7th March 2025
ARACY welcomes the findings of the Senate Inquiry’s Interim Report into Australia’s youth justice and incarceration system
“When it comes to Youth Justice, we have a national responsibility to raise the National Minimum Standards. The Interim Report on Youth Justice and Incarceration released last week highlights the urgent need for national reform, reinforcing what research has long shown: punitive approaches don’t work, but early intervention, diversion, and support do.
Every child and young person has the right to be protected by our laws and systems. No matter where they live in Australia.
We need leadership from all sides of politics to drive upstream solutions that address the root causes of youth justice involvement—poverty, trauma, discrimination, and lack of early support.
National Minimum Standards, led by the next federal parliament, are critical to ensuring every young person receives fair and consistent treatment, no matter where they live. This means raising the minimum age of criminal responsibility, expanding prevention and rehabilitation programs, and embedding a national framework that prioritises support over punishment.
This is a pivotal moment. The evidence is clear, and the opportunity for real change is here. With strong national leadership, we can break cycles of disadvantage and build a justice system that genuinely supports young people’s development and future success.”
Prue Warrilow, ARACY CEO
COMING UP
Upcoming ARACY webinar - Shaping Fatherhood’s Role in Child and Family Health Wednesday, 26th March | 12:00 - 1:00pm AEDT | Online
Fathers play a vital role in child development, health, and family wellbeing—yet their impact during the perinatal period is often overlooked in population studies. Join Professor Craig Garfield, a global leader in father inclusion in health settings, as he shares innovative approaches from the U.S. on father wellbeing, data collection, and how these insights are shaping policy and practice. Associate Professor Richard Fletcher (Fathers and Families Research Program, University of Newcastle) and Gautam Raju (Global Director, Policy and Advocacy, Movember) will also be joining him for a thought-provoking discussion on strengthening father inclusion in public health. Don’t miss this opportunity to explore the future of fatherhood in health policy. Register now:
Join our Young and Wise roundtables!
If you're between 14 and 25 and want to have your say on these issues, find out more and apply now:
Drugs and alcohol - EOI close date 16 March, roundtable between 31 March and 4 April
Nutrition and Healthy Eating - EOI close date 13th April, roundtable between 28 and 2 May
ARACY HIGHLIGHTS
How to Engage Parents in Learning
ARACY’s Research Manager Barbara Barker had the pleasure of presenting the evidence on How to Engage Parents in Learning to an enthusiastic group of Queensland schools. The Mastering Parent Engagement program is a collaboration between ISQ and the
Queensland Independent Schools Parent Network. The Masterclass was delivered to almost 50 educators representing 11 different schools. Congratulations to Jacky Dawson and Amanda Watt from Independent Schools Queensland and the Queensland Independent Schools Parent Network for their commitment to helping transform the home-school partnership through their flagship Mastering Parent Engagement program for school leaders and teachers. This is the 2nd year ARACY has proudly partnered with ISQ & QISPN to share what we’ve learned over the past decade (plus!). Read our Parent Engagement Guide:
Health and Wellbeing: An Inseparable Connection
Good health is the foundation for children and young people to learn, grow, and thrive. At ARACY, we recognise that wellbeing goes beyond the absence of illness—it means ensuring every child has the resources they need to flourish.
That’s why healthy is a key domain in The Nest, Australia’s wellbeing framework. By preventing disease, addressing social determinants of health, and using evidence to inform action, we can create lasting change.
Learn more about how we can support child wellbeing together.
What do you think of this week's newsletter?