Child Protection Week shines a light on those who work in child protection and the child and family services sector and community. It is an opportunity to recognise their efforts to make a positive difference for children, young people, families and carers.
The theme is set each year by the National Association for Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect (NAPCAN). This year’s theme is ‘Every conversation matters, shifting conversation to action’.
The theme acknowledges that conversations can spark new ideas and encourage reflections. It focuses on how conversations translate into practical steps that create safer environments and stronger support for children, young people and families.
By amplifying children’s voices and shifting conversation to action, communities are built where every child not only feels heard but also experiences real safety, care and protection.
Children matter in Victoria. Across Victorian Government departments, we work to ensure children and young people are safe, supported and thriving.
We acknowledge child protection staff and the child and family services sector and community. Thank you for your efforts to help keep children and young people safe, and families and carers strong.
The Victorian Protecting Children’s Awards
The Victorian Protecting Children’s Awards honour people and teams who show excellence in working with children, young people and families.
Winners for the 2026 awards were announced at the 23rd annual award ceremony, held last week on Thursday 3 September.
The ceremony was a wonderful celebration of incredible efforts and achievements across the child protection workforce, sector and community.
Congratulations to all winners, finalists and nominees.
You can read the inspiring stories of each winner by visiting the Victorian Protecting Children Awards webpage.
Rewarding careers in child protection
Would you like to make a real difference to the lives of children, young people and families? A role in child protection could be the right fit for you!
There are roles available for people at every step of their career, including:
- new graduates starting their careers
- people changing careers who want to move into a child protection role
- current practitioners looking to step into a leadership or specialist role.
There are many benefits to becoming a child protection practitioner. They include:
- flexible work arrangements
- salary sacrificing
- generous leave entitlements
- wellbeing support
- career support.
See more information on the Child protection jobs webpage.