International Day of Families 2026

Families are the foundation of children’s wellbeing – they shape identity, safety and belonging. On the 2026 International Day of Families, themed “Families, Inequalities and Child Wellbeing”, the Social Services Regulator (SSR) recognises the important role families play in raising children, and the need for systems and services that support their safety.

In February 2026, the SSR took over the regulatory responsibilities for the Child Safe Standards from the Commission for Children and Young People. We regulate these standards with four other co-regulators across different sectors. The 11 Child Safe Standards require organisations involving children to have policies, procedures and practices to keep them safe. Child Safe Standard 4 underscores this: “Families and communities [must be] informed and involved in promoting child safety and wellbeing”.

Families take many forms. Across Victoria, children grow up in different types of families, including traditional, inter-generational and multi-generational families; single-parent families; blended families; foster care; rainbow families; and in kinship care.

On this International Day of Families, the SSR reaffirms its commitment to supporting all families and organisations that work with or care for children to safeguard their rights by ensuring the regulatory framework for child safety is as strong as possible. For more information visit our Child Safe Standards webpage.