17
Some of the highlights included : »»
Helping 397 children through our three Children ’ s Contact Services in Richmond , Shepparton and Watsonia to have positive contact with their non-residential parent . We support the parents to understand the needs of their children and learn to communicate in a way that is less damaging . This critical service remains severely under-resourced , with waiting times of up to six months from a Court Order . Our Children ’ s Contacts Service in Watsonia also celebrated 10 years of helping more than 2000 children
»»
Working intensively with 423 children and 168 families , where there has been Child Protection involvement or a Children ’ s Court Order
»»
Through our Co-operative Parenting program in Hume , we provided education programs for separated parents , a six week therapeutic program for children who were struggling because of parental separation and a program in Dhurringile Prison for fathers
»»
Supporting 54 young parents and their children in Gippsland , through supported playgroups
»»
At the request of the Ramahyuck District Co-op in Gippsland , taking over a supported playgroup for Aboriginal women and their children
Case Study :
Samantha and six year old Daniel were referred to our family services program in the North after fleeing a violent relationship in regional Victoria . Both Samantha and Daniel were suffering acute anxiety and depression and had no community or family support . Gaining their trust took some time , but the benefits have been enormous . Daniel thrives in his new school and Samantha ’ s confidence continues to grow . After volunteering for an organisation , Samantha has now been offered employment . Through our Positive Memory Bank , we were also able to send them on a short holiday to Queensland to celebrate just how far they had both come .