Child Inclusive Practice Forum 2025
The 2025 Child Inclusive Practice (CIP) Forum – Children at the Centre – acknowledges that people working with children and young people have a critical role to ensure that the child’s/young person’s views, ideas and experiences are heard and considered in decision making and therapeutic forums.
The Child Inclusive Practice (CIP) Forum brings together mediators, social workers, psychologists and counsellors that work to keep the best interests of children at the forefront of Family Dispute Resolution (mediation) and child and family services. The purpose of the Forum is to enrich the practice of these specialists through learning and networking. The event is organised by FRSA with assistance from the CIP network.
The CIP Forum will be held 18-19 February 2025 at 59 Cameron Ave Conference and Event Centre, Belconnen, Canberra.
This is an Community Work Australia endorsed Continuing Professional Development (CPD) event. Members can claim 10 CPD hours for their participation.
This is a Australian Counselling Association (ACA) recognised OPD event. ACA members can claim 12 OPD points for their participation.
PROGRAM
To read the abstracts or view the PowerPoint presentations from Forum of the presentations, download the PDF version of the program below and click on the session you are interested in.
Please note:
- Program is subject to change
- The forum begins on 18 February 2025 at 9am AEDT
- The views expressed in presentations are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent or reflect the views of Family & Relationship Services Australia
REGISTRATION
Registrations for the Child Inclusive Practice Forum 2025 are CLOSED.
Please note that all persons intending to attend the Forum must register, including invited speakers, chairpersons and media.
Standard Registration Fees From 11 January 2025
| Registration Type | Member Rates | Non-Member Rates |
| Forum | $680 | $780 |
Need help? Please contact the Conference Secretariat via frsa@kaigi.com.au, or phone on 02 6198 3218.
FORUM SPEAKERS
Anne Hollonds
Anne Hollonds is Australia’s National Children’s Commissioner. Formerly Director of the Australian Institute of Family Studies, for 23 years Anne was Chief Executive of government and non-government organisations focussed on research, policy and practice in child and family wellbeing. As a psychologist Anne worked extensively in frontline practice, including child protection, domestic and family violence, mental health, child and family counselling, parenting education, and family law counselling. Anne currently contributes to several expert advisory groups, including the Family Law Council, Australian Child Maltreatment Study, NSW Domestic and Family Violence and Sexual Assault Council, National Plan Advisory Group (NPAG), and Early Years Strategy Advisory Panel.
Anne is presenting the Keynote Address, ‘Child inclusion’ – a human rights perspective.
Professor Jennifer McIntosh AM
Professor Jennifer McIntosh AM is Director of the Bouverie Centre, an integrated research, family therapy, and training centre, at La Trobe University (LTU). Recognised for its clinical precision and depth, McIntosh’s research has informed child and family practice internationally and changed policy and practice across Australia.
McIntosh is held in high esteem internationally as a clinician, researcher and advocate for children growing up in complex family structures. She is a global leader in child inclusive interventions in parental separation and family violence risk screening, author of over 120 peer reviewed papers, multiple chapters and government reports. Her extensive research underpins three evidence-based training programs, Children Beyond Dispute, Young Children in Divorce and Separation (YCIDS), and MERTIL (My Early Relational Trauma Informed Learning), accessed by over 10,000 practitioners across 21 countries. She is a recipient of the international AFCC Stanley Cohen Distinguished Research Award for outstanding research achievements and was awarded Member of the Order of Australia, 2019, for contributions to developmental psychology.
Professor McIntosh is presenting a Keynote address titled, Transgenerational healing: Infant led family therapy and is participating in the panel discussion, Skills & attributes for working with children – in pursuit of a definition or understanding of ‘best practice’ in the family and relations services sector.
Lorri Yasenik PhD
Lorri is the co-author of the books Play Therapy Dimensions Model: A Decision-Making Guide for Integrative Play Therapists, Play Therapy Dimensions Model: New Insights for Integrative Play Therapists 3rd Edition, Turning Points in Play Therapy and the Emergence of Self: Applications of the Play Therapy Dimensions Model and Polyvagal Power in the Playroom: A Guide for Play Therapists, Meeting with Children Manual, Child Centred Parenting Coordination and Meeting with Parents Manual. Additionally, Lorri has co-authored over a dozen chapters and peer reviewed articles on the topics of play therapy, and children and family law. Lorri is an Honorary Fellow at Deakin University, Geelong, Australia.
Lorri Yasenik PhD will be presenting a Keynote address alongside, Jon Graham titled, Parents Readiness To Hear Their Child’s Voice.
Jon Graham
Jon is Co-Director of the International Centre for Children and Family Law, a provider of training and supervision programs for practitioners working with complex families and children both in Australia and Internationally. Jon is also the Director of the Institute of Specialist Dispute Resolution, a provider of tailored dispute resolution processes tailored to work with clients with complex needs.
In collaboration with Dr Lorri Yasenik, Jon has created a new approach to the voice of children known as the “Meeting with Children Approach”. Together with Lorri, Jon is published in the Family Court Review, and is the author of books and manuals associated with the Meeting with Children program
Jon Graham will be presenting a Keynote address alongside, Lorri Yasenik PhD titled, Parents Readiness To Hear Their Child’s Voice.
The Hon Deputy Chief Justice Robert McClelland AO
The Honourable Deputy Chief Justice Robert McClelland AO was appointed as a judge of the Family Court of Australia in June 2015 and appointed Deputy Chief Justice in December 2018.
His Honour holds a Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Laws from the University of New South Wales and a Master of Laws from the University of Sydney. He is a Visiting Fellow at the University of New South Wales. He was admitted to the Supreme Court of New South Wales as a solicitor in 1982 and commenced working as an associate to Evatt J in the Federal Court of Australia. He has practised as a solicitor and barrister. His Honour was elected to Federal Parliament in 1996 as the Member for Barton and served as Commonwealth Attorney-General between 2007 and 2011. During that time he introduced amendments to the Family Law Act 1975 (Cth) in respect to family violence and also in respect to de facto couples.
His Honour was served as Chair of the Family Law Council from December 2021 to December 2024. He was appointed an Officer (AO) in the General Division of the Order of Australia for distinguished service to the people and Parliament of Australia, to the law, social justice and law reform in June 2022.
The Hon Deputy Chief Justice Robert McClelland AO will be presenting the Keynote presentation titled, On Children’s Voices.
Janet Carmichael
Janet Carmichael is the Executive Director of the Court Children’s Service in the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia. In this role, Janet is responsible for the work undertaken by the psychologists and social workers who are engaged by the Court to assist families, registrars and judges make decisions that are in the best interests of children. Prior to joining the Court in 2017, Janet held senior roles with CatholicCare Sydney and Relationships Australia NSW (managing counselling, mediation and men’s behaviour change programs and the Sydney City Family Relationship Centre) and with the Commonwealth Department of Veteran’s Affairs’ Open Arms program. Janet is a registered psychologist with over 30 years’ experience working children and families. She also holds a Master’s degree in management.
Janet Carmichael is part of the panel discussion, Skills & attributes for working with children – in pursuit of a definition or understanding of ‘best practice’ in the family and relations services sector.
Megan Solomon
Megan is part of the panel discussion, Skills & attributes for working with children – in pursuit of a definition or understanding of ‘best practice’ in the family and relations services sector.
Zakia Patel
Zakia has over a decade of experience working in the community sector and holds a Bachelor of Law/Economics.
Zakia will moderate the panel discussion, What makes a difference when working with young people – a young people’s panel.
PHOTO GALLERY
If you would like a high resolution copy of any of the Conference photos, please contact the FRSA team at communications@frsa.org.au.
DAY ONE - 18 FEBRUARY 2025
DAY TWO - 19 FEBRUARY 2025
VENUE INFORMATION
59 Cameron Ave Conference and Event Centre
Level 11, 59 Cameron Avenue Belconnen ACT 2617
59 Cameron Ave Conference and Event Centre is located on the top floor of the Mercure Canberra Belconnen, in the heart of Belconnen. The venue is only 8 km away from the Central Business District of Canberra and is conveniently situated near the Belconnen Business District, Westfield Belconnen, University of Canberra, Australian Institute of Sport, and GIO Stadium.
The venue is designed to offer breathtaking views of Lake Ginninderra and the Brindabella mountains, making it a light-filled and technologically advanced setting.
ACCOMMODATION
Mercure Canberra Belconnen (Forum Venue)
The 59 Cameron Ave Conference and Event Centre is located on the top floor of Mercure Canberra Belconnen. If you’re looking for a comfortable stay, Mercure Canberra Belconnen is the perfect choice. The rooms are designed elegantly with plush beds, smart TVs, chromecast, complimentary high-speed WiFi, and relaxed workstations. You can also enjoy access to the modern gym, guest laundry, spacious lobby lounge, and onsite undercover parking. The location is very convenient, and you can easily access all the popular tourist attractions in the city. So, if you want to have a convenient stay with all the necessary hotel amenities, Mercure Canberra Belconnen is the perfect place for you.
Standard King Room
Room Rate: $198 per night.
Experience the ultimate in comfort and style in this spacious 31-square-meter modern retreat.
Sink into the luxurious king-size bed, perfect for a restful night’s sleep. Refresh in our well-equipped bathroom, complete with a walk-in shower.
Unwind with entertainment on the smart TV, equipped with Chromecast, or recharge with convenient bedside USB power outlets. Enjoy peace of mind with a secure in-room safe. Drift off to sleep easily with complete blackout curtains. Customize your comfort with individually controlled air-conditioning and heating, ensuring your stay comfortable.
Abode Belconnen
Abode Belconnen is 2 minutes walk from the Forum Venue (the Mercure Canberra Belconnen). Abode Belconnen is just a short walk to a major shopping precinct, parks, nature walks and Lake Ginninderra. Guests also have access to the onsite restaurant, No.10 Restaurant + Bar, open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
FULL PAYMENT NOTE: Full payment is required 14 days prior and will be charged to the credit card provided with the booking.
King Studio
Room Rate: $198 per night.
Stylishly appointed King Studios feature a king bed or two king singles, kitchenette, tea and coffee facilities, refrigerator, cook top, microwave, dishwasher, flat screen TV with STAYCAST streaming, washer, dryer and Ideology bathroom amenities.
SPONSORSHIP
FRSA invites you to consider the opportunity to sponsor the 2025 Child Inclusive Practice Forum.
Sponsorship is a fantastic way to advertise and highlight your services and expertise to the Child Inclusive Practice network.
If you are interested in sponsoring the Child Inclusive Practice Forum 2025, please contact the FRSA team at events@frsa.org.au or 02 6162 1811 and we’ll let you know our fantastic sponsorship options!
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About
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Child Inclusive Practice Forum 2025
The 2025 Child Inclusive Practice (CIP) Forum – Children at the Centre – acknowledges that people working with children and young people have a critical role to ensure that the child’s/young person’s views, ideas and experiences are heard and considered in decision making and therapeutic forums.
The Child Inclusive Practice (CIP) Forum brings together mediators, social workers, psychologists and counsellors that work to keep the best interests of children at the forefront of Family Dispute Resolution (mediation) and child and family services. The purpose of the Forum is to enrich the practice of these specialists through learning and networking. The event is organised by FRSA with assistance from the CIP network.
The CIP Forum will be held 18-19 February 2025 at 59 Cameron Ave Conference and Event Centre, Belconnen, Canberra.
This is an Community Work Australia endorsed Continuing Professional Development (CPD) event. Members can claim 10 CPD hours for their participation.
This is a Australian Counselling Association (ACA) recognised OPD event. ACA members can claim 12 OPD points for their participation.
-
Program
-
PROGRAM
To read the abstracts or view the PowerPoint presentations from Forum of the presentations, download the PDF version of the program below and click on the session you are interested in.
Please note:
- Program is subject to change
- The forum begins on 18 February 2025 at 9am AEDT
- The views expressed in presentations are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent or reflect the views of Family & Relationship Services Australia
-
Registration
-
REGISTRATION
Registrations for the Child Inclusive Practice Forum 2025 are CLOSED.
Please note that all persons intending to attend the Forum must register, including invited speakers, chairpersons and media.
Standard Registration Fees From 11 January 2025
Registration Type Member Rates Non-Member Rates Forum $680 $780 Need help? Please contact the Conference Secretariat via frsa@kaigi.com.au, or phone on 02 6198 3218.
-
Speakers
-
FORUM SPEAKERS
Keynote Speaker Anne HollondsAnne Hollonds
Anne Hollonds is Australia’s National Children’s Commissioner. Formerly Director of the Australian Institute of Family Studies, for 23 years Anne was Chief Executive of government and non-government organisations focussed on research, policy and practice in child and family wellbeing. As a psychologist Anne worked extensively in frontline practice, including child protection, domestic and family violence, mental health, child and family counselling, parenting education, and family law counselling. Anne currently contributes to several expert advisory groups, including the Family Law Council, Australian Child Maltreatment Study, NSW Domestic and Family Violence and Sexual Assault Council, National Plan Advisory Group (NPAG), and Early Years Strategy Advisory Panel.
Anne is presenting the Keynote Address, ‘Child inclusion’ – a human rights perspective.
CloseKeynote Speaker/Panellist Professor Jennifer McIntosh AMProfessor Jennifer McIntosh AM
Professor Jennifer McIntosh AM is Director of the Bouverie Centre, an integrated research, family therapy, and training centre, at La Trobe University (LTU). Recognised for its clinical precision and depth, McIntosh’s research has informed child and family practice internationally and changed policy and practice across Australia.
McIntosh is held in high esteem internationally as a clinician, researcher and advocate for children growing up in complex family structures. She is a global leader in child inclusive interventions in parental separation and family violence risk screening, author of over 120 peer reviewed papers, multiple chapters and government reports. Her extensive research underpins three evidence-based training programs, Children Beyond Dispute, Young Children in Divorce and Separation (YCIDS), and MERTIL (My Early Relational Trauma Informed Learning), accessed by over 10,000 practitioners across 21 countries. She is a recipient of the international AFCC Stanley Cohen Distinguished Research Award for outstanding research achievements and was awarded Member of the Order of Australia, 2019, for contributions to developmental psychology.
Professor McIntosh is presenting a Keynote address titled, Transgenerational healing: Infant led family therapy and is participating in the panel discussion, Skills & attributes for working with children – in pursuit of a definition or understanding of ‘best practice’ in the family and relations services sector.
CloseKeynote Speaker Lorri Yasenik PhDLorri Yasenik PhD
Lorri Yasenik Ph.D., RPT-S, CPT-S is the Co-director of the International Centre for Children and Family Law (ICCFL) in Australia and the Director of the Rocky Mountain Play Therapy Institute (RMPTI) in Calgary, Alberta Canada. Lorri is a Registered and Certified Supervisor of Child Psychotherapy and Play Therapy and delivers approved play therapy training programs nationally and internationally in the areas of child and play therapy, play therapy supervision and child inclusive practice in the family law sectors. Areas of specialization include the treatment of trauma, children of separation and divorce, child development, child consultancy and child inclusive practice in family law and child protection.Lorri is the co-author of the books Play Therapy Dimensions Model: A Decision-Making Guide for Integrative Play Therapists, Play Therapy Dimensions Model: New Insights for Integrative Play Therapists 3rd Edition, Turning Points in Play Therapy and the Emergence of Self: Applications of the Play Therapy Dimensions Model and Polyvagal Power in the Playroom: A Guide for Play Therapists, Meeting with Children Manual, Child Centred Parenting Coordination and Meeting with Parents Manual. Additionally, Lorri has co-authored over a dozen chapters and peer reviewed articles on the topics of play therapy, and children and family law. Lorri is an Honorary Fellow at Deakin University, Geelong, Australia.
Lorri Yasenik PhD will be presenting a Keynote address alongside, Jon Graham titled, Parents Readiness To Hear Their Child’s Voice.
CloseKeynote Speaker Jon GrahamJon Graham
Jonathan (Jon) Graham BCom LLB BA(Psych) Grad Dip FDR. Jon Graham is a Nationally Accredited Mediator (Australia), a Registered Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner (Family Mediator), Child Consultant, and Parenting Coordinator based in Sydney, Australia. Jon’s career has spanned working with families and young people for over 35 years. For more than 25 years Jon has worked in Dispute Resolution, particularly in Family Law. In addition, Jon has developed a practice in the facilitation of restorative meetings for receipt of meaningful apology for incidents of institutional abuse, violence and neglect in families, workplaces and through restorative engagement processes.Jon is Co-Director of the International Centre for Children and Family Law, a provider of training and supervision programs for practitioners working with complex families and children both in Australia and Internationally. Jon is also the Director of the Institute of Specialist Dispute Resolution, a provider of tailored dispute resolution processes tailored to work with clients with complex needs.
In collaboration with Dr Lorri Yasenik, Jon has created a new approach to the voice of children known as the “Meeting with Children Approach”. Together with Lorri, Jon is published in the Family Court Review, and is the author of books and manuals associated with the Meeting with Children program
Jon Graham will be presenting a Keynote address alongside, Lorri Yasenik PhD titled, Parents Readiness To Hear Their Child’s Voice.
CloseKeynote Speaker The Hon Deputy Chief Justice Robert McClelland AOThe Hon Deputy Chief Justice Robert McClelland AO
The Honourable Deputy Chief Justice Robert McClelland AO was appointed as a judge of the Family Court of Australia in June 2015 and appointed Deputy Chief Justice in December 2018.
His Honour holds a Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Laws from the University of New South Wales and a Master of Laws from the University of Sydney. He is a Visiting Fellow at the University of New South Wales. He was admitted to the Supreme Court of New South Wales as a solicitor in 1982 and commenced working as an associate to Evatt J in the Federal Court of Australia. He has practised as a solicitor and barrister. His Honour was elected to Federal Parliament in 1996 as the Member for Barton and served as Commonwealth Attorney-General between 2007 and 2011. During that time he introduced amendments to the Family Law Act 1975 (Cth) in respect to family violence and also in respect to de facto couples.
His Honour was served as Chair of the Family Law Council from December 2021 to December 2024. He was appointed an Officer (AO) in the General Division of the Order of Australia for distinguished service to the people and Parliament of Australia, to the law, social justice and law reform in June 2022.
The Hon Deputy Chief Justice Robert McClelland AO will be presenting the Keynote presentation titled, On Children’s Voices.
ClosePanellist Janet CarmichaelJanet Carmichael
Janet Carmichael is the Executive Director of the Court Children’s Service in the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia. In this role, Janet is responsible for the work undertaken by the psychologists and social workers who are engaged by the Court to assist families, registrars and judges make decisions that are in the best interests of children. Prior to joining the Court in 2017, Janet held senior roles with CatholicCare Sydney and Relationships Australia NSW (managing counselling, mediation and men’s behaviour change programs and the Sydney City Family Relationship Centre) and with the Commonwealth Department of Veteran’s Affairs’ Open Arms program. Janet is a registered psychologist with over 30 years’ experience working children and families. She also holds a Master’s degree in management.
Janet Carmichael is part of the panel discussion, Skills & attributes for working with children – in pursuit of a definition or understanding of ‘best practice’ in the family and relations services sector.
ClosePanellist Megan SolomonMegan Solomon
Megan Solomon is the Practice Lead Counselling at Uniting, NSW, with 30 years’ experience in clinical practice, supervision and training in services managing complex child protection, domestic violence, suicidal, mental health, and family law issues. She is passionate about child-inclusive, whole of family, relationship focused family law interventions.Megan is part of the panel discussion, Skills & attributes for working with children – in pursuit of a definition or understanding of ‘best practice’ in the family and relations services sector.
CloseModerator Zakia PatelZakia Patel
Zakia Patel is the Executive Director of Multicultural Hub Canberra and regional NSW, with responsibilities for Multicultural Centres in Canberra, Queanbeyan, Goulburn and Cooma. Zakia has a passion for using her skills to support marginalised communities, with a particular passion for working with young people and women.Zakia has over a decade of experience working in the community sector and holds a Bachelor of Law/Economics.
Zakia will moderate the panel discussion, What makes a difference when working with young people – a young people’s panel.
Close -
Photo Gallery
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PHOTO GALLERY
If you would like a high resolution copy of any of the Conference photos, please contact the FRSA team at communications@frsa.org.au.
DAY ONE - 18 FEBRUARY 2025
DAY TWO - 19 FEBRUARY 2025
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Venue
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VENUE INFORMATION
59 Cameron Ave Conference and Event Centre
Level 11, 59 Cameron Avenue Belconnen ACT 2617
59 Cameron Ave Conference and Event Centre is located on the top floor of the Mercure Canberra Belconnen, in the heart of Belconnen. The venue is only 8 km away from the Central Business District of Canberra and is conveniently situated near the Belconnen Business District, Westfield Belconnen, University of Canberra, Australian Institute of Sport, and GIO Stadium.
The venue is designed to offer breathtaking views of Lake Ginninderra and the Brindabella mountains, making it a light-filled and technologically advanced setting.
-
Accomm
-
ACCOMMODATION
Mercure Canberra Belconnen (Forum Venue)
The 59 Cameron Ave Conference and Event Centre is located on the top floor of Mercure Canberra Belconnen. If you’re looking for a comfortable stay, Mercure Canberra Belconnen is the perfect choice. The rooms are designed elegantly with plush beds, smart TVs, chromecast, complimentary high-speed WiFi, and relaxed workstations. You can also enjoy access to the modern gym, guest laundry, spacious lobby lounge, and onsite undercover parking. The location is very convenient, and you can easily access all the popular tourist attractions in the city. So, if you want to have a convenient stay with all the necessary hotel amenities, Mercure Canberra Belconnen is the perfect place for you.
Standard King Room
Room Rate: $198 per night.
Experience the ultimate in comfort and style in this spacious 31-square-meter modern retreat.
Sink into the luxurious king-size bed, perfect for a restful night’s sleep. Refresh in our well-equipped bathroom, complete with a walk-in shower.
Unwind with entertainment on the smart TV, equipped with Chromecast, or recharge with convenient bedside USB power outlets. Enjoy peace of mind with a secure in-room safe. Drift off to sleep easily with complete blackout curtains. Customize your comfort with individually controlled air-conditioning and heating, ensuring your stay comfortable.
Abode Belconnen
Abode Belconnen is 2 minutes walk from the Forum Venue (the Mercure Canberra Belconnen). Abode Belconnen is just a short walk to a major shopping precinct, parks, nature walks and Lake Ginninderra. Guests also have access to the onsite restaurant, No.10 Restaurant + Bar, open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
FULL PAYMENT NOTE: Full payment is required 14 days prior and will be charged to the credit card provided with the booking.
King Studio
Room Rate: $198 per night.
Stylishly appointed King Studios feature a king bed or two king singles, kitchenette, tea and coffee facilities, refrigerator, cook top, microwave, dishwasher, flat screen TV with STAYCAST streaming, washer, dryer and Ideology bathroom amenities.
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Sponsors
-
SPONSORSHIP
FRSA invites you to consider the opportunity to sponsor the 2025 Child Inclusive Practice Forum.
Sponsorship is a fantastic way to advertise and highlight your services and expertise to the Child Inclusive Practice network.
If you are interested in sponsoring the Child Inclusive Practice Forum 2025, please contact the FRSA team at events@frsa.org.au or 02 6162 1811 and we’ll let you know our fantastic sponsorship options!
Key dates
Call for Abstracts Open
3 October 2024Call for Abstracts CLOSED
15 November 2024Notify Authors
December 2024Early Bird Registration Open
7 October 2024Early Bird Registration CLOSED
13 December 2024 EXTENDED TO 10 January 2025