'Hubbing' Our Way Out of Crisis: Rethinking Child Protection Through Upstream Support

Presented By:

Murdoch Children's Research Institute

International Association of Family Support Network

Australian Human Rights Commission

National Child and Family Hubs Network

Child protection systems worldwide continue to face rising demand, even as evidence shows that early, stigma‑free, community‑based support strengthens child safety and wellbeing long before crisis occurs. This session explores how integrated community Hubs, supported by universal entry points and digital eHub models, can strengthen prevention, reduce escalation, and create environments where children and families thrive.

Dr Suzy Honisett will present research and evidence underpinning Hubs, including the role of universal access and digital augmentation in engaging families earlier. Prof Sharon Goldfeld will lead a dynamic panel discussion, on system transformation and policy opportunities. Deb Tsorbaris, National Children's Commissioner, will consider levers for scaling upstream models. A Hub practitioner will share practice insights and Andrew Russo will offer international perspectives on feasibility and impact.

This interactive Mastermind session will reimagine a prevention-focused system and what it would take, from a policy perspective, to make it a reality.

Rise Up Session Date and Time:

August 27, 2026 2:45 pm

Country or Region Focus:

Australia & New Zealand

Type of Session:

A guided discussion with policy leaders followed by interactive 'sense-making' discussion with all audience

Public Health Pillar Focus:

Policy and Legislation

Speakers

Prof Sharon Goldfeld, Director of Centre for Community Child Health, Murdoch Children's Research Institute

Dr Suzy Honisett, Manager of the National Child and Family Hubs Network

Deb Tsorbaris, National Children's Commissioner, a Hubs practitioner

Andrew Russo, Co-Founder of the International Association of Family Support Network

Session Aims

Explore how child protection systems can shift upstream, strengthening prevention through early, stigma‑free, community‑based support that improves safety and wellbeing before crisis. Examine the evidence and practice of integrated community Hubs, including universal entry points and digital eHubs, and what they enable in real‑world systems. Identify concrete policy levers for scale and sustainability, clarifying what governments can do to embed prevention‑focused Hub models without losing quality, equity, or trust.

Session Format

Facilitated panel conversation A guided discussion with policy leaders, a Hub practitioner, and an international expert, focused on system change, feasibility, and scale—not presentations. Interactive Mastermind elements Live questions and reflections from participants Prompted discussion on real policy tensions and trade‑offs Collective sense‑making around “what would it take to do this well, at scale?”