This keynote will explore the dangerous trajectory we are on when the public portrayal of children and young people – particularly those who are vulnerable, in care, or in conflict with the law – is one of threat rather than potential, risk rather than rights, and danger rather than development. Through the lens of systemic advocacy, legal reform, and oversight, the presentation will unpack the ways in which media-driven narratives have come to influence our social investments, legal frameworks, and collective willingness to extend care, compassion, and accountability to young people.

A rise in school attendance problems (school refusal) is leaving growing numbers of young people at risk. There is increasing attention on the issue, but a lack of research from students’ perspectives. The Commissioner is consulting students during 2025. The paper will amplify their views and potential solutions.

• Themes in IBAC’s investigations of police misconduct against children and young people
• Cohorts of children and young people at particular risk of police misconduct
• Options for supporting children and young people to report mistreatment by police

• How can we strengthen our collective capacity to support vulnerable youth while respecting their cultural identities?
• How can we better advance policies that benefit multicultural children and families?
• How can we ensure that workforce development programs are culturally responsive and accessible to youth from diverse backgrounds?

Natalie will showcase work to support young people at risk of disengaging from education complete Year 12 at TAFE. Natalie will outline new reforms to develop an equitable funding and service improvement model for the sector so high quality, safe and supported Year 12 completion options are available for vulnerable early school leavers.

Anne will showcase an example of how Year 12 completion at BKI is supporting their students, including the impact of the new reforms.

Therapeutic Residential Care is increasingly recognised as an ideal model of residential care, although debate remains about what specifically constitutes a therapeutic model. While New South Wales and Victoria have both introduced standards to guide the development and implementation of therapeutic models of residential care, there remains considerable variability in how service providers conceptualise the ‘core’ practice elements that should define therapeutic models. In this panel discussion will draw on significant practice and research knowledge to highlight the transformative power of therapeutic residential care when service providers are adequately supported to therapeutically support children and families impacted by child protection and Out-of-Home Care Systems.

• How do you address the common misconception that alternative schools provide a lower quality of education compared to traditional schools?
• How does alternative school implement trauma-informed practices to support vulnerable students?
• What approaches work best for re-engaging students who have had prolonged absences?

• What outcomes have you observed in vulnerable youth who participate in sports outreach programs?
• How do you measure the success of sports-based interventions for at-risk youth?
• Could you share some success stories where participation in your sports programs has helped young people overcome significant challenges or escape high-risk environments?