Keeping children safe is a shared responsibility 

Creating space for children’s voices

Kathryn Lyons, Senior Manager Family Law Services and Chair of CCV’s Safeguarding Committee, says adults can often notice when something has changed:

“Children may become withdrawn, stop talking as much, seem fearful or anxious, or show behaviours that are unusual for them. Sometimes they may even regress in developmental milestones they had previously reached. When adults notice these changes, it’s important to seek support.”  

Drawing on her experience working with children and families, Kathryn says it is important to remember that children often experience family conflict differently from the adults around them:

“No matter what has happened in the family, children still see those people as their parents and carers. When families are in conflict or speak negatively about one another, children can internalise those messages and start questioning how they see themselves.” 

Children also need opportunities to have their voices heard. Kathryn says this can start with small things. In the Children’s Contact Service for example, children use an emoji board to show how they’re feeling before and after contact visits. They can also share ideas through a feedback board:

“Sometimes that feedback or requests are simple, but we make a point of acting on feedback and letting them know. Such a small action can help them see that their voice matters”.  

Supporting families helps children thrive

While children’s experiences may differ, one thing remains consistent: they do not experience life’s challenges in isolation. What affects families often affects children too.  

For one child, that might mean struggling with anxiety after a difficult family experience. For another, it could be adjusting to a new school, navigating family separation, or feeling the effects of financial stress at home. Some children may be impacted by family violence. Others may be settling into a new country and learning a new language while trying to find their place in an unfamiliar community.  

Because of this, no single type of support meets every family’s needs and the best way to help children is to work alongside parents and carers. Kathryn explains that CCV offers a range of supports that can respond to different circumstances in the family:

“For example, we have a very specific Child Inclusive Family Dispute Resolution process where we work directly with children. We also have the School Counselling Unit, Family Services, which supports children through its work with parents, the Children’s Contact service and the Family Mental Health Support Service, which works directly with children to help prevent mental health issues. Together, these services help families and carers access support that reflects their unique circumstances and consequently helps children.”

Early support can change the trajectory

One of the key messages of National Child Protection Week is the importance of responding early. When concerns are recognised early, families have more opportunities to access support before challenges become more difficult to manage. 

 Support can take many forms depending on what a child or family needs. A child struggling with anxiety after a difficult family experience may benefit from speaking with a counsellor, while their parents access support to navigate conflict or strengthen family relationships. Another family may seek help while adjusting to life in Australia, connecting with services that support settlement, community connection and their children’s wellbeing. A parent experiencing financial stress may be linked with practical assistance, counselling or parenting support to help create greater stability at home. 

According to Danielle, Team Leader Family Relationship and Wellbeing Services says making support available where families already are can make a significant difference:

“One example is when support services are available directly through schools. Schools are often where concerns are first noticed, so making support available in a familiar setting can help families access help sooner. It removes some of the barriers to getting support and means families can connect with the right people before challenges become more serious.” 

It takes a community

No single parent, teacher, school or organisation can meet every need of every child. The responsibility for supporting children does not rest with families alone. Connections within the wider community can also make a meaningful difference. Danielle says:

“Community connection helps children and families feel like they’re not facing challenges on their own.” 

National Child Protection Week reminds us that every conversation matters, but conversations are only the beginning. Listening is important, but the goal is not simply to hear children and families. It is to make sure they can access the support they need when they need it. 

Five ways to help children feel safe and heard: 

✅ Listen to understand, not just to solve
Sometimes the most meaningful thing we can do is pause and listen. Children are more likely to share when they feel heard without judgement. 

✅ Make time for everyday conversations
Connection often grows through small, regular moments, whether it’s during the school drop-off, sharing a meal, or spending time together at the end of the day. 

✅ Notice changes in behaviour
A child who becomes unusually withdrawn, angry, anxious or quiet may be communicating something they don’t yet have the words to say. 

✅ Let children know their feelings matter
Acknowledging a child’s feelings can help them feel valued, understood and confident to express themselves. 

✅ Reach out for support early
Seeking support is a sign of strength. Reaching out early can help children and families access the right support before challenges escalate.