Every conversation matters for National Child Protection Week 2026

The National Association for Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect (NAPCAN) acknowledges that the term ‘child protection’ does not resonate positively for everyone, including for Aboriginal communities and people with lived experience of the child protection system; this year’s theme ‘shifting conversation to action’ can be used instead when discussing the campaign .

It’s National Child Protection Week (6 – 12 September) and we’re shining the spotlight on our Child Safeguarding team.

This year’s theme ‘Every conversation matters, shifting conversation to actionfocuses on building communities where every child feels heard and experiences safety, care and protection.

An opportunity to raise awareness for child abuse and neglect, the week is all about sharing information and resources, amplifying the voices of children and young people, promoting actions that strengthen families and communities, along with preventing harm before it occurs.  

As part of the WA Country Health Service commitment to being a Child Safe Organisation, online Child Safeguarding training is now available for staff including the team at Katanning Hospital (pictured), designed to provide safe environments and accessible services that support kids to be informed, speak for themselves, make choices, grow and thrive.  

The training program helps teams on-the-ground to identify and respond to children at risk of, or impacted by, child abuse and neglect and provides an overview of the operational processes to coordinate actions and reduce the risk of harm to children.  

WA Country Health Service Director Child Youth and Family Trulie Pinnegar said the Child Safeguarding training was a key aspect of developing and maintaining a child safe culture.  

“We’ve also introduced a new, instructor‑led group format designed especially for our support services staff,” Trulie said.  

“It gives teams the opportunity to learn together with a practical, interactive session that gives everyone the chance to ask questions and build a shared commitment to our safeguarding principles.”

For more information on our commitment to children and young people visit Information for kids and teens, or to learn more about the NAPCAN campaign, visit their website.