International Society for the Prevention of Child Abuse & Neglect

MULTIDISCIPLINARY 

Complex problems require comprehensive, integrated solutions. Our array of expertise, resources and networks makes working smarter and more effectively possible.

AGILE

Because the world changes rapidly, we must embrace change, opportunity and rise up to the challenges. Using data, we remove the stigma and face the realities. For every child.

DISRUPTIVE

By bringing diversity of thought to conventional thinking, we innovate and maximize the good we can do for children and families in the world. Connecting the dots outside traditional boundaries.

ISPCAN is a global membership organization for anyone working in the protection of child rights. From every discipline and sector, we break down silos across sectors to help find innovative, child centered solutions. Wherever children live, learn and play under the care of adults are opportunities for intervention and prevention.

We connect multi-disciplinary professionals across sectors together, and with data, tools and resources to think differently. We ensure that data informs practice, practice informs research, and that policy development will make lasting, quality improvements in child protection systems. Ultimately our goal is to build better public health systems of care to improve the prevention, detection, and response to child abuse and neglect.

Working together with our members and partners, ISPCAN innovates and accelerates change so that a brighter future for all kids is possible.

Why Join ISPCAN?

Advance your career

Network with global experts in research and practice from all sectors

Ensure Professional Growth

Gain advanced knowledge and training

Reduce Secondary Trauma

Learn skills to work more effectively

Bring Data to Action

Connect the dots using evidence informed public health approach

ISPCAN Melbourne Congress Logo with dates of August 24-27, 2026

August 24th - 27th, 2026

Join the Changemakers in Global Innovative Research and Best Practice in Child Protection

  • Aug. 23: Pre-congress working groups included
  • Aug 24-26 Main Congress
  • Aug 27: Rise Up Policy Forum (add on ticket)
  • Daily Wellness, welcome reception all included

Rise Up Policy Forum

Creating a new international community of practice for governments, policymakers, researchers, and practitioners: connecting the dots, learning together, and doing better.

  • Advance Child Protection Policies: Promote the development and implementation of effective, evidence-based child protection policies grounded in public health principles at local, national, and global levels.
  • Foster a Community of Learning: Bring together policymakers, practitioners, researchers, survivors and youth leaders annually to co-create solutions and exchange best practices.
  • Integrate Research and Practice: Encourage alignment of data and research with practical applications to inform shareable data-driven solutions and enhance accountability.
  • Catalyze Regional Solutions: Develop context-specific, scalable strategies that address regional challenges and support sustainable, community-led change.
  • Resource Maximization and Sector Collaboration: Optimize use of resources and crosssector collaboration to assist governments in child protection prevention and response.

Exciting Developments

Annual Report 2025

We are excited to share that our 2025 Impact Report is now live.

We reflect with pride on a year defined by purpose, collaboration, and progress to end child abuse and neglect. In a time of growing global challenges, ISPCAN remained focused on one central aim: helping countries and professionals strengthen prevention-oriented, integrated systems that respond effectively to the needs of children and families.

Read the full report to learn about our public health approach to child protection, our global convening impact, and educational resources for members. 

We’re grateful to everyone who helped make this work possible.

ISPCAN Uganda 2027

The first regional Rise Up Policy Forum + Huddle will take place in Africa, from 23-25 February 2027 in Kampala, Uganda. The Forum + Huddle will explore the contexts, strengths, challenges and solutions specific to the African region, convening African child protection expertise, promoting strong national child protection systems, and creating a regional dialogue aimed at transforming child protection into a more data-informed, collaborative, and preventive system.

Impactful ISPCAN Webinars

A Decade of INSPIRE – Evidence in Action to End Violence Against Children

Ten years ago, the World Health Organization, UNICEF, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and seven international partners launched INSPIRE: Seven Strategies to End Violence Against Children. Since 2016, INSPIRE has guided national action plans, donor investments, and multi-sectoral coordination across more than 100 countries, uniting governments, researchers, and practitioners around a shared vision: that violence against children is not inevitable—it is preventable.

In partnership with SVRI, The INSPIRE Working Group, WHO, UNICEF and other key partners, this webinar celebrated a decade of evidence in action and highlight the next phase of INSPIRE’s global implementation and research agenda. It brought together global leaders, researchers, and practitioners to discuss what the new evidence means for countries, sectors, and systems working to end violence against children.

Listen to the Recording! 

Presented By:

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Dr Greta Massetti
photo (c) John Cairns
Dr Madison Little
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Dr Alessandra Guedes
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Dr Daniela Ligiero
Square version - Headshot_Nicolas Makharashvili
Nicolas Makharashvili
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Mr Deogratias Yiga
Anirbandip Gain (002)
Mr. Anirbandip Gain
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Dr. Sabine Rakotomalala

ISPCAN Scientific and Peer Reviewed Journals

Child Abuse and Neglect

Our mighty flagship journal.

Child Protection and Practice

Launched by ISPCAN in 2023 to address gaps in knowledge about outcomes for children and families. We must challenge the norms and share innovative practice from all regions of the world.

Become a Member of our Community of Learning

  • Access to the Member Connect Platform
  • 20% Discount to ISPCAN Congresses
  • Free Member job postings
  • Scientific sponsorship for partner events 
  • Join working groups to advance international guidelines
  • 10% Author publication discount in our ISPCAN Journals
  • Create grassroots advocacy campaigns with the backing of ISPCAN

ISPCAN Knowledge Hub

Did you miss a webinar or want to search for information on any topic? Check out our Knowledge Hub to help practitioners learn more, develop new skills, and find ways to coordinate with others. Many resources are available free to the public.

Advocate with us

Impact of International Policy and Defunding on Child protection

Thank you to our Members, Board of Directors, and Funders for their Generous Support.

You Make It All Possible!