2007

Thursday 30th August 2007
Brighter Futures for Taree's Vulnerable Kids

Today saw the launch of an innovative new program which will make a difference to the lives of Taree's vulnerable families.

Brighter Futures is designed for families who have children 8 years or younger or who are expecting a child, and who face specific problems including domestic violence, parental drug and alcohol misuse, parental mental health issues, lack of extended family or social support, parents with significant learning difficulties, child behaviour management problems, lack of parenting skills or inadequate supervision of children.

Funded by the Department of Community Services (DoCS) and administered by Centacare in Taree, the program aims to reduce child abuse and neglect through decreasing the likelihood of families entering the child protection system. It also aims to provide long term benefits for children by improving intellectual development, educational outcomes and employment opportunities; enhancing parent-child relationships and the capacity for parents to build positive relationships and raise stronger, healthier children.

According to Brighter Futures Taree Co-ordinator, Mr Robert Cooke, “This program represents an innovative and proactive approach that will complement and build on existing service networks in our community. It's all about partnership and collaboration and community organisations working together to support families who are finding life tough. Brighter Futures enables us to draw on our local skills base to enhance the case management of vulnerable families and to work together to support their needs. It uses a strengths-based approach and recognises that parents already have skills and expertise when it comes to understanding what works for their families”.

Organisations participating in the Brighter Futures program include Taree Family Day Care, Manning Support Services, Ghinni Ghinni Youth & Culture Aboriginal Corporation, Great Lakes Children's Centre, Nabiac & District Preschool, Gloucester Preschool, Snugglepot Childcare Centre, Taree & District Preschool, Old Bar Preschool, Girrawong Aboriginal Preschool , Stroud Preschool, Wingham Preschool (Flying Fox Mobile Preschool) Manning Gardens Early Intervention Service, Manning and Great Lakes Early Intervention Service, Hunter New England Area Health Service (Manning, Great Lakes and Gloucester) and Home Base Youth Services.

“With the diversity of skills and expertise involved in Brighter Futures, we'll be able to provide support services such as home visits, childcare, budgeting and parenting programs. We're very keen to work with vulnerable children under three years of age. Research has shown that this is the period in which crucial brain development occurs. If you can get kids when they're young, we know they will learn better. We're pleased to be the lead agency for the Brighter Futures program and we look forward to working with others in our community to give vulnerable kids a better start in life and a brighter future,” Mr Cooke said.

Families can access the Brighter Futures program by contacting Centacare Taree, one of the community partners or via a referral from DoCS

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