Child Protection Week || Every Conversation Matters

This week is Child Protection Week, and the theme, every conversation matters, is hugely important. Barnardos Australia puts children and young people at the centre of everything we do, involving them in conversations about their future and encouraging them to speak when so often they’ve gone unheard. When we empower children to have a voice and take the time to listen, we can create definitive change to ensure they grow up safe and supported to reach a brighter future.

We are increasingly seeing cases of family and domestic violence (DFV), where children are often the hidden victims. For those who have experienced DFV, especially children, there is a cloud of guilt and shame around speaking about it – and we need to change this. We need to reframe the conversation surrounding DFV, so people feel comfortable and safe enough to say that they’re not okay. This is the first step to stopping it. And when children are involved, it should be the shared responsibility of everyone to ensure their safety and wellbeing.

Our 2022 national survey, ‘Truth is, the abuse never stopped’, showed that almost two thirds of adult respondents sought help and support relating to DFV issues as a child or young person, but more often than not, these "supports" were unsuccessful. The most common outcome was that the person they told did not intervene, leaving them feeling powerless and hopeless. That’s why conversations are so important. When we develop strong relationships and social connections for children and young people, they feel confident to reach out for help, knowing that their voice will be heard. Every child should have a safe person that they can talk to – so that they never feel alone. Keeping children connected reduces the chances of abuse and neglect, because it is in the context of social isolation that they are susceptible to falling through the cracks.

Adequate housing and family income also impact the safety and wellbeing of children and young people. Giving them a voice is of the upmost priority. However, when the needs of children are competing against homelessness and poverty, their cries can fall short. I recently mentioned in a podcast with Domestic Violence NSW CEO, Delia Donovan, how it’s all too easy for everyday Australians to question why the government doesn’t just take children into care. We don’t want this to happen. We don’t want to force parents’ hands, because when we look closer, some families simply don’t have enough money to survive. It’s not a matter of abuse, but involuntary neglect. The cost-of-living crisis is breaking down families and communities, forcing people to leave their social networks to look for cheaper housing. They are also struggling financially to afford food, basic resources, medications and school supplies, placing them in situations where they must make difficult choices. Consequently, many children are missing out on school because they don’t have the right uniform or supplies and can’t afford extracurricular activities. They are refusing to attend class due to the shame and guilt they feel about their family’s socioeconomic status.

Barnardos Australia is committed to supporting families through our early intervention, and safety and prevention programs to stop children from entering the care system. We want families to feel empowered and capable of providing for their children so they can safely remain at home and reach their full potential.

Conversations are powerful and it’s time we speak up and speak out about what needs to change so that children and young people, across every community, can grow up safely and have a fair go. Let’s start talking this Child Protection Week to ensure children feel safe and connected both today and well into the future.