Dear colleagues,

We are delighted to invite you to attend the 8th ISPCAN Asia-Pacific Regional Conference on Child Abuse and Neglect, incorporating the 12th Australasian Conference on Child Abuse and Neglect, which will be held in Perth, Western Australia from the 15th to 18th November 2009. The Conference is being organised by the National Association for the Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect Australia (NAPCAN) in collaboration with the International Society for Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect® (ISPCAN). The Conference coincides with International Child Abuse Prevention Day 2009 (19 November).

The Conference theme is 'Child Abuse and Neglect: Looking Through the Lens of Prevention' in recognition of the need to focus attention on the creation of holistic approaches that engage children and families, communities, professionals, business and governments in preventing child abuse and advancing the wellbeing of children, young people and their families. The Conference provides a unique opportunity to engage researchers, policy makers, practitioners and others from Australia, New Zealand and the Asia-Pacific region in creating effective child abuse prevention systems and to explore innovations in prevention - from community-based, community-led programs to therapeutic health and family interventions to statutory child protection services and criminal justice responses. A primary objective of the Conference is to encourage the exchange of ideas and practices and the development of friendships, professional exchanges and linkages for delegates and agencies from around the region. Further, the Conference aims to develop a 'shared understanding' between those of different professional backgrounds, cultures and geographical locations, and to identify approaches and solutions that may be adapted for use across different communities.

The Scientific Program is based around six themes reflecting a focus on developments in prevention research and practice, international and/or cross-national issues in child abuse prevention and child protection, and exploration of the particular issues facing Indigenous peoples, while considering advances in statutory child protection responses. A series of ISPCAN Master Classes have been scheduled for Sunday 15 November, as well as many concurrent sessions for oral presentations, symposia or workshops scheduled in the main Conference Program. We invite all colleagues to submit abstracts. Papers that contribute to the development of cross-cultural and international perspectives on child abuse prevention and child protection are particularly welcome. The abstract submission deadline is 31 March 2009. The program will also contain an exciting Young Participants Program, which will feature a strong on-line component that will allow the participation of children and young people from around the region; and a youth event associated with the start of the Conference Program (Sunday, 15 November). We urge you to encourage young people and youth groups known to you, to take part in the on-line Young Participants Program.

Finally, we invite you to explore the beautiful city of Perth located in Australia's largest state, Western Australia. The Conference social program will ensure that visitors have opportunities to enjoy the spectacular natural environment, while a Site Visit program will provide opportunities to learn more about key elements of Western Australia's child protection, education, health and child and family support services.

We look forward to welcoming you to Perth and to what will prove to be an unforgettable event.

Yours sincerely

Dr Adam Tomison (Australia) Chair Organising Committee and NAPCAN Director

Maree Faulkner (Australia) Co-chair & CEO, NAPCAN

Dr Tufail Muhammad (Pakistan) Co-chair & ISPCAN representative