From harm to hope

International Childhood Trauma Conference

Sunday 1 – Friday 6 August 2027 at the Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre

From harm to hope

About the 2027 International Childhood Trauma Conference.

In 2027, we will come together for our sixth biennial conference, focussing on the powerful theme From harm to hope: Collective pathways to trauma transformation.

This gathering will reflect our shared commitment to transforming the lives of children and adults impacted by childhood trauma – sharing collective purpose, courage, and care.

At the heart of the conference remains a deep focus on connection as a foundation for healing. We will explore how relationships – with self, others, place, community, and Country can move individuals and communities from experiences of harm toward hope, healing, and restoration.

Consistent with our values, First Nations voices and expertise will be central, alongside the wisdom of people with lived experience of trauma, researchers, and practitioners. We will also explore how collective action, relational repair, and culturally grounded practices can shift systems from managing harm to cultivating hope. Centring the power of connection, belonging, and shared responsibility in healing, together we will learn, grow, and move forward with practical new resources to support our work across the vast communities we represent.

The conference, like those before it, will offer a unique space for collective reflection, sharing of best‑practice approaches, and the exploration of emerging ideas and critical issues shaping the future of trauma‑informed work.

We look forward to gathering again in 2027 as we continue this shared journey, and reflect on the powerful pathways we forge together – from harm to hope.

Janise Mitchell
CEO, Australian Childhood Foundation
Conference Convenor

Collective pathways to trauma transformation

Our conference theme

From harm to hope invites us to recognise that healing is not an individual journey, but a collective responsibility. This theme centres the power of communities, cultures, and relationships in transforming the impacts of childhood trauma. It highlights the importance of shared wisdom in creating environments characterised by hope, where children, adults, and families can recover, reconnect, and thrive. The conference will:

Explore how collective action, relational repair, and culturally grounded practices can shift systems from managing harm to cultivating hope
Highlight new ideas and approaches that expand what healing can look like
Elevate the expertise of those with lived and living experience and First Nations voices
Centre the power of connection, belonging, and shared responsibility in healing

Australian Childhood Foundation creates a warm, personal and friendly atmosphere - which is wonderful given the huge number of attendees - it could have been very impersonal.

It has inspired me to come back and dig deeper to find more meaningful therapeutic applications and be more creative in the way I deliver my psychoeducation.

As a therapeutic foster carer, it's had an immediate and direct effect on how I care for the two traumatised children in my care - and my other children, and myself!

The Conference has reinvigorated my passion for advocacy, fighting for justice for our children and reducing harm.

I'm leaving with new ideas for therapeutic interventions - more focus on sensory interventions and expressive therapies.

Your conferences always provide gems of understanding to help my, and my client's, understanding of their trauma responses and those of the people they have hurt.

THings to do

Ways to learn and participate

Workshops

A first in 2027, workshops are sessions focussed on the practical application of theory. In these sessions, you’ll be focussed on what this all means for the people you work with in the day-to-day, while practising skills you can useto help make a difference for children and young people.

Advanced masterclasses

These sessions are pitched for those who are already familiar with trauma theory and knowledge. Arrive expecting further learning and a chance to extend your knowledge and practice.

Keynote presentations

All week long we will host concurrent presentations from the full speaker lineup of international and Australian trauma experts. Choose who you want to see and create a tailored learning experience that meets your specific needs and interests.

Abstract presentations

The middle (third?) day of the Conference brings the opportunity for you to submit an abstract and present your own work to your peers from around the globe. Be part of the conference as a speaker and showcase the way you are making a difference.

Symposiums

Five Symposiums will be offered across the week, featuring speakers with lived experience and expertise in each of the following topics: Neurodivergence and Trauma, Women in the field, Lived Experience, First Nations, and Out-of-Home Care. Join these Symposiums for rich conversation and learning from curated speakers.

Morning activities

On Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday mornings of the conference, we will be running concurrent somatic and body-oriented activities for delegates to join and connect. From trauma-informed yoga sessions to our walking groups, there will be more information available soon.

Masterclasses

Masterclasses are half-day sessions spent with world leading thinkers, researchers, and practitioners. Gain insights and hands on practical skills for your work with individuals who have experienced trauma.

Networking

Meet and make new connections at network events on Sunday and Wednesday evenings. Enjoy refreshments in a social setting and connect with colleagues from Australia and around the world.