Safer Communities for Children

About the program

This interactive workshop introduces participants to Safer Communities for Children (SCFC): a community approach to child wellbeing and safety for people working with children aged around 3-10 years.

The approach is built around seven bush-animal stories with simple questions and activities that invite children to express what helps them feel secure and safe in their families and communities, while encouraging adults to listen and respond in meaningful, supportive and practical ways.

The workshop explores the theories and frameworks that underpin the kit, concepts for keeping children safe and supported, how SCFC fits within a child safeguarding approach, and the role of adults in keeping children safe.

Participants will experience the approach by reading the SCFC stories, taking part in activities, and exploring the manual, including suggested steps to run SCFC as an 8-week program.

A trauma-responsive approach

The SCFC approach and resources are underpinned by a trauma-responsive framework based on research from ACU that aims to build safe and supportive learning environments for children.

*Note

SCFC resources have been designed to be flexible and adaptable. Stories can be read in homes, schools, early childhood environments, family centres, outside school hours centres (OSHC) and community spaces in urban, rural and remote areas. NAPCAN acknowledges the unique needs of diverse communities, and encourages adaptations to suit specific community contexts, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and culturally and linguistically diverse groups. Please feel free to contact NAPCAN for guidance on tailoring the approach for your community.