The OPEN Symposium 2024 offered invaluable insights across four days, focusing on elevating young voices, early intervention in family support, and advancing care for vulnerable children and families. With over 600 attendees, the event highlighted transformative approaches in youth engagement, family violence prevention, and Aboriginal evidence building, thanks to expert speakers and rich presentations from diverse organisations
The first two days of the Symposium featured engaging keynotes, presentations, and discussions on critical issues in child and family services.
Day 1: Ann Sanson’s keynote on the impact of climate change emphasised building resilience and proactive support for children. Sessions explored early intervention, innovative parenting approaches, and youth safety strategies led by Safe Steps.
Day 2: A keynote by Gulsum Adas addressed online safety and tech-facilitated abuse, while VACCA highlighted cultural safety for First Nations families. Other sessions focused on supporting children in out-of-home care, including a partnership model for children with disabilities.
Recordings of the full range of presentations are currently only available to ticket holders. We will announce the release of all recordings to OPEN members in early 2025. Not a member? Subscribe today, it’s free!
Professor Ann Sanson of the University of Melbourne, is a leading expert in child development, addressed the profound effects of climate change on children and future generations in her keynote. With over 40 years of expertise, Professor Sanson highlighted the vulnerability of children to climate impacts, from mental health issues like anxiety and PTSD to disruptions in their development. She emphasised the urgency of climate action and its disproportionate impact on Indigenous communities, advocating for a climate justice perspective. Professor Sanson provided actionable strategies for supporting young people, fostering resilience, and empowering them to take action.
Resource list:
During this keynote presentation, Gulsum Adas from the eSafety Commissioner highlighted the importance of creating environments where children feel safe to seek help, and the need to engage the broader community in recognising and responding to online risks.
Although the presentation wasn’t recorded, find below a range of valuable resources available to help community organiaations and practitioners navigate these critical issues.
The new hub offers a one-stop destination for resources, tips, and advice to protect children from online harm. Key features include:
Developed with input from community organisations, services, and practitioners, the hub also includes a toolkit with ready-to-use communications, making it easier to adapt and share vital online safety information at any time.
Explore the full range of resources here: eSafety Hub for Families
