Australia’s First National Symposium on Pre-Birth and Infant Safety Reports Announced

Content Note
The following includes references to child protection and experiences that may be distressing for some readers. Please take care when engaging with this content.
If you feel impacted and would like to speak with someone, support is available:
Lifeline – 13 11 14
Kids Helpline – 1800 55 1800
Parentline – 1300 30 1300
13YARN – 13 92 76

Brave Foundation will host Turning Point, a landmark national symposium dedicated to addressing pre-birth and infant safety reports, with a particular focus on young parents. The symposium will take place from 25–27 March 2026 in Melbourne/Naarm.

Turning Point will bring together voices of lived experience alongside leading practitioners, policymakers and researchers specialising in the first 1000 days of early intervention. The symposium aims to spotlight innovative and emerging approaches to service design and policy, challenge current assumptions and ensure young parents are central to shaping the future of early childhood support systems.

Brave CEO Jill Roche said the symposium marks a critical moment in the national conversation around child protection and early intervention.

“We believe this national symposium will be a turning point in the conversation about how pre-birth reports and infant removals can be addressed. By listening to lived experience, bringing light to the promising practices and policies, and working collaboratively, we can make a positive difference,” Ms Roche said.

“This symposium is a vital opportunity to drive meaningful progress to improve long-term wellbeing and ensure every parent and child thrives and belongs.”

The event will feature keynote presentations, breakout sessions and collaborative workshops. A pre-symposium academic seminar will also be held for invited participants.

“Young parents are disproportionately represented in pre-birth and infant child protection reports across Australia, which often result in families being separated and children being removed” Ms Roche said.

“We’ve seen the profound ripple effects across generations when young parents are supported early and meaningfully in their parenting journey. When the right support is in place from the beginning, it not only strengthens families – it is the turning point for their futures.”

Turning Point is a key element of a significant new Brave Foundation initiative, From Conversation to Change: A National Response to Pre-birth & Infant Safety Reports. This multi-year project aims to strengthen early supports for young parents and reduce the need for child protection intervention, ultimately improving outcomes for families across Australia.

This initiative represents a pivotal milestone in Brave’s Vision 2030 strategy, strengthening its position as a national leader in advocating for young parents. As a collaborative partner working with other young parent support organisations and by generating and sharing insights from this work, Brave aims to inform policy and practice across jurisdictions, drive systemic reform, and ensure that every young parent in Australia has access to the support they need to raise safe, connected and thriving families.

Expressions of interest are now open for those wishing to attend, present or sponsor the event.

12 September 2026