Education and training is a priority service area for the Victorian Forensic Paediatric Medical Service. The multidisciplinary team of the VFPMS provides a range of teaching and training materials and experiences to increase students' knowledge, skills, experience and confidence. Teaching is provided to professionals including medical students and doctors, nurses and other health professionals, child protection workers and police.
Education will also be provided by VFPMS in conjunction with education and training related to the Vulnerable Children Framework, an initiative of the Department of Health and Human Services, Victoria.
The VFPMS uses a variety of teaching strategies based on students' learning needs and requirements for access. We construct our training programs with an awareness of adult learning theory. Consumer feedback is used to modify teaching material and style of presentation.
Who do we provide training for?
Training is provided by the VFPMS for:
- Doctors working for VFPMS
- Rural doctors providing medical services for VFPMS
- Fellow in Child Abuse and Paediatric Forensic Medicine, Fellow in Community Child Health and other trainees
- Medical students
- Protective workers
- Police
- Health professionals
- Other professionals
What kind of training do we provide?
Education and training is provided as:
- Workshops and seminars
- Lectures (including PBL format)
- Web-based learning
- Skills development / skills training
- Small group tutorials
- Student electives
- Materials for self directed learning (including reference lists)
- Supervision
- Peer review
Training guide for VFPMS advanced trainees
Training Opportunities
VFPMS Medical Evaluation of Suspected Child Abuse.
The VFPMS Medical Evaluation of Suspected Child Abuse Seminar dates for 2026 will be announced later this year. If you would like to be added to the mailing list - please email phoebe.meeton@rch.org.au
The VFPMS Medical Evaluation of Suspected Child Abuse Seminar is likely to be of particular interest to paediatricians and trainees in paediatric medicine.
The course aims to increase attendees’ knowledge and understanding about child abuse and neglect.
The course includes:
- Forensic medical evaluation of common childhood injuries including bruises and other skin injuries, burns and scalds, fractures and internal injuries
- Child sexual abuse and the evaluation of children’s sexualised behaviour
- Child neglect and emotional maltreatment
- Case management and decision making, forming forensic opinions and writing medicolegal reports
VFPMS Nursing Seminar: Recognising & Responding to Suspected Child Abuse.
The VFPMS Nursing Seminar on Recognising and Responding to Suspected Child Abuse dates for 2026 will be announced later this year. Please email phoebe.meeton@rch.org.au to be put on the mailing list.
This seminar is aimed at nurses, maternal child health nurses and social workers who care for infants and paediatric patients.
The seminar aims to increase knowledge and understanding about mandatory
reporting and recognising children who may be at harm or suspected of child abuse.
We will cover:
- What it means to be a mandatory reporter
-
Mandatory reporting process
-
Red flags to consider when suspecting a child may be at harm
- Understanding the types of abuse: physical, sexual, emotional and neglect