Announcing the 24th Annual National Child Abuse Conference 2026
16-18 September 2026
Days 1 & 2 (In-Person)
Holiday Inn Johannesburg Sunnyside Park, Parktown, Johannesburg
Day 3 (Online Conference)
The South African Professional Society on the Abuse of Children (SAPSAC) Annual National Child Abuse Conference is one of South Africa's leading multidisciplinary child protection conferences, bringing together professionals, researchers, academics, policymakers, and practitioners who are committed to safeguarding children and strengthening child protection systems.
The conference provides a unique platform for collaboration, professional development, networking, and knowledge exchange among experts from a wide range of disciplines, including social work, psychology, medicine, dentistry, law, policing, prosecution services, education, child and youth care, research, and the broader child protection sector.
Our conference attracts delegates from across South Africa and around the world, creating opportunities to share diverse perspectives, innovative practices, emerging research, and evidence-based approaches to preventing and responding to child abuse, neglect, exploitation, and violence against children.
The 24th Annual National Child Abuse Conference will feature local and international keynote speakers, expert panel discussions, research presentations, practical workshops, and specialised training sessions. Delegates will have the opportunity to engage with industry-leading experts who are shaping child protection policy, practice, research, and intervention both nationally and globally.
Presenters are invited to share cutting-edge research, innovative interventions, therapeutic approaches, prevention strategies, forensic practices, legal developments, and multidisciplinary responses that contribute to the protection, wellbeing, and healing of children.
Through meaningful dialogue, collaboration, and the exchange of knowledge, the conference aims to strengthen professional practice, promote multidisciplinary partnerships, and contribute towards creating safer futures for children in South Africa and beyond.
WHY YOU SHOULD ATTEND
The SAPSAC Annual National Child Abuse Conference is a leading multidisciplinary platform for professionals committed to strengthening child protection, safeguarding, prevention, intervention and healing in South Africa.
By attending, delegates will have the opportunity to engage with current research, expert-led presentations, panel discussions, practical workshops and specialised training sessions addressing emerging challenges in child protection. The conference brings together local and international experts from fields such as social work, psychology, education, medicine, dentistry, law, policing, prosecution, research, digital safety and community-based child protection services.
The conference is designed for practitioners, policymakers, academics, researchers, service providers and professionals working directly or indirectly with children and families. It offers a valuable opportunity to enhance professional knowledge, strengthen multidisciplinary collaboration and gain practical insights that can be applied within professional practice.
In-person attendance on Days 1 and 2 will provide delegates with access to keynote presentations, panel discussions, workshops, practical skills sessions, breakaway discussions and professional networking opportunities. Day 3 will be hosted fully online and will feature online presentations by local and international experts.
In-person attendance includes:
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A conference-themed bag
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A name tag with lanyard
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Sponsored materials and professional resources
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A printed conference booklet and full programme
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Access to selected published articles and previous training materials
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Catered meals and refreshments on Days 1 and 2
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Participation in practical skills sessions, workshops and breakaway discussions
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Opportunities for professional networking and multidisciplinary engagement
This conference is recommended for all professionals committed to advancing child protection, strengthening professional practice and contributing to safer futures for children.
Attendance Packages
WHO SHOULD ATTEND?
The conference welcomes professionals, academics, researchers, policymakers, and practitioners from a wide range of disciplines involved in child protection, safeguarding, healthcare, justice, education, and social services.
Professional backgrounds include, but are not limited to:
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Legal Professionals, including attorneys, advocates, prosecutors, magistrates, judges, mediators, and family law practitioners
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Medical and Healthcare Professionals, including medical doctors, paediatricians, nurses, dentists, psychiatrists, and allied health practitioners
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Social Workers and Social Service Professionals
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Psychologists and Mental Health Professionals
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Child and Youth Care Workers
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Law Enforcement and Policing Professionals
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Criminologists and Forensic Practitioners
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Educators and School-Based Support Professionals
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Researchers, Academics, and Students
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Government Departments and Policymakers
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Non-Governmental Organisations and Community-Based Organisations
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Digital Safety and Cybercrime Professionals
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Media and Communications Professionals
All professionals who share a commitment to the protection, wellbeing, and safeguarding of children are encouraged to attend and participate in this important multidisciplinary conference.
Sponsorships and Exhibition
At this year's event, we're providing opportunities for exhibitors and sponsors to showcase their services or products at our conference. Please get in touch with us for details on sponsorship and exhibition packages.