Speaker series focuses on vulnerable children and young people

The Commissioner for Children and Young People is hosting a free seminar to explore why some children and young people are vulnerable to poorer outcomes in life.

The seminar will be the first in the Vulnerability Speaker Series program of events to run throughout 2018.

The Vulnerability Speaker Series will bring together national and distinguished WA leaders to explore new approaches to address the challenges facing vulnerable WA children and young people and inform effective responses.

“As a society our goal must be for all children and young people to achieve their potential,” Mr Pettit said.

“In WA, particular cohorts of children and young people face significant vulnerability and disadvantage and do not have adequate support and resources to overcome the challenges they experience.

“After 10 years of consulting WA children and young people on a range of issues it is timely to review what more than 11,000 children and young people in WA have told us about their lives and where improvements can be made.”

The first seminar will be held on 20 March and will feature two of the Commissioner’s Ambassadors for Children and Young People - Winthrop Professor Stephen Zubrick and Professor Donna Cross from the Telethon Kids Institute.

Professor Zubrick will review evidence around how particular factors contribute to poorer outcomes for children and young people and highlight the points of intervention most likely to have a positive impact and Professor Donna Cross will explore the direct impact of poverty on children and young people’s vulnerability.

Rio Tinto is Principal Partner of the Vulnerability Speaker Series in recognition of the importance of supporting vulnerable children and young people to reach their full potential.

A discussion paper drawing from consultations undertaken by the Commissioner’s office over the past 10 years will provide a perspective on vulnerability through the voices of children and young people. This paper will be released prior to the seminar.

To register for the free seminar on 20 March go to TryBooking.