Domestic and Family Violence: A Wellbeing Approach to Promoting Child and Adolescent Mental Health
Tracks
Ballroom 1 - In Person & Virtual via OnAIR
| Tuesday, March 25, 2025 |
| 1:40 PM - 2:00 PM |
Overview
Nikki Butler & Caterina Schulz, Act for Kids
Presenter
Ms Nikki Butler
Consultant & Trainer
Act for Kids
Domestic and Family Violence: A Wellbeing Approach to Promoting Child and Adolescent Mental Health
Abstract
This presentation provides an overview of the impact of family violence on the wellbeing of children and young people and how the Act for Kids pilot project is enhancing responsiveness to child protection risk from a wellbeing perspective. Family violence can have a profound impact on the mental health and development of children and young people, leading to a range of adverse outcomes across the lifespan, including behavioral and relational challenges, and long-term health complexities. A wellbeing approach, which incorporates a shift in language around child protection risk, can prevent risk of harm, address the impacts of trauma, and support mental and emotional resilience.
Drawing on studies such as Adverse Childhood Experiences, The Australian Wellbeing Index reports and The Australian Child Maltreatment Study, a wellbeing approach to assessment is critical in addressing the complexities of family violence risk. A wellbeing approach identifies factors that compromise a child’s wellbeing and development, as well as strengths and protective factors that enhance wellbeing. By applying a Continuum of Needs Framework alongside an understanding of child development, services can undertake a holistic and comprehensive assessment to ensure both immediate and long-term wellbeing needs are addressed.
This presentation introduces Act for Kids' Child and Family Wellbeing Assessment Tool which is being piloted across several child and family services where family violence risk is present. Underpinned by the Nest Framework, the project is committed to upholding the rights of children to be nurtured, safe and to thrive in all areas of development. The tool applies a wellbeing lens to assessing harm and risk and enables understanding of child and family needs across specified levels of need. An overview of the project’s development, early findings, and its potential to improve practice, assessment outcomes and increase the wellbeing of children, young people and their families will be presented.
Three Key Learnings:
1. Understand the impacts of domestic and family violence on the mental health and development of children and young people across their lifespan.
2. Gain insight into how a wellbeing approach supports assessment of child protection and family violence risk, as well as family strengths and protective factors, across a Continuum of Needs.
3. Learn how the Act for Kids' ‘Child and Family Wellbeing Assessment Tool Pilot’ is enhancing responsiveness to child protection and family violence risk through a holistic wellbeing approach.
Drawing on studies such as Adverse Childhood Experiences, The Australian Wellbeing Index reports and The Australian Child Maltreatment Study, a wellbeing approach to assessment is critical in addressing the complexities of family violence risk. A wellbeing approach identifies factors that compromise a child’s wellbeing and development, as well as strengths and protective factors that enhance wellbeing. By applying a Continuum of Needs Framework alongside an understanding of child development, services can undertake a holistic and comprehensive assessment to ensure both immediate and long-term wellbeing needs are addressed.
This presentation introduces Act for Kids' Child and Family Wellbeing Assessment Tool which is being piloted across several child and family services where family violence risk is present. Underpinned by the Nest Framework, the project is committed to upholding the rights of children to be nurtured, safe and to thrive in all areas of development. The tool applies a wellbeing lens to assessing harm and risk and enables understanding of child and family needs across specified levels of need. An overview of the project’s development, early findings, and its potential to improve practice, assessment outcomes and increase the wellbeing of children, young people and their families will be presented.
Three Key Learnings:
1. Understand the impacts of domestic and family violence on the mental health and development of children and young people across their lifespan.
2. Gain insight into how a wellbeing approach supports assessment of child protection and family violence risk, as well as family strengths and protective factors, across a Continuum of Needs.
3. Learn how the Act for Kids' ‘Child and Family Wellbeing Assessment Tool Pilot’ is enhancing responsiveness to child protection and family violence risk through a holistic wellbeing approach.
Biography
Nikki is a child protection consultant, holding qualifications in Social Work, Philosophy and Professional Supervision. With an extensive 30-year career, Nikki has provided leadership, consulting and training to hundreds of services across Australia and New Zealand. This includes infant care, child and family protection, health, child disability, foster care, education and family support. Her expertise lies in equipping professionals in trauma informed care, child protection, and enhancing quality outcomes for children and families. Nikki implemented a comprehensive child protection and domestic and family violence program across multiple health, community and statutory services, to being a leader in the country.
Mrs Caterina Schulz
Director: Early Intervention & Assessment Services
Act for Kids
Domestic and Family Violence: A Wellbeing Approach to Promoting Child and Adolescent Mental Health
Abstract
This presentation provides an overview of the impact of family violence on the wellbeing of children and young people and how the Act for Kids pilot project is enhancing responsiveness to child protection risk from a wellbeing perspective. Family violence can have a profound impact on the mental health and development of children and young people, leading to a range of adverse outcomes across the lifespan, including behavioral and relational challenges, and long-term health complexities. A wellbeing approach, which incorporates a shift in language around child protection risk, can prevent risk of harm, address the impacts of trauma, and support mental and emotional resilience.
Drawing on studies such as Adverse Childhood Experiences, The Australian Wellbeing Index reports and The Australian Child Maltreatment Study, a wellbeing approach to assessment is critical in addressing the complexities of family violence risk. A wellbeing approach identifies factors that compromise a child’s wellbeing and development, as well as strengths and protective factors that enhance wellbeing. By applying a Continuum of Needs Framework alongside an understanding of child development, services can undertake a holistic and comprehensive assessment to ensure both immediate and long-term wellbeing needs are addressed.
This presentation introduces Act for Kids' Child and Family Wellbeing Assessment Tool which is being piloted across several child and family services where family violence risk is present. Underpinned by the Nest Framework, the project is committed to upholding the rights of children to be nurtured, safe and to thrive in all areas of development. The tool applies a wellbeing lens to assessing harm and risk and enables understanding of child and family needs across specified levels of need. An overview of the project’s development, early findings, and its potential to improve practice, assessment outcomes and increase the wellbeing of children, young people and their families will be presented.
Three Key Learnings:
1. Understand the impacts of domestic and family violence on the mental health and development of children and young people across their lifespan.
2. Gain insight into how a wellbeing approach supports assessment of child protection and family violence risk, as well as family strengths and protective factors, across a Continuum of Needs.
3. Learn how the Act for Kids' ‘Child and Family Wellbeing Assessment Tool Pilot’ is enhancing responsiveness to child protection and family violence risk through a holistic wellbeing approach.
Drawing on studies such as Adverse Childhood Experiences, The Australian Wellbeing Index reports and The Australian Child Maltreatment Study, a wellbeing approach to assessment is critical in addressing the complexities of family violence risk. A wellbeing approach identifies factors that compromise a child’s wellbeing and development, as well as strengths and protective factors that enhance wellbeing. By applying a Continuum of Needs Framework alongside an understanding of child development, services can undertake a holistic and comprehensive assessment to ensure both immediate and long-term wellbeing needs are addressed.
This presentation introduces Act for Kids' Child and Family Wellbeing Assessment Tool which is being piloted across several child and family services where family violence risk is present. Underpinned by the Nest Framework, the project is committed to upholding the rights of children to be nurtured, safe and to thrive in all areas of development. The tool applies a wellbeing lens to assessing harm and risk and enables understanding of child and family needs across specified levels of need. An overview of the project’s development, early findings, and its potential to improve practice, assessment outcomes and increase the wellbeing of children, young people and their families will be presented.
Three Key Learnings:
1. Understand the impacts of domestic and family violence on the mental health and development of children and young people across their lifespan.
2. Gain insight into how a wellbeing approach supports assessment of child protection and family violence risk, as well as family strengths and protective factors, across a Continuum of Needs.
3. Learn how the Act for Kids' ‘Child and Family Wellbeing Assessment Tool Pilot’ is enhancing responsiveness to child protection and family violence risk through a holistic wellbeing approach.
Biography
