Brave convened Turning Point 2026 at State Library Victoria in March 2026 – a national gathering focused on improving outcomes for young parents and their infants, particularly in the context of pre‑birth and infant safety.
The event brought together people from across policy, practice, research, advocacy and lived and living experience. The goal was to reflect on what we already know works – and to explore how systems can better align to support young families earlier and more effectively. Through keynotes, presentations and collaborative sessions, the symposium facilitated the sharing of insights, research, and practice innovations, ensuring young parents are central to shaping the future of early childhood support systems.
Across Australia, young parents are disproportionately represented in pre-birth and infant child protection reports. While each jurisdiction has its own legislative and policy requirements, the lack of consistent national data makes it difficult to fully understand and address this issue.
Evidence shows that early, intensive intervention can reduce the need for child removal and improve outcomes for families, yet current approaches are not addressing the root cause and systemic issues contributing to adverse childhood experiences. Parents affected by pre-birth reports are often unseen and unsupported, and the intergenerational impact needs to be platformed.
The long-term impact of child removal, on both the child and the parent, cannot be ignored. Instead, access to intensive and specialised early intervention programs for young parents at risk of child protection involvement, can ensure families are safe and supported
The knowledge already exists
Across conversations, there was strong agreement that Australia has solid evidence and promising practice. The challenge isn’t knowing what works, it’s translating that knowledge into consistent action at scale. Fragmented systems and disconnected investments continue to limit impact.
Lived experience must be embedded
A defining feature of Turning Point was the central role of lived and living experience. Around a quarter of participants brought direct experience of young parenthood or the child protection system, grounding discussions in reality and urgency and reinforcing the need to move beyond consultation toward shared leadership.
Connection is critical
Participants consistently called for stronger connection – between people, services, systems and ideas. Collaboration, trust and shared learning were seen as essential to achieving change that lasts.
No single organisation can address these challenges alone, but Brave is committed to playing a role in what comes next, starting with connecting people and efforts.
Building on the momentum from Turning Point 2026, Brave will establish a National Young Parents Network, drawing inspiration from the services, programs and individuals in the room. The Network will bring together partners, advocates and communities to move from conversation to coordinated action – supporting young parents, infants and families to thrive across Australia.
We will continue to update this website as this work progresses.
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The following includes references to child protection and experiences that may be distressing for some readers. Please take care when engaging with this content.
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