is the most important appointment for children this year. The Australian Human Rights Commission is searching for the next National Children’s Commissioner—a bold leader who will drive real change for Australia’s children. This role isn’t just about policy; it’s about impact. It’s about listening to children, amplifying their voices, and holding governments accountable. It’s about shaping a future where every child’s rights and wellbeing come first. At ARACY, we've been privileged to work with Anne Hollonds the current National Children's Commissioner on the ACT for Children campaign and other initiatives that put children's needs at the heart of policy and decision-making. We’re looking forward to continuing this work with the new Commissioner—could it be you? We need a visionary, a strategic thinker, a fearless advocate. Someone who can build coalitions, influence decision-makers, and stand firm in the face of challenges. 🔹 Deep knowledge about human rights and children’s wellbeing 🔹 A powerful communicator who can turn ideas into action 🔹 A leader who can unite sectors for real change If you’re ready to champion the rights and wellbeing of children across Australia, step up. The future is calling. Find out more and apply: https://hubs.la/Q038w75F0 Act for Children Campaign: https://hubs.la/Q038w1qm0

In the latest edition of Insider: The Young and Wise webinar recording is now available! Watch now: https://lnkd.in/gZte8uAB Want more on the latest news and events involving children and young people? Subscribe to our weekly newsletter: https://lnkd.in/gnxU-g5Y

Australia’s early childhood system is failing too many children. Right now, 111,000 young children in 131 communities across Australia are experiencing high early childhood disadvantage and hardship. Of these, over 25,000 live in childcare deserts—areas with little or no access to early childhood education and care (ECEC). Many more live in communities where existing services don’t meet their needs. We need urgent action. A new report from Social Ventures Australia highlights where investment is needed to ensure all children—especially those experiencing significant disadvantage—can access high-quality early learning, which is crucial for health and the prevention of disease. Early access to quality ECEC services can reduce health disparities, promote physical and mental wellbeing, and lay the foundation for a healthier future. Investing in integrated and inclusive early learning models—like Early Childhood Hubs, holistic and intensive ECEC models, and ACCO-led services—can address both health outcomes and developmental needs, supporting children’s education and wellbeing from the start. Let’s build a system that works for every child, ensuring they all have the opportunity to thrive. Read the full report: https://lnkd.in/gPe28yUP