Corporal punishment is a contentious and much debated issue within the community. This resource provides a brief overview of research literature on the use of corporal punishment towards children and the legal landscape regarding corporal punishment as a means of disciplining children in Australia. We examine the distinction between corporal punishment and physical abuse, and...

Most states and territories have introduced legislation providing for child-related employment pre-screening, or are working towards such legislation but there are important differences across jurisdictions regarding the type of screening programs that are in place, what records are checked, and who is required to undergo screening. Each day, children across Australia come into contact with...

This Fact Sheet was prepared to coincide with National Child Protection Week, 7-13 September 2008. It presents an overview of child protection in Australia, including how child abuse and neglect is defined, its prevalence, the costs of child maltreatment, and prevention and early intervention strategies.

The purpose of the National Approach for Child Protection Project is to provide high-level descriptions of key processes and approaches to the delivery of child protection services across Australia. Statutory child protection is the responsibility of State and Territory Governments; however, Australian Government funded services that focus of prevention and early intervention aim to complement...

The aim of the report’s authors was to bridge the gulf between knowledge and action, especially with reference to the Australian child welfare sector. Research evidence can powerfully inform policy and practice. Too often, however, this is not the case.