Shifting conversation to action
This year’s theme – ‘Every conversation matters, shifting conversation to action’ – highlights that, while discussions are crucial, dialogue must translate to meaningful action to ensure that every child feels heard, and experiences real safety, care and protection.
The National Association for Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect (NAPCAN) acknowledges that the term “child protection”, and therefore, the campaign’s name does not resonate positively for everyone. For many First Nations communities and people with lived experience of the child protection system, these words can carry deep pain and mistrust. Our primary focus has always been prevention, supporting families, strengthening communities, and addressing the drivers of harm before it occurs. We are committed to listening, learning, and ensuring our work reflects respect, safety, and the voices of those most affected.
Instead of using the name, you can use our theme ‘Shifting Conversation to Action’ when discussing the campaign.
Conversation matters, it's how ideas take shape, how understanding gets built, how people are moved to look again at something they'd stopped noticing. But conversation on its own doesn't keep anyone safe. National Child Protection Week exists to close that gap, bringing people together across the country not just to talk but to act: to strengthen the communities around children before harm has the chance to occur. This week is an opportunity to reflect and acknowledge the ordinary, unremarked steps that let a child know they're seen, valued, and heard. That's what turning conversation into action actually looks like: not a single gesture, but the accumulation of a community choosing, again and again, to make safety a priority.
Artwork: Karina Jeffrey, Garawa Aboriginal Designs
Source: https://www.napcan.org.au/get-involved-2026/
Resources for Schools
National Child Protection Week 2026 runs from Sunday 6 to Saturday 12 September, and is coordinated by the National Association for Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect (NAPCAN). There are webinars and school resources available to schools on this site.
National Office for Child Safety: https://www.childsafety.gov.au
eSafety Commissioner:https://www.esafety.gov.au/newsroom/whats-on/national-child-protection-week-2026
Catholic Education Sandhurst:https://www.ceosand.catholic.edu.au/news/child-protection-week-2026-resources-for-schools
MACS Care: https://care.macs.vic.edu.au/child-safe-standards/
Child Safe Standard 1: Culturally Safe Environments - a practical session
How do we move from compliance to meaningful practice when it comes to cultural safety? Join us for an interactive professional learning session focused on Child Safe Standard 1: Culturally Safe Environments.
This practical and applied session will explore real-world scenarios, helping schools translate the requirements of Child Safe Standard 1 into everyday actions that promote inclusion, respect and cultural safety for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and young people. Participants will also be introduced to practical resources, tools and supports to strengthen their school’s approach and implementation.
Date: Thursday 10 September 2026
Time: 3.30pm – 4.30pm
Meeting Link: Join here
This session is designed for school leaders, child safety officers and staff committed to creating environments where every child feels culturally safe, respected and valued.
Join us and build your confidence in implementing culturally safe practices across your school community.
