The 2018 Child Protection Week Awards on Thursday 30 August saw multiple awards presented to members of Protect All Children Today (PACT). Founder Kay McGrath, CEO Jo Bryant, and volunteer Jan Brown all received awards in recognition of their long-term commitment to improving the lives of vulnerable children and young people.
Having been a voice for child protection for more than 34 years, Kay received the Media and Communications Award. As chair of the original Child Protection Week Committee, Kay has worked to bring non-government child protection organisations together. Working collaboratively has created more momentum in child protection than each organisation could individually, driving awareness of child protection to improve outcomes for the safety and wellbeing of children.
Jo Bryant received the 2018 Professional (Non-Government) Award. Joining PACT in 2004, Jo is passionate about ensuring vulnerable child victims of crime receive optimum support though the daunting criminal court process. Several initiatives Jo has implemented include the listing of child-related court matters early in the day to accomodate a child’s limited attention span and the introduction of the Post Evidence Feedback Survey. Moreover, Jo has worked to change the way District Court Judges interact with children.
The 2018 Volunteer of the Year was presented to Jan Brown, who has several responsibilities at PACT including Child Witness Support Volunteer, Volunteer Team Leader, and volunteer representative within the PACT Board of Management. Jan has personally supported over 385 child victims and witnesses plus their family members. “It is so important that they are able to tell their truths” Jan says. Jo agrees, wholeheartedly commending the unwavering passion and commitment of volunteers. “They truly are the background of PACT.”
Readers also enjoyed our story Kay McGrath.
