Children’s Voices Centre

Our work and impact

The Children’s Voices Centre (CVC) at Charles Sturt University conducts interdisciplinary research with, for and about children. The CVC’s research focuses on empowering children to communicate, collaborate and help shape a more inclusive and equitable world.

The CVC's initiatives are guided by the United Nations’ Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the Convention on the Rights of the Child, reinforcing the idea that children have the right to be heard and participate in decisions affecting them.

Who it supports

The centre works with stakeholders, including:

Children (birth-12 years) and young people (12-18 years), especially those whose voices are less heard
Families and communities in diverse locations
Teachers, educators and early childhood professionals
Healthcare and allied health professionals
Researchers and policymakers
Health and education sector providers and representatives
Government departments and international organisations

Research is conducted at the CVC’s flagship child-centre Treehouse building on CSU’s Bathurst campus, and in environments where children live, such as homes, schools, early childhood centres, healthcare settings and community spaces.

Key focus areas include:

The centre conducts interdisciplinary research and programs designed to amplify children’s voices and improve outcomes for them.

Key focus areas include:

Children’s voices and participation: Supporting ALL children to express their perspectives and participate in decision-making processes through innovative, inclusive research practices.
Multilingual children’s speech: Research supporting children who speak multiple languages and helping professionals understand multilingual communication.
Early childhood-related workforce: Improving early childhood education and health systems and workforce sustainability.
Speech, language and communication needs: Developing evidence-based practices to support children with speech or communication challenges.

The centre also researches children’s health, wellbeing and participation in everyday activities.

The CVC initiatives aim to:

Promote children’s participation in advocating for social justice and equity
Improve children's education, health and communication outcomes
Influence policy, professional practice and services for children
Reduce barriers to social, health and educational inclusion for children with diverse abilities or backgrounds

The research contributes to global initiatives such as the UN Sustainable Development Goals, including quality education (SDG 4), good health and well being (SDG 3), reduced inequalities (SDG 10) and partnerships for the goals (SDG 17).

Partners

Government departments
Universities
International and national organisations, including the World Health Organization and the United Nations

Get involved

Learn more about being part of the Children's Voices Centre

CVC Affilliates are Charles Sturt University staff, students or adjuncts who undertake
research with, for and/or about children
CVC Friends are anyone in the community (individuals or groups) who would like to
be on the CVC mailing list to find out more about work
Engage with us as a research partner, studen, donor or volunteer
We extend an invitation to join us in our work by providing funds or inkind supoort
for our work (we welcome support on specific prpjects, equipment, personnel and digital presence).
Learn more about other ways you can engage with the Children's Voices Centre.

Contact CVC

Want to get involved with Charles Sturt?

Contact our team and get involved with your own initiative

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