Childhood Dementia Initiative launches the Parent Knowledge Network
March 2026: Childhood Dementia Initiative has launched the Childhood Dementia Parent Knowledge Network so that parents and carers in Australia can share practical knowledge with each other.
The Parent Knowledge Network enables parents to share their practical experiences managing daily life, changing needs, and different systems (like health, disability and education) when a child has dementia. It centres on parents’ knowledge and know-how gained during day-to-day life.
JOIN NOW“The Parent Knowledge Network gives families a place to share what they know now, and perhaps wish someone had told them, and also to connect and learn from other parents who really understand what it means to have a child or children with dementia,” said Alison Grozier, National Services Manager at Childhood Dementia Initiative.
The program was co-designed with families, with its format and principles shaped by what parents said would be helpful. Each month, the Parent Knowledge Network brings parents together for a live, 60-minute online session that:
- Covers a single practical topic chosen by families
- Is structured and professionally facilitated
- Focuses on real-world problem-solving
Parents can join live, submit questions in advance, or access session resources afterwards.
The program is open to all parents and primary carers of children with childhood dementia conditions in Australia, including bereaved families.
“During consultations, parents told us they didn’t want traditional peer support, or just peer mentoring, or to only exchange knowledge. They wanted elements of all of those models. The Parent Knowledge Network is a truly innovative response to what families want. We’re proud to be launching it and look forward to seeing families learn with and from each other,” said Alison Grozier.
