Call for Abstracts: Now Open!
Conference Theme:
"From Harm to Healing: Protecting Children in a Changing World”
We invite researchers, practitioners, academics, legal professionals, mental health experts, medical personnel, and child protection advocates to submit an abstract for consideration as a key speaker at this year’s conference.
Are you passionate about protecting children and advancing best practices in your field?
Do you have insights, case studies, or innovations to share? Then we want to hear from you.
Submissions close 24 July 2026.
Let’s unite to strengthen systems and safeguard futures, together.
Submissions aligned with the conference sub-themes below, or any broader topic relating to child abuse, child protection, safeguarding, prevention, intervention, justice, recovery, and healing, are welcomed.
Driving Evidence-Based Investigations, Legal Responses and Effective Prosecutions
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Child protection legislation and policy developments
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Child-friendly justice systems
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Law enforcement and prosecutorial responses to child abuse
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Improving investigative outcomes through multidisciplinary collaboration
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Addressing systemic barriers, case delays, and secondary victimisation
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Evidence-based approaches to investigations and prosecutions
Forensic Assessments, Expert Evidence and Child Protection Practice
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Forensic interviewing of children
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Forensic social work and forensic psychology
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Expert witness testimony
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Medico-legal assessments
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Family assessments and child protection investigations
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Evidentiary considerations in child protection matters
Holistic Victim Support, Mental Health and Trauma-Informed Healing
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The impact of trauma on child development and mental health
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Trauma-informed practice
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Therapeutic interventions, including CBT, DBT, EMDR, play therapy and other evidence-based approaches
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Supporting child survivors of abuse and violence
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Secondary trauma and professional wellbeing
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Building resilience and promoting recovery
Parenting in a Digital World: Online Harm, Exploitation and Child Safety
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Online grooming and child exploitation
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Cyberbullying and online victimisation
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Digital parenting and online safety education
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Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM)
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Artificial intelligence, technology and child protection
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Social media, gaming and emerging online risks
The Voice of the Child and Child-Centred Practice
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Child participation in decision-making
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Child-centred interventions and services
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Upholding children's rights and dignity
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Innovative approaches to hearing and amplifying children's voices
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Child participation in legal, social service and educational settings
The Boy Child Matters: Breaking the Silence and Supporting Vulnerable Boys
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Understanding the unique vulnerabilities of boys
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Male victims of abuse and barriers to disclosure
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Mental health and wellbeing of boys
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Positive masculinity and prevention initiatives
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Support services and interventions for vulnerable boys
GBVF and Children: Prevention, Protection and Recovery
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The impact of Gender-Based Violence and Femicide on children
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Intergenerational trauma and violence
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Prevention and early intervention strategies
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Child protection responses in GBVF contexts
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Supporting recovery and resilience among affected children
Complex Child Protection Matters: False Allegations, High-Conflict Disputes and Evidentiary Challenges
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False sexual abuse allegations
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High-conflict family disputes
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Assessing competing narratives
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Decision-making in complex child protection matters
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Evidentiary challenges and expert opinions
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Balancing child protection and due process
Protecting Vulnerable Children: Medical, Disability and Specialised Child Protection Responses
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Medical and dental indicators of abuse and neglect
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Child abuse and children with disabilities
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Neurodiversity and safeguarding
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Vulnerable and marginalised populations
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Child protection in healthcare settings
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Specialised interventions for high-risk groups
Submission Deadline
24 July 2026
Presenter Benefits
Kindly note that presenters whose abstracts are accepted will qualify for a special discounted conference registration rate should they wish to attend the conference in person. This includes access to conference sessions, workshops, conference materials, and professional networking opportunities.
Submission Guidelines:
SAPSAC welcomes submissions from local and international professionals, researchers, academics, policymakers, practitioners, and students who wish to contribute to the advancement of child protection through research, innovation, professional practice, and multidisciplinary collaboration.
We invite submissions for the following presentation formats:
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Oral Presentation (45 minutes)
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Research Presentation
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Practice-Based Presentation
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Case Study
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Poster Presentation
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Panel Discussion (3–5 panellists addressing a conference sub-theme or contemporary child protection issue)
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Workshop or Skills Development Training Session (2-hour interactive session focusing on practical skills, therapeutic interventions, forensic practice, assessments, safeguarding, or other specialised child protection topics)
Submission Requirements
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Abstracts must not exceed 150 words.
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Clearly indicate the relevant conference sub-theme.
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Specify your preferred presentation format (oral presentation, poster presentation, panel discussion, workshop, or training session).
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For panel discussions, please provide the proposed discussion topic, moderator details, and the names and affiliations of 3–5 panellists.
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For workshops and training sessions, provide a brief overview of the learning objectives, intended audience, practical outcomes, and a summary of the activities to be delivered during the 2-hour session.
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Include the presenter's details, including organisation, professional title, and contact information.
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Include a brief biographical profile of the presenter(s) (maximum 100 words).
Both academic and practice-based submissions are encouraged. Preference will be given to presentations that demonstrate innovation, evidence-based practice, multidisciplinary collaboration, and practical application within child protection.
Selected presenters will form part of the official programme of the 24th Annual National Child Abuse Conference 2026, alongside leading local and international experts in child protection.
Submission deadline: 24 July 2026
Publication Opportunity
Presenters and authors who wish to develop their conference presentation into a full academic or practice-based article will have the opportunity to submit their manuscript for consideration for publication in the Child Abuse Research in South Africa (CARSA) Journal, subject to the journal's editorial policies and peer-review process.
Further information regarding manuscript preparation guidelines, submission requirements, and the publication process will be made available to delegates during the conference. Submission to the CARSA Journal is entirely voluntary and does not guarantee publication. All manuscripts will undergo the journal's standard editorial review and peer-review process prior to acceptance.