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.

The Thriving Kids initiative aims to focus on the early identification of ‘developmental concerns’ and the establishment of a national system of supports for children aged 8 and under with developmental delay and disability and low to moderate support needs and their families. This report inquires into the Thriving Kids initiative and makes 16 recommendations.

A review of solitary confinement and similar practices in youth detention in Australia. The report finds these practices cause serious harm, breach international human rights standards and disproportionately affect First Nations children and children with disability. It makes 24 recommendations to prohibit solitary confinement, strengthen safeguards and ensure youth justice systems adopt trauma-informed, rights-based approaches.

This report contains six case studies from Australia and around the world that are examples of evidence-based approaches to reforming child justice systems. It shows how primary prevention, early intervention, integrated services and therapeutic community-based approaches that emphasise family and cultural connections can transform outcomes for children.

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.