This report considers state government policy in Queensland focused on families and children over time. The report shows Queensland’s children are worse off than other states and that families are often not considered when efforts are made to support kids.

Identifying and responding when children and young people are at risk of harm is a core element of the Department of Communities and Justice’s role in the NSW child protection system. This investigation denounces DCJ’s longstanding practice of closing risk of significant harm (ROSH) reports on the stated basis that it has inadequate resourcing.

This essay critically examines the intersection of Adverse Childhood Experiences with Social Determinants of Health relating to Early Childhood Development and social inclusion for children. It explores the role of social workers in co-creating Protective and Compensatory Experiences through their practice to support children’s lifelong positive health outcomes.

Early Childhood Hubs (ECHs) are a leading integrated model that can fill a major gap in the current early years landscape. ECHs are configured to overcome many barriers to accessing and participating in early education and care. This brief provides an overview of the key findings related to the efficacy of ECHs.

This review of the incarceration of children in Australia was unable to further progress its inquiries due to the calling of the 2025 Federal election. This final report recommends that the Senate take note of the interim report and re-refer the inquiry in the new Parliament.