Sold-out forum to discuss development in middle years


Released 25/07/2017

Families ACT will tomorrow host the Middle Years Forum, bringing together experts from the research, medical, education and community sectors to discuss how children develop between the ages of 8 and 12.

The ACT Government is pleased to support Families ACT to host this forum to highlight the importance of the developmental period in children between 8 and 12 years old. This is an important period for young people, characterised by rapid physical and mental development.

We know the needs of children, young people and their families change over time. Tomorrow’s important discussion will feed into ongoing work on better supporting families as children grow and develop.

The forum will provide an opportunity to hear about the latest research and policy thinking, including research into children’s wellbeing and work that’s been informed by young people themselves.

Speakers and panel members include Professor Gerry Redmond from Flinders University; Professor George Patton from the Royal Children’s Hospital Melbourne; Debbie Noble-Carr from the Institute of Child Protection Studies at the Australian Catholic University; and former ACT Children and Young People Commissioner, Alasdair Roy OAM.

The Government is committed to working with the community sector to look at better collaboration on services for young people who are in the last years of primary school and those entering high school.  

The fact that tomorrow’s forum is sold out is an indication of how seriously service providers, academics and policy makers are now taking the need to get a better handle on children’s needs in the middle years.

Further information on the forum can be found on the Families ACT website www.familiesact.org.au

- Statement ends -

Rachel Stephen-Smith, MLA | Media Releases

Media Contacts

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Tim Cooke

(02) 6207 1185

0422 772 215

tim.cooke@act.gov.au


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