Researchers from the University of New South Wales, the University of Sydney and the Australian Catholic University will next month present findings from three research projects, commissioned by the Royal Commission, on child safe institutions.

The research symposium - Creating child safe institutions - will be held in Melbourne on May 1 and is part of a broader program of research undertaken on behalf of the Royal Commission.

The three reports include Key elements of child safe organisations – research study, Safe and sound: Exploring the safety of young people in residential care and Disability and child sexual abuse in institutional contexts.

“Child safe organisations are ones that create culture, adopt strategies and take action to prevent child sexual abuse,” Royal Commission CEO Philip Reed said.

“The symposium is an opportunity to hear directly from the researchers and allow them to discuss what can be done to increase children’s safety in institutions.”

Mr Reed said the Royal Commission has identified and published ten elements that institutions should adopt to be child safe.  

“We consider this an important focus, and our final report will include recommendations aimed at ways of embedding these elements into all institutions,” he said.

Royal Commissioner Justice Jennifer Coate will introduce the symposium. The introduction will be followed by presentations by the researchers, as well as an opportunity for Q&A with:

• Associate Professor kylie valentine

              Social Policy Research Centre, University of New South Wales

• Professor Morag McArthur & Dr Tim Moore

              Institute of Child Protection Studies, Australian Catholic University 

• Professor Gwynnyth Llewellyn

              Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Sydney

Event details:

Date: Monday 1 May 2016

Time: 9.00am - 12.30pm including morning tea. Registration from 8.30am. 

Venue: Victoria Room, ibis Melbourne, 15-21 Therry Street, Melbourne

The researchers are available for interview. 

Read the research reports.

For interviews or to attend, please email contact@childabuseroyalcommission.gov.au or call 1800 099 340.