You’ve probably heard about Australia’s terrible bushfires and how this year has gotten off to a difficult start for many families here. Firstly, my heartfelt sympathy to any of our providers who have suffered any kind of loss in the current bushfire crisis and especially anyone who is grieving. We also know that you and your agency may be supporting families in this situation.

However, I want to reassure those who’ve been worried about us here at the PFSC and at Triple P International, and those planning to attend the upcoming Helping Families Change Conference in Brisbane, that we’re very fortunate to be many miles away from these fires. We also haven’t experienced the extreme heat or smoke haze problems that have occurred in Sydney and Melbourne, thankfully.

We know that recovery will be a long process and many families will need extra support in the months and years to come, and that parenting support has an important role to play in this (as we’ve seen after natural disasters in many other parts of the world).

I look forward to seeing those of you who can attend at next month’s conference. At times such as these, we very much appreciate our ability to connect with one another and be part of the solutions to the world’s pressing problems.

I also want to thank everyone for their support and concern as it means a lot to me that we have created such a wonderful network of caring and compassionate practitioners across so many countries.

Best regards,

Matt

If you haven’t already registered, there is still time to take advantage of the early bird discount – and be inspired and invigorated for the year ahead! The cutting-edge program will cover the delivery of parenting and family support interventions in the USA, China, India, Australian Indigenous communities, Japan, the UK, Brazil, Kenya, Korea, New Zealand, Chile, New Guinea, Rwanda, Indonesia and more. Topics include: • working with refugees and diverse cultures • school-parent partnerships • child maltreatment prevention • children in hospital • screen time • children with autism • trauma-informed care • foster children • early childhood development or parents of teenagers • gender roles and father involvement • policy and funding • Fear-less Triple P (new program for children with anxiety, • Resilience Triple P (new program related to bullying) And there are many more!