Children and young people who have experienced family violence may present in primary care with a wide range of emotional, behavioural, developmental, and physical health concerns. Violence can affect a child’s sense of safety, relationships, learning, regulation, and overall wellbeing, yet the signs are not always obvious. Primary care clinicians are uniquely positioned to notice early indicators, provide supportive and stabilising care and connect families with the right services to help the child and family get the best outcomes.

Join us for this practical discussion centred on trauma‑informed care, with a strong focus on misdiagnosis and the impacts of trauma on children. We'll explore how to work with children in a trauma‑informed way, particularly those in out‑of‑home care, along with update on mandatory reporting responsibilities. The session would also highlight supports available to GPs and other healthcare providers, including an update from the Sexual Violence and Child Sexual Abuse Navigator. Part of Inner West CPD series

Presented by:

Biljana Milosevic, Bi-Cultural Social Worker and the Centre Director of Jannawi Family Centre

Catherine Dunn, Out of Home Care Health Pathway Program Coordinator, SLHD

Robyn Laughton-Smith, Sexual Violence and Child Sexual Abuse Navigator

Discussion will cover:

How trauma affects children and what trauma‑informed care looks like in practice

Working with children in out‑of‑home care, including common areas of misdiagnosis

Mandatory reporting responsibilities for clinicians

Practical strategies for GPs and other healthcare providers

Insights from Domestic Family and Sexual Violence navigator

Event learning objectives

1. Describe how violence impacts brain development, attachment, learning, and regulation, and how these can present in primary care
2. Use trauma-informed communication strategies to build safety, trust and engagement with children and caregivers
3. Navigate mandatory reporting responsibilities and respond appropriately when concerns about safety or wellbeing arise

Target audience: GPs, AHPs, Nurses, Practice Managers and healthcare providers whose work aligns with this topic

Please note the topics and speakers are subject to change. Please check back for updated information.

*Please note GP Registrars who wish to register for CPD events and do not have a member number will need to contact the CPD Department on 1300 986 991

This webinar includes content that may be confronting. You are welcome to step away at any time and support options will be shared during the session.