ARACY's Social Change Strategy Overview

"There can be no keener revelation of a society's soul than the way in which it treats its children."
- Nelson Mandela

ARACY believes the wellbeing of children and young people needs to become a national priority and be at the centre of all policy and practice. What benefits children invariably benefits all of us.

When we take a good look at what is going on in homes and workplaces, what we see in the media, how we are running our schools and planning our cities, it becomes clear that the interests of children and young people are not a priority.

ARACY has developed a social change strategy aimed at placing children and young people higher on the agenda by changing the way in which our society values and treats them. We believe that this change is necessary and urgent if we want to stop the growing trend in problems and address emerging issues before they reach crisis point.

The ARACY Report Card provides the evidence of the need for change and action to address problems confronting our young people, and provides a baseline against which we can measure improvements as a result of greater valuing of children and young people in the future.

The Commitment to Young Australians is a statement of principles to guide ARACY member organisations in their decision-making and actions related to children and young people. As well as demonstrating their valuing of young Australians, organisations that sign the Commitment are helping to create social, cultural, political and economic environment that supports the wellbeing and development of children and young people.

Community attitudes to children: helpful or harmful?

The inaugural ARACY Forum examined the topic Community attitudes to children: helpful or harmful?

ARACY believes that the way society values children and young people is an important factor in whether they thrive and reach their full potential. But do we have it right in Australia?

The ARACY Forum heard presentations on this issue from four eminent speakers, followed by a panel discussion and question session.

Community attitudes to children: helpful or harmful? 
About the speakers
Watch video highlights of the ARACY Forum
View the powerpoint presentation
Join discussion about community values on the ARACY discussion forum


Further reading on social values:

Dr Lance Emerson, ARACY CEO.
Childcare experts welcome bad UN report
ABC The World Today, December 2008

Ms Elaine Henry, ARACY Board member and CEO of The Smith Family.
Not so fair for all – Australia's record on child wellbeing
ABC Unleashed, October 2008

Professor Fiona Stanley, ARACY Board Chair.
Australia's wealth harms our children's health
WA Today, October 2008