The International society of the Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect (ISPCAN) held its annual conference in Uppsala, Sweden on August 16th – 21st. As scientific co-chair, Dr. Fluke, faculty of the Kempe Center at the University of Colorado Anschutz, was one of the key planners of the four-day event. The aim of the conference was to focus on protecting children in times of crises. Among the incredible keynoters, we were honored to have HM Queen Sylvia of Sweden a longtime advocate for Children’s Rights in Sweden and globally.
The Congress theme was Working Together in Times of Crisis and emphasized the difficult realities, new challenges that children face, and the innovative solutions our global community is employing in research and practice. The increasing violence, armed conflicts, the COVID-19 pandemic, climate change along with stress and cultural practices all threaten mental health and wellbeing. Child protection professionals and front-line workers are challenged more than ever to work with fewer resources to support children and families to become resilient beneficiaries of systems of protection. Crises and challenges, when shared in a community of learning, present good opportunities for growth. The conference was attended by 900 delegates representing 73 countries who combined participated in over 500 presentations.
About ISPCAN
ISPCAN is a US based 501 (3) (c) non profit corporation. Established 7/7/1977 by Henry Kempe, the membership based society is multi-disciplinary, and from all sectors of child protection. We are focused on equipping the global professionals on the front line of research and practice with a community of learning, and an active network to advance prevention, treatment and collaboration.
Our members improve systems of care in every nation so that child rights and a foundation of health are not a wish, but a reality. We raise the bar and make sustainable, systemic, public health change to improve outcomes for children and families. Learn more about ISPCAN https://ispcan.org/impact-of-ispcan/
The 4 day event had inspiring keynoters, 10 parallel sessions featuring 517 presentations, 250 amazing posters, 2 master classes per day, a welcome reception to network, a cultural experience and a free preconference day with 5 working groups on child maltreatment data collection, child death review, mental health, collaborative practice (Barnahus) and parenting.
In the photo from left to right: Ms. Pragathi Tummala, CEO ISPCAN, Prof. Philip Jaffé, UN Committee on the Rights of the Child, University of Geneva, Dr. Aby Casas, ISPCAN Board Chair Elect, Instituto Nacional de Pediatría. Ciudad de México, Prof. Kevin Laor, ISPCAN Board Chair, Technological University Dublin, Ms. Aili Keskitalo, Political Adviser for Amnesty International Norway, Former President Norwegian Sami Parliament, Prof. John D. Fluke, ISPCAN Uppsala Scientific Chair, Kempe Center, Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Her Majesty Queen Sylvia of Sweden, Ms. Catherine Thorsell, Travel Team Sweden, Prof. Laura Korhonen, Head of the National Centre for Knowledge on Violence Against Children (Barnafrid), Linköping University and Ms. Martina Kack, Travel Team Sweden.
