National Association for Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect

The National Association for Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect (NAPCAN) is Australia’s leading advocate for the prevention of child abuse and neglect. Founded in 1987, it is a national, independent, charitable organisation with a clear purpose: To prevent child abuse before it starts.

In the last year alone, another 30,000 individual Australian children were found to have been abused or neglected. Hundreds of children have died, thousands of children have been seriously injured and tens of thousands of children have been physically, psychologically and emotionally damaged. The long-term, personal, social and economic costs of child abuse are immense.

NAPCAN believes…

it is up to all Australians to stop this abuse of our children.

NAPCAN’s primary role is…

to advocate on behalf of children to bring about the changes necessary in attitudes, behaviour, policy and the law to prevent abuse before it happens.

NAPCAN develops…

its prevention strategies on the basis of sound evidence, expert advice and consultation across its extensive national and international network.

NAPCAN is governed…

by a National Board, supported by advisory committees, NAPCAN Councils in each state and territory and an extensive network of researchers, professionals and concerned individuals who all donate their time and expertise to support NAPCAN's mission.

Today NAPCAN comprises…

A national office based in Sydney and offices in each state and territory.A professional and public network of over 12,000 organisations, professionals, parents and individuals.

NAPCAN is…

the Australian National Partner of ISPCAN, the International Society for Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect (www.ispcan.org).

NAPCAN relies on…

Support from government, business and individuals to continue its critical advocacy work.

NAPCAN is currently…

Working directly with children and young people to build their resilience and life skills and to strengthen their protective behaviours

Key examples of NAPCAN’s work in this area include:

LOVE BiTES – an anti sexual violence program for 14 – 16 year olds

KiDS CAN – a participatory program building resilience and social inclusion

Smart Online, Safe Offline – which works within the cyber social networking sites to educate kids on cyber safety.

Assisting “at risk” parents through face-to-face programs and via an extensive network of professionals and practitioners, providing practical support and guidance. Examples include NAPCAN’s positive parenting workshops in Victoria & NT and over one million positive parenting resources distributed nationally.

Working in local communities, strengthening social connectedness and building the support and resources available to families and children - Community development principles underpin NAPCAN’s work including the “Play a Part” program in Queensland.

Raising public awareness of child abuse and neglect and engaging the whole community in prevention - National Child Protection Week is an annual focal point for public awareness-raising. In 2009 NAPCAN launched a campaign to engage the whole community in the prevention of abuse and neglect. This first step is the largest ever survey of community attitudes to children. Over 23,000 members of the public responded. The survey results will underpin future strategies for change.

Facilitating the sharing of knowledge and expertise and the promotion of best practice - In November 2009, NAPCAN hosted APCCAN 2009, the combined Asia Pacific Regional Conference of the International Society for Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect and the Australasian Conference on Child Abuse and Neglect. Over 700 delegates attended from across the Asia Pacific Region.

External links

• NAPCAN Website Primary NAPCAN website
• ISPCAN The International Society for Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect of which NAPCAN is a member