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Rise Up Policy Forum Will Convene 30+ Governments in Melbourne to Build Sustainable Child Protection Systems The learning and policy forum brings government representatives and leading experts together to translate evidence into coordinated action to prevent child abuse and neglect July 20, 2026 — MELBOURNE, Australia — The International Society for the Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect (ISPCAN) today announced details of its second annual international Rise Up Policy Forum, a one-day learning forum taking place on August 27, 2026, in Melbourne, Australia.  Held the day after the 2026 ISPCAN Congress (August 24-26) and co-organized with Australian Childhood Foundation, the forum is designed to help governments build sustainable and effective child protection systems by translating data into coordinated action and policy. More than 300 representatives from 30+ governments and leading experts from across the field are expected to attend. The policy forum will also precede the seco...

Keynote Speakers Announced for 2026 ISPCAN International Congress in Melbourne World-leading child protection event will convene global experts to advance new approaches to safety and healing June 18, 2026 — MELBOURNE, Australia — The International Society for the Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect (ISPCAN) and Australian Childhood Foundation today announced the keynote speakers for its 2026 International Congress on Child Abuse and Neglect, taking place August 24–26, 2026 in Melbourne, Australia. Recognised as one of the world’s most significant global gatherings dedicated to child protection, the Congress will bring together more than 1,000 multidisciplinary professionals from across research, policy, practice, and lived experience to address urgent and evolving challenges facing children and families worldwide. The Congress will be followed by the second annual ISPCAN Rise Up Policy Forum on August 27, to build global momentum for coordinated, evidence-based action. Under the...

Note: Event postponed to February 23-25, 2027 First Regional Rise Up Policy Forum to Convene in Kampala, Uganda June 2026 event will bring together government leaders and experts to advance child protection systems across Africa May 11, 2026 — KAMPALA, Uganda — The International Society for the Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect (ISPCAN), in partnership with the Government of Uganda, The AfriChild Centre, the Impact and Innovation Development Centre (IIDC), and the Haruv Institute today announced the first regional ISPCAN Rise Up Policy Forum and Huddle to be held June 23 - 26, 2026 in Kampala, Uganda. The event will convene approximately 250 child protection experts from across Africa, including government officials, policymakers, academia, researchers, practitioners, economists, survivors, and funders, to accelerate system-level solutions that prevent and respond to child abuse and neglect. “This gathering represents more than a conference. It is a commitment to learn, collabor...

We are excited to share that our 2025 Impact Report is now live. We reflect with pride on a year defined by purpose, collaboration, and progress for children around the world. In a time of growing global challenges, ISPCAN remained focused on one central aim: helping countries and child protection professionals strengthen prevention-oriented, integrated systems that respond effectively to the needs of children and families. Read the full report to learn about our public health approach to child protection, our global convening impact, and educational resources for members. The new report is interactive, featuring new videos about the work our staff, members, and partners do across the globe to advance child protection. You’ll also find direct links to all our member resources, trainings, and publications. View the full, interactive report or download the report. Highlights of the report include: In 2025, we launched the new Rise Up Policy Forum, ISPCAN’s global action platform that...

The International Congress on Child Abuse and Neglect will be hosted in Melbourne in 2026, bringing over a thousand multidisciplinary professionals from around the world to the city to discuss this crucial topic at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre. Melbourne Convention Bureau (MCB) worked closely with the International Society for the Prevention of Child Abuse & Neglect (ISPCAN) and the Australian Childhood Foundation to secure the conference, with support from the Victorian Government and Tourism Australia. ISPCAN is a global membership organisation for people working in the protection of child rights, with a focus on finding innovative, child-centred solutions to ensure all children have the chance to thrive, no matter what their experience. The annual International Congress brings together the brightest minds in child protection to share best practices and advocate for better public health systems to improve the prevention, detection, and response to child abuse...