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USC to host child protection conference
No longer should children be seen and not heard—quite the opposite. The University of the Sunshine Coast, in conjunction with the Department of Communities, will host the second annual Child Protective Practices Conference on Monday 21 September, with the theme for 2009 ‘Giving Kids a Voice’.
The conference will build on the themes explored as part of 2009 Child Protection Week, and focus on finding creative and evocative approaches to working with young people, within the scope of child protective services.
Keynote speakers will include child protection consultant Sonja Parker, with presentations from youth advocacy group CREATE Foundation and Christine Boulter, USC’s Social Work Field Education Coordinator.
Conference coordinator Dr Jan Foster, USC’s Social Work program leader, says the event aims to develop practices that include children and young people in the processes related to their care.
“In child protective services it’s easy for adults to make choices without knowing how to engage with children or young people,” Dr Foster says.
“Children have knowledge and experience, they have wants and needs and dreams and working for their wellbeing and protection involves actively engaging and understanding. It’s not just about seeing with our eyes and listening with our ears, but also listening with our hearts, giving our complete and undivided attention.
“We are emphasising finding creative ways of engaging with children and young people, to encourage them to speak about their experiences.”
The day-long conference costs $55, and includes refreshments, morning and afternoon tea, and lunch. For registration information, contact Dr Foster on 5459 4661 or email jfoster@usc.edu.au
– Nathan Woulfe