Posts in children

When children's worlds are small: Why access is a design issue

In the quest to improve outcomes for children, schools often bear the brunt of reform. However, the foundations of advantage and success are laid long before children enter a classroom. Informal learning experiences such as sport, arts activities, libraries, travel and participation in community life help build confidence, language, belonging and aspiration. Drawing on insights from practice and research, Sachie Yasuda argues that unequal access to these experiences creates a hidden dimension of inequality, and that policy must do more to support children and families to navigate unfamiliar spaces and opportunities.

children, Education, Inclusive neighbourhoodsPower to Persuade27 July 2026Access, equallity, learning, children

Financial education needs an evidence infrastructure

Evidence matters, but evidence that is inaccessible or difficult to apply will have little real-world impact. As financial education continues to gain prominence in schools and communities, questions are growing about how research can better inform practice. Tracey West argues that alongside investment in research, we need an evidence infrastructure that helps translate knowledge into effective practice.

children, Creating using evidence, Education, Finance and economicsPower to Persuade21 July 2026evidence-based policy, Children, education

Children are feeling cost-of-living pressures too

For several years, Australians have been talking about cost-of-living pressures. We have debated inflation, interest rates, housing costs, groceries and energy bills. But much less attention has been paid to the people least responsible for these pressures, and the least able to change their circumstances: children.

children, Finance and economics, Health and wellbeingPower to Persuade14 July 2026Children, financial wellbeing, mental health, social inequalities

The care crisis Victoria cannot afford to ignore

Advocacy, childrenPower to Persuade9 June 2026out-of-home care

Suicide, domestic violence, and the system blind spots we must address

Dr. Jennifer Hester Principal Evaluator at Good Shepherd Australia and New Zealand (GSANZ) reports on developing a Submission to The Standing Committee on Social Policy and Legal Affairs, Parliament of Australia - The relationship between domestic, family and sexual violence victimisation and suicide.

Drawing on practitioner evidence and service system expertise, it emphasises the urgent need for improved data, integrated service responses, and long‑term recovery supports for women, children and young people.

Content note: this post and the submission discuss family, domestic and sexual violence and suicide, which some readers may find distressing.