Where we start matters: Continuing the conversation

The ACMS 18 months on: The journey of Engagement, Influence and Impact sector briefing was delivered by Prof. Daryl Higgins, Lead Investigator of the ACMS study. (Tuesday 29 October 2023) Professor Higgins highlighted key findings from the study including that 62% of Australians had experienced child maltreatment, with 2 in 5 Australians experiencing 2 or more types of abuse.

Prof. Higgins’ presentation explored the impact of the Australian Child Maltreatment (ACMS) study since its release 18 moths ago, outlined the considerable media, knowledge translation and community engagement activities undertaken by the ACMs team to socialise the research. He noted that while the community sector welcomed the research and have since sought to use it as an evidence base in a variety of ways (e.g. submissions to government, articles, etc), response from governments have not been fast enough; great urgency addressing and alleviating child maltreatment is required.

Professor Higgins’ presentation was followed by a panel featuring:

  • Tom Allsop, CEO PeakCare
  • Deidre Cheers, CEO Barnardos Australia
  • Phil Doorgachurn, General Manager – Strategic Safeguarding Children Initiatives, Australian Childhood Foundation

Matter canvassed by the panel’s emphasised the need for evidence-based parenting interventions, trauma-informed approaches, and the importance of involving children and young people in decision-making. The study’s findings have influenced policy and practice, with calls for systemic change and increased investment in prevention and early intervention.

Potential future work outlined in the sector briefing included:

  • Exploring opportunities to release the full ACMs dataset for public access and research
  • Investigating ways to disseminate data on perpetrators of abuse beyond sexual abuse
  • Considering how to better integrate the perspectives of children and young people in decision-making processes
  • Developing strategies to support the wellbeing of the child and family services workforce, given the high rates of personal trauma experience
  • Advocating for increased investment in prevention and early intervention services, building on the evidence from the ACMs
  • Continuing to advocate the importance of the ACMS and of acting on its findings to government.

Approx. 70 people participated in the briefing, evenly split between person and virtual attendance.
A copy of Professor Higgins’ presentation slides can be accessed here and the ACMS website address is www.acms.au

Information on Families Australia’s current and upcoming activities can be accessed at
https://familiesaustralia.org.au/