QLD Clinical Mental Health Practice Group - April 2026

Children by Choice- Working with Choice

Children by Choice is Queensland’s only pro-choice, government-funded pregnancy options service. In this session, participants will gain a clear understanding of who they are, what they do, and how to connect clients with their services. We’ll walk through the practicalities of referral pathways and access, as well as explore the vital role of choice in pregnancy decision-making. The session will also highlight how to provide non-judgemental, person-centred support and outline key steps to take when supporting someone to explore their pregnancy options. Whether you’re new to the sector or looking to deepen your understanding, this session offers practical insights and tools to help you support reproductive autonomy and compassionate care.

⏰Time: 6:30pm - 8:00pm AEST

📅Date: Wednesday, 15th April 2026

💻Live online (a Zoom link will be sent to registered attendees on the day of the event)

Presenter Info:

Christy Fischer

Christy is an experienced not-for-profit leader with a background in counselling, community engagement, education, training, and advocacy. She holds qualifications in Human Services, Social Work and Business Psychology, bringing both professional expertise and personal passion to her work. As Director of Sector Development at Children by Choice, Christy leads state-wide initiatives in reproductive health, including training health professionals, facilitating partnerships, and developing innovative resources to support compassionate, rights-based care. With extensive experience across the NFP sector, she is committed to strengthening communities, amplifying diverse voices, and driving systemic change that advances equity and access.

Shelby Mahoney

Shelby Mahoney is a qualified social worker who has been with Children by Choice for four years. In her role as Service Pathways Coordinator, Shelby draws on extensive experience in both client-facing work and advocacy to strengthen access to reproductive healthcare. She plays a pivotal role in ensuring that abortion care is accessible across public, private, and community settings, fostering collaboration and partnerships between health systems to better support people’s reproductive choices. Shelby is deeply committed to advancing equity, compassion, and rights-based care for all who need it.