Workshop Topics

Child Matters offers professional development and community education through a range of short workshops on child protection related topics.

These workshops are sometimes scheduled.  However, more often, we work with organisations, groups and communities to bring workshops that are relevant and important to them. 

Following is a list of some of our more popular workshops topics. However we recognise that one size does not always fit all.  Therefore we are happy to work with your organisation, group or community to develop a customised workshop or workshops to suit your individual learning needs. 

Standard Workshop Topics

Caring for children with difficult behaviours (up to 12 years)
Children with difficult and challenging behaviours can really stretch carers’ patience and resources. discover the causes and messages behind children’s challenging behaviour and find practical, realistic solutions.  More
Caring for young people with difficult behaviours (13 – 17 years)
It is not easy being a young person today. Discover ways to help young people whose behaviour has become challenging or anti-social. Learn some of the causes and triggers for difficult behaviour.  More about this workshop
Communicating with children (up to 12 years)
Children tell us about themselves through play.  Learn to appreciate the value of play and discover how play can be used effectively as a communication tool.  More
Communicating with Youth ( 13 – 17 years)
Understand more about adolescents – their fears, thoughts and needs – and enhance your communication skills.  More about this workshop
Emotional impact of separation and divorce on children
When parents separate their children may feel a range of emotions. Understand the emotional impact separation and divorce can have on children and how to support families to minimise harmful effects.  More about this workshop
Helping children and young people through the grieving process
Learn some practical skills to help children and young people cope with grief.
Legally speaking
There are dozens of different laws that govern children’s lives and affect how adults can support them.  Gain a layman’s understanding of the laws affecting children and how to work within that legal framework.  More about this workshop
Preparing a comprehensive child protection policy (half day)
Would your organisation be able to stand up to public scrutiny if something went wrong? Gain the framework, guidelines and rationale to develop a child protection policy for your organisation.  More about this workshop
Recognising and responding to child abuse
When a child dies from abuse or neglect someone always says “I knew something was wrong but didn’t know what to do”. Find out what to do when you are concerned about the welfare of a child. Identify the support and help that is available.  More about this workshop
Protecting children with disabilities
Children with disabilities can be at seven times greater risk than other children.  Learn how to reduce this risk factor and protect these vulnerable children.  More
Sex offenders in the community – how to keep children safe
Most people have met or know a sex offender, they just haven’t realised it.  Understand the behaviour of sex offenders and the risk factors inherent in working with families when a sex offender is involved.  More about this workshop
Supporting families in crisis and after crisis (two days)
Identify the most effective help a worker can provide a family in crisis and gain practical skills for assisting the family.  Examine the elements that contribute to safe practice when working with families in the medium and long term.  More
Understanding the ripple effects of family violence – supporting children and carers
Any child living with violence or the threat of violence is a child in need of protection.  Learn to recognise and respond to situations where violence has occurred and to provide practical support to children.  More about this workshop
What is normal?  What is naughty?
Children’s behaviour can be a mystery at times.  Learn to identify children’s behaviour that might be of concern and recognise when a behaviour is simply a typical part of a child’s development.  More