Training and Events
The Common Approach
About The Common Approach
The Common Approach® is a prevention-focused and flexible way of working to help those working with children, young people, and families to work consistently in partnership with them, focus on strengths, place the child at the centre, and consider all aspects of wellbeing.
These aspects fall into six wellbeing areas that align with The Nest: Healthy; Valued, Loved and Safe; Material Basics; Learning; Participating; and Positive Sense of Identity and Culture.
Background
The Common Approach training was first developed by ARACY in 2010 in response to the need for more proactive, preventative approaches in the children and youth sector, established in the 2009 ARACY report, Inverting the Pyramid: Enhancing Systems for Protecting Children
Initially funded by the Australian Government as part of Protecting Children is Everyone’s Business: National Framework for Protecting Australia’s Children 2009-2020. Its development was part of an effort by all levels of government to improve the wellbeing of children, young people, and families through strengthening the capacity of the service system to intervene early in order to keep children safe and well.
The Common Approach is a highly evidenced, best practice approach to child and youth wellbeing. The Evidence for The Common Approach outlines in detail the evidence used in its development along with information on the evaluation and the impact it can have.
How it's currently used
The current training focusses on supporting professionals to prepare for conversations with a child or family, provides a framework for families to develop action plans and check progress, and gives a way to record discussions to develop better continuity between interactions.
The Common Approach is currently being implemented across education, health, allied health, community, and social service organisations throughout Australia, in both government and non-government settings.
Training elements
- a series of online modules (3.5hours study time)
- a facilitated 1.5 hour workshop
- and a comprehensive resource kit.
Key outcomes
Make earlier identification of the strengths and needs of children and their families
Discover the causes of behaviour quicker
Work in a more preventative way
More quickly identify a wider range of useful services and empowering next steps
Improve relationships between families and services in ways that benefit children and families
Course costs and Registration
The course fee is $395 per person with discounts available for larger groups and when combined with an implementation package.
Please contact the team on commonapproach@aracy.org.au for more information.
Support and updates
Implementation Support and Training Updates
ARACY continues to improve The Common Approach, ensuring it is responsive to new evidence and user feedback through regular updates.
Throughout 2024-25 we will be expanding the range of training – sign up to our newsletter to be notified about new courses and opportunities.
Further Training: Embedding the Common Approach
Following initial training, we work with a range of organisations to embed The Common Approach across their programs and practices.
Areas covered include:
- The Common Approach to Child and Family Engagement
- The Common Approach to Policies and Practice
- The Common Approach to Program Design and Evaluation
- The Common Approach to Collaboration
- The Common Approach to Advocacy & Communications
Resources
Elements of The Common Approach resource kits are also available for purchase if you or your team would like more, once you’ve completed the training.
Please contact the team for more information about implementation support or to purchase further resources.
The Common Approach in action - South West Sydney Investment Strategy
South Western Sydney Investment Strategy
ARACY has collaborated with the NSW Government, Department of Communities and Justice, Investment Approach for Social Impact team to deliver Common Approach training to professionals who work with children and families in South Western Sydney (SWS).
To support the implementation of the Common Approach professionals working with children and young people in South Western Sydney are invited to join the Common Approach Community of Practice.
Training in the Common Approach for SWS
ARACY has collaborated with the NSW Government, Department of Communities and Justice, Investment Approach for Social Impact team to deliver Common Approach training to professionals who work with children and families in South Western Sydney.
This partnership is training 2000 practitioners from both government and non-government organisations across the South Western Sydney District in the Common Approach. The purpose of this training is to influence change by building a common framework and language for working with children and families.
To obtain a funded place in the Common Approach training and be a part of the change in South Western Sydney email the Common Approach team to apply for a funded place now
SWS Community of Practice
Do you want to strengthen your network and help South Western Sydney (SWS) children and families thrive?
Professionals working with children and young people in South Western Sydney are invited to join The Common Approach Community of Practice.
Enhance your skills and impact by joining our community, here’s what you’ll gain:
- Networking Opportunities: Connect with professionals from various sectors for collaborative efforts, enhancing support for all children in SWS.
- Voice for Change: Share your ideas and contribute to the evolution of practices.
- Share and Advocate: Contribute evidence of success and champion The Common Approach's wider adoption
- Implement & Navigate Challenges: Learn strategies for effective implementation and overcoming restrictions.
- Active Participation: Join discussions, contribute early in the change process, and see practical applications in action.
- Deepen Knowledge: Advance your understanding and application of The Common Approach.
This community is more than a learning space; it’s a networking hub to meet peers, fostering collaborative projects to ensure every child and family in SWS thrives.
Be part of a dedicated group driving real change. Share, learn, and collaborate for a united effort towards enhancing child, youth and family wellbeing. Fill in your Expression of Interest (EOI) today!
We look forward to having you be a part of the SWS Common Approach Community of Practice.
If you have further enquiries, please contact the Investment Approach for Social Impact Strategy Team investmentapproachforsocialimpact@dcj.nsw.gov.au
TRAINING AND EVENTS
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