The Australian Centre for Child Protection (ACCP) has launched the Western Australian arm of its national program, which focuses on supports, training and research for children who have been sexually abused or are displaying harmful sexual behaviours.
The ACCP is a national research centre within the University of South Australia and has been leading the way in research, evaluation, policy and practice for over 17 years.
The WA branch will be known as the Australian Centre for Child Protection – Western Australia (ACCP-WA) and will conduct research that helps develop policy that safeguards WA children.
A program of work has been established, focusing on research and translating research into practice to improve responses to harmful sexual behaviours. This will improve the State’s capability to intervene safely and effectively when children display these behaviours.
The ACCP’s leadership team includes Director Professor Leah Bromfield and Deputy Directors, Ms Amanda Paton and Associate Professor Melissa O’Donnell. The ACCP leads a range of child protection projects both locally and nationally, with both Ms Paton and Associate Professor O’Donnell based in WA.
The launch of ACCP-WA recognises the significant WA team who are delivering local outcomes and raising the profile of WA experts on the national stage. It represents another key milestone in WA’s 10-year implementation plan in responding to the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse.
The State Government previously announced a commitment of $2 million which supported establishment of the WA branch.
As stated by Child Protection Minister Simone McGurk:
“The Australian Centre for Child Protection – Western Australia will elevate the scope and scale of support available to children displaying harmful sexual behaviours.
“The first priority for the ACCP-WA will be to give both practitioners and families more information on what sexual behaviour is age appropriate and what requires specialist intervention. It will also assist building the evidence on effective interventions.
“It is critical we provide trauma-informed responses for children and young people who have experienced harm. By bridging the gap between evidence and practice, we can help ensure better outcomes for vulnerable children and establish safer environments.
“I commend Professor Leah Bromfield and the Australian Centre for Child Protection’s leadership team for their critical role in enhancing the quality and availability of evidence-based supports for at-risk children in Western Australia.
“The McGowan Government is committed to implementing all recommendations from the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse, and the establishment of the ACCP-WA is another important step in achieving that goal.”
