Child First Forum
Tuesday, 13 May 2025
A Canberra where all children thrive.
Why the Child First Forum?
The ACT’s Child First Forum is a unique opportunity for service providers, researchers, government representatives, politicians, and peak bodies to gather and assess existing measures to understand and address childhood developmental vulnerability, disadvantage and poverty in the ACT.
Presenting the most contemporary, relevant and locally specific data, research and information, the forum aims to establish a shared understanding of child developmental vulnerability and poverty at a systems-level. This will include sharing effective strategies to date at the systems and service-level, drawing out innovative ideas and solutions to address issues in the ACT in novel ways towards reducing rates of childhood developmental vulnerability and poverty in the ACT.
Key objectives of the Child First Forum include:
increase attendees’ knowledge of the Australian Early Development Census data and childhood developmental vulnerability in the ACT;
share children’s perspectives/views on what a good and tough life life looks like for them;
networking across professional groups/experts working with children, young people and their families; and
identifying a series of actions (short, medium and long term) for systems and community services to take target action towards addressing issues that makes life good or tough for ACT children and their families.
The Child First Forum prioritises the developmental, economic social and emotional needs of children. The forum’s focus recognises the profound effect a child’s relationships, experiences and environment have on their growth and development, and the immediate and intergenerational outcomes for family wellbeing. By investing in, and addressing, the needs of every child, we foster lasting positive impact, enabling children to reach their full potential and promote the wellbeing of our families, community and future generations.
The Child First Forum is a the first of a series of workshops, events and networking opportunities designed to further develop and enhance the key objectives of the forum.
Meet our presenters
Interested in the Child First Forum and subsequent activities? Register your interest in its activities via the link below:
Key partners
Commissioner for Children and Young People in the ACT
The Commissioner for Children and Young People in the ACT is an independent statutory office established to promote the rights, interests, and wellbeing of children and young people in the ACT. The Commissioner plays a crucial role in advocating for systemic changes to improve the lives of children and young people in the ACT, ensuring their rights are respected and their needs are met. Jodie Griffiths-Cook is the Children and Young People Commissioner.
Further information about the Commissioner is available here.
Australian Early Development Census
The Australian Early Development Census (AEDC) is a nationwide measure of children's development by the time they start school, conducted every three years. It focuses on five key areas of early childhood development:
1. physical health and wellbeing;
2. social competence;
3. emotional maturity;
4. language and cognitive skills (school-based);
5. communication skills and general knowledge.
Further information about the AEDC is available here.
Children’s Policy Centre
The Children's Policy Centre at the Australian National University (ANU) conducts extensive research on child poverty, focusing on understanding and addressing the issue from a child-centred perspective. Their recent work includes a series of posts analysing trends in child poverty and wellbeing, emphasising the need for a holistic approach to tackle these issues.
Further information about the Children’s Policy Centre is available here.
Dr Claire Achmad, Chief Children’s Commissioner, Mana Mokopuna/Children and Young People’s Commission, New Zealand/Aotearoa
Further information about Dr Claire Achmad is available here.
Vanessa Turnbull-Roberts, ACT Commissioner for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children and Young People
Further information about Vanessa Turnbull-Roberts is available here.
Jodie Griffiths-Cook, ACT Commissioner for Children and Young People
Further information about Jodie Griffiths-Cook is available here.
Representatives from the Australian Early Development Census