Partnership helps support vulnerable children
The Logan-Beaudesert Child Protection Unit (CPU) has formed a new partnership with Hope in a Suitcase to ensure infants and children receiving care leave hospital with dignity and comfort.
The partnership began in July this year, with the first donation of 30 care bags and suitcases arriving shortly after. Since then, several local schools have generously compiled another donation, beautifully presented with essentials and comfort items for babies and children.
With National Child Protection Week* providing a timely reminder of the importance of turning conversations into action, initiatives like the CPU’s partnership with Hope in a Suitcase demonstrates how practical support makes a meaningful difference to vulnerable children.
Advanced Social Worker Nicola Anderson said the packs included infant bags for children entering Child Safety care, as well as bags for older children.
“The bags have been shared with the Emergency Department and Women’s and Children’s Social Work teams to support vulnerable families and those fleeing domestic and family violence,” she said.
“We also wanted to make sure a baby’s first belongings left the hospital in a dignified bag, not a shopping bag. When a previous partnership ended, we committed to finding a new partnership that allowed us to continue supporting the small number of infants discharged into care.”
The CPU is a specialised service within Logan Hospital that works to protect children when concerns arise around abuse, neglect, or vulnerability. The multidisciplinary team includes social workers, clinical nurses, paediatricians, registrars, and administrative officers.
“Together we provide assessment, intervention, advocacy, and ongoing support, working closely with Child Safety, Police, schools, and community organisations,” Nicola said.
“At its heart, the CPU is here to protect children and support families when they need it most.”
Behind-the-scenes work like assessments, advocacy, and safety planning has a significant impact on children and families across the service’s catchment.
“Child protection is not only about responding to harm but also about early intervention, helping families access support before crises escalate. Protecting children is a whole-of-community effort, and health professionals play a vital role.
“Our goal is always to keep children safe, and wherever possible, safe at home with their families.”
* This year’s National Child Protection Week (NCPW), held from 7-13 September 2025, is themed ‘Shifting Conversation to Action’, highlighting the power we all hold to create safer communities for children and young people. Organised by National Association for Prevention of Child abuse and Neglect (NAPCAN), the week is a reminder that even small actions can make a big difference — prevention is everyone’s business and each positive step sets off a domino effect for broader change.