Children First Innovation
CP3 was developed through meaningful collaboration with children, educators, and the OSHC community through research, ensuring it truly reflects the needs and insights of those who understand children best and is grounded in evidence.
This innovative initiative represents a strong partnership between Uniting and The University of Sydney's Brain and Mind Centre—combining grassroots community wisdom with cutting-edge research to nurture children's social wellbeing and empower them to thrive.
Our research and education team
The Initial CP3 Design Spark
CP3 was origniated by Associate Professor Alyssa Milton and Professor Ian Hickie at the University of Sydney in partnership with Uniting NSW.ACT. Through their research, they believe OSHC is a place where children can be heard, empowered, and supported to thrive—socially, emotionally, and as active and connected leaders in their communities.
Alyssa Milton
Associate Professor
Alyssa is a psychologist, mental health academic and globally recongnised pioneer of wellbeing research in children's wellbeing when accessing OSHC. Her work for the last 20 years has been dedicated focusing on child, youth and adult wellbeing and improving services that support them. As a mum with children in OSHC, she brings both professional expertise and real-life perspective to her work. Alyssa co-founded CP3 to champion children’s voices, empower educators, and build stronger, more connected communities through co-designed, evidence-informed programs that make a real impact.
Ian Hickie
Professor
Professor Ian Hickie is a psychiatrist, mental health reform leader, and co-director of the University of Sydney’s Brain and Mind Centre. As a strong advocate for early intervention and community-driven solutions, Ian brings decades of experience shaping national mental health policy. His partnership with CP3 reflects his commitment to empowering children, families, and educators through innovative, evidence-based programs that promote wellbeing and resilience from the ground up.
Kristin Ballesteros
Kristin joined the CP3 team in 2018, and has been working ever since then to support sites to deliver CP3 in OSHCs as the CP3 co-ordinator, and now as a CP3 senior advisor. Kristin is a parent to 2 bustling children in the middle years herself, so she is a huge OSHC supporter and enthusiast! Kristin has a strong interest in mental health: specifically, how best to support children during their formative years.
After many years of CP3 delivery, Kristin beleives that the magic of CP3 lies in this co-design approach. It’s an approach that supports all that CP3 is - forging strong relationships and connections children, families, educators and communities.
CP3 Team
Our dedicated team brings together expertise from various disciplines to support children's wellbeing and social connection through CP3 and OSHC. We are here to help - so reach out to us to connect, discuss and co-create!
Jim Cook
Tech Specialist
Our Partners
The University of Sydney
Research expertise from the Brain and Mind Centre drives evidence-based approaches to children's social wellbeing.
Uniting NSW.ACT
Community service leadership brings decades of experience supporting children and families across diverse communities.
OSHC Community
Educators and children contribute vital grassroots wisdom and real-world perspectives to CP3's development.
CP3 Partners
We are grateful for the generous support of these community organizations, funders and networks who help make our work possible.
Their partnership and commitment enable us to continue making a positive impact in children's lives through their OSHC journey.
