International Society for the Prevention of
Child Abuse & Neglect

ISPCAN is a global membership organization for anyone working in the protection of child rights. From every discipline and sector we strive to break down silos across sectors to help find innovative, child centered solutions. Wherever children live, learn and play under the care of adults are opportunities for intervention and prevention. We connect multidisciplinary professionals with data, tools and resources to make sure data informs practice — and vice versa. Ultimately, our goal is build better public health systems of care, improving quality of life for children in every region of the world.  

Working together with our members and partners so a brighter future for all kids is possible.

Announcing our New Multidisciplinary training concept in child protection.  Deep dive into a case of Child Sexual Abuse in year 1.  Learn from experts in each sector and help us develop global best practice.  FREE for accepted applicants who are ISPCAN members.

Now a Virtual Training in April - May 2025

Upcoming Webinar

Understanding and Preventing the Threat of Sextortion

The headlines are gut-wrenching.  Young boys and girls, targeted online by perpetrators in disguise, are being manipulated to produce sexual imagery only to be immediately exploited for monetary gain under the pressure of severe social shaming. Some have not survived the experience. What should a child or teen experiencing sextortion do, and how can they get help?

Key Learning Objectives:

• Understand the definition of Sextortion – What it is and why it is so critical that we are talking about it.
• Reflect on current research by Thorn and NCMEC in order to assess impact on young people and their families
• Identify the Red Flags
• Provide clear actionable steps to respond to sextortion threats
• Share well researched and impactful resources that make a difference for victims and their families.

Presented by:

Kelbi Schnable, Senior Manager THORN

December 12th @10:00am EST

Past Webinars

Safeguarding Fundamentals: Protecting Children from Abuse in Sports

Child safeguarding is about keeping all children safe from harm, abuse, violence, exploitation and neglect by having effective child safeguarding measures in place to ensure that children are protected while playing sports and being active. Understanding child abuse in youth sports requires an understanding of the dynamics of the sports environment and the power structures that exist within it. Children are often vulnerable to abuse by coaches, trainers, or other authority figures who have significant power and influence over them. 

Key Learning Objectives:

• To hear first-hand Por Footballer Paul Stewarts incredible story and the lessons learned from his journey
• To understand what the current research shows about abuse in sports prevalence and lasting impact
• Understanding the Silence – Why victims fear speaking out
•To identify signs and symptoms of abuse in sport

Presented by:

Paul Stewart, Premiership Footballer and Dedicated Survivor of Abuse

Rocco Briganti, CEO of Specchio Magico Cooperativa Sociale Onlus and ISPCAN Board of Directors Member

Effective Partners in Prevention: What You Need to Know about Family Resource Centers

Please join us for this informative ISPCAN webinar that explores Family Resource Centers and their effect on the prevention of child maltreatment. This webinar will chart the tremendous growth of Family Resource Centers in multiple countries, illustrate the successful outcomes they have achieved for children and families, and highlight opportunities to connect with, leverage, and develop them.

Key Learning Objectives:

• Participants will gain an understanding of what Family Resource Centers (FRCs) are and their key role in prevention.
• Participants will understand the significant impact that FRCs have on the prevention of child abuse and neglect within the communities that they serve
•Participants will understand how they can further explore FRC or FRC Network development in their communities even with limited resources.

Presented by:

Andrew Russo, Co-Founder
International Association of Family Support Networks

SHARE YOUR WORK and EXCHANGE KNOWLEDGE IN OUR COMMUNITY OF LEARNING

 
Abstracts Now Open 

 

 Debut of the Rise Up Policy Forum

OCTOBER 6-9, 2025

Impact of ISPCAN Globally

A summary of our key activities, programs, assets and how ISPCAN makes a unique difference in child protection systems of care globally-- with our partners, members and the network of dedicated professionals in research and practice from over 100 countries. 2023 Annual Report explains how we pivoted after COVID-19 and continued to implement our new business model to move ISPCAN forward for the benefit of our members.

ISPCAN Scientific and Practice-based Journals

New, open access practice journal with no author fees for any article through December 2024, and special issues have waiver through December 30, 2025. Lifetime 10% discount for ISPCAN members.
High Impact factor multidisciplinary child abuse and neglect research and practice with free online access for standard members. Become an author, a reviewer and help us advance the field of child protection.

Become a Member of our Community of Learning

  • Access to the Member Connect Platform
  • 20% Discount to ISPCAN Congresses
  • Free Member job postings
  • Scientific sponsorship for partner events 
  • Join working groups to advance international guidelines
  • 10% Author publication discount in our ISPCAN Journals
  • Create grassroots advocacy campaigns with the backing of ISPCAN

Access valuable ISPCAN Member benefits

"ISPCAN has helped me open up my mind to new ways to work better with other disciplines, and it has energized me when I felt so alone and discouraged. I have met so many wonderful people who understand and who I can share what is working in my country and learn what is working in theirs."
ISPCAN Member
from Uganda

Thank you to our Members, Board of Directors, and Funders for their Generous Support.

You Make It All Possible!