Designing a trauma-informed digital platform for young people
Challenge
Kids First Australia sought to scale its trauma-informed learning programs to better support vulnerable children and young people—particularly those in residential care and early learning environments. Traditional face-to-face delivery has limited reach and consistency. A digital solution was required to extend access, enhance engagement, and maintain therapeutic integrity.
Approach
Curio partnered with Kids First to design and build "To Future Me"—a trauma-informed digital platform that offers self-paced, interactive modules aligned with therapeutic and social-emotional learning goals. Key principles included:
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Co-design with clinical experts and youth advisors
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Trauma-aware UX/UI and content strategy
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Modular structure for flexible, scaffolded learning
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Integrated practitioner guidance and conversation prompts
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Accessibility compliance (WCAG 2.1 AA)
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Data privacy by design—no personal data stored
Following successful pilot deployment, the platform was expanded to Year 10 learners to support respectful relationships and consent education.
Impact
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Expanded access: Deployed across Kids First’s therapeutic education services, with adoption extending to external care settings.
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Measured engagement: Practitioners report significantly improved learner participation and emotional reflection.
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Scalable model: Platform architecture supports modular extension to new age groups and contexts.
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Sustainable delivery: Ongoing pro bono support ensures platform evolution and content updates aligned to user needs.
“To Future Me has been a transformative addition to our work. Curio’s deep understanding of trauma-informed practice and their collaborative approach made a complex project both achievable and impactful.”
— Cordelia Hewitt, Director, Business Services Transformation, Kids First Australia
What Curio delivered
| Solution Area | Details |
|---|---|
| Digital Strategy | Trauma-informed learning model, platform architecture |
| UX/UI & Learning Design | Inclusive interface, low-literacy content, interactive activities |
| Content Co-Creation | Clinically aligned modules, reflection tools, practitioner resources |
| Front-End Development | Modular, secure platform infrastructure |
| Maintenance & Hosting | Three-year pro bono support and platform upkeep |
Why it matters
To Future Me exemplifies how thoughtful digital learning design can meaningfully support the mental well-being of children and young people navigating trauma. By bringing together therapeutic insights, inclusive technology, and sustained partnership, Curio helped Kids First redefine how social impact programs can scale—and succeed.