Perspectives
Explore articles that unpack the big issues affecting children, young people, families, and the services that support them.
Last updated: 18 Aug 2026
Explore articles that unpack the big issues affecting children, young people, families, and the services that support them. From thought-provoking opinion pieces to clear, practical explainers, this section offers evidence-informed insights to spark conversation, deepen understanding, and inspire better outcomes across the sector.
The Centre for Excellence in Child and Family Welfare welcomes submissions from sector leaders and practitioners for the Perspectives Blog series. Please review our Writers Guidelines prior to submitting a proposal for an article to communications@cfecfw.org.au
Our commitment to respectful debate this election
15 Sep 2026
As Victoria approaches the State Election on 28 November, the Centre for Excellence in Child and Family Welfare (the Centre) is committed to inclusive, collaborative and respectful public messaging that promotes the rights and wellbeing of children, young people, their carers and families.
What happens if we fail to follow through?
10 Sep 2026
In the lead-up to the Victorian State Election in November 2026, the Centre is working with its members and partner organisations to highlight the stories, evidence and community-led solutions behind our six election priorities. In this article, Jason Kanoa, CEO of the Victorian Aboriginal Children and Young People’s Alliance (VACYPA), explains why sustained investment in Aboriginal-led child and family services is critical to keeping children safe, connected to culture and supported by community.
Known to the system, but not adequately supported: CCYP’s Left Behind report
19 Aug 2026
The Victorian Commission for Children and Young People’s ‘Left Behind’ systemic inquiry examines the experiences of children and young people who are subject to multiple reports to Child Protection.
Building belonging in the lives of children in residential care
12 Aug 2026
"To truly learn how to help, I first have to understand who they are deep down, how they see themselves, how they make sense of their journey, and what they hope for in the future. To get to that part, though, I need to first make sure they feel safe," says developmental paediatrician Dr Billy Garvey.
National leadership needed to address youth crime
01 Jul 2026
Without national leadership young people will continue to be caught up in systems that are reactive and punitive, rather than focused on prevention, healing and long-term community safety.
Report on Government Services summaries – June 2026
18 Jun 2026
The Centre has developed sector summaries for Victoria and Tasmania from the mid-year data update from the Report on Government Services, covering early childhood education and care, vocational education and training, housing and homelessness, justice and school education.
The care crisis Victoria cannot afford to ignore
10 Jun 2026
Last week’s Victorian Auditor-General’s report into out-of-home care shows that change is urgently needed if children in care are to grow up in safe and nurturing homes. In the Centre's latest Perspectives column, Interim CEO Dr Michele Lonsdale says children, young people, and carers are paying the price of a system under considerable strain.
Federal Budget 2026/27: Child and family services sector summary
14 May 2026
The Centre for Excellence in Child and Family Welfare (the Centre) welcomes key measures in the 2026-27 Federal Budget that deliver substantial new investment in early childhood, family support, and family violence services. The Centre is calling on Government to move swiftly to implement the Thriving Kids program and to protect existing services during the transition to the new Children and Family Support program.
Co-Design: The Word That Ate Strategy
29 Apr 2026
We’ve seen a staggering rise in references to co-design, but are more people actively shaping services and having a say in decisions affecting their lives?