National Funding to Expand Trauma-Informed Services for children and young people of the Northern Territory

Tuesday 11 November, 2025 – Australian Childhood Foundation is pleased to receive national funding that will expand trauma-informed services for children and young people in the Barkly region of the Northern Territory.

This funding is provided by the Federal Government as part of a $12 million national commitment to strengthen responses to child sexual abuse and will support the expansion of our Safe Connections program.

Safe Connections is a trauma-informed and culturally strong specialist service that supports children and young people who engage in harmful sexual behaviour.

“This funding is urgently needed. The children it will help are often survivors of abuse and are currently falling through the cracks unable to access any type of specialist care, “said Janise Mitchell, CEO of Australian Childhood Foundation. “This funding will allow us to work with communities, families, and frontline services to support their healing and more critically, prevent further harm.”

Through this investment, Australian Childhood Foundation will deliver a comprehensive program that includes therapeutic assessments, counselling, healing camps, and education for families and communities. Services will be co-designed with Aboriginal leaders and delivered in familiar, culturally safe settings. To ensure long-term impact, the Foundation will also train local workers and organisations to build community capacity and reduce reliance on fly-in, fly-out models.

We are grateful to the Federal Government for investing in this critical work. This support will help ensure that children who need specialist therapeutic care in the Barkly region can access it, giving them the opportunity to heal, grow, and reach their full potential.

Media enquiries:

Gina Dafalia
PR and Communications
Phone: 0447558195
Email: gdafalia@childhood.org.au