Brains are not born, they’re built. Nurturing and responsive relationships and safe environments are key to developing thriving brains. Neuroplasticity shows that change is possible; meaning we have the opportunity to change the trajectory for children and adolescents if we put supports in place. Understanding brain development can help practitioners tailor support. But how do we do this in a meaningful way that parents, families and frontline professionals can engage with?

Thriving Kids Brain Builder Initiative (TKBBI) is a collaboration between Thriving Queensland Kids Partnership (TQKP), Australian Research Alliance for Children and Youth (ARACY), The University of Queensland’s Queensland Brain Institute (QBI), and Emerging Minds (EM). Drawing on the latest research, clinical insights from academics and health and social service professionals, and the lived experience of child and family partners (parents), TKBBI generates, translates and applies knowledge from neuroscience and related child and adolescent sciences for the benefit of children, young people and their families and communities.

Early intervention for health, wellbeing and learning must be a cornerstone for families, schools and communities if we are to maximise positive health, development and learning outcomes for all children and young people. However, finding ways to make time for this important work can be challenging. So how do we make the time for the conversations that count?

In this interactive masterclass, we will explore the research behind TKBBI and look at implementation strategies to catalyse change, create conversations and build collective capacity. Translating neuroscience research into evidence-based practice to support a preventative rather than a curative approach to child and adolescent mental health.