Dr Neil Carrington and the Adelaide integrated therapy team recently held an open day to report on their progress in preventing and treating child abuse and neglect. Attendees included the SA Guardian for Children, Councillors and social workers from Port Adelaide Enfield, representatives from the Deputy Premiers office and educators. Many said they were moved by the case studies and scenarios presented.
Since establishing in Adelaide in June 2014 Act for Kids has worked with kids aged from 2 to 17 years old, many who have experienced more than one form of abuse or neglect. The majority have been emotionally abused and more than half have been exposed to domestic violence. Nearly half have experienced neglect and a quarter have been physically abused. A few have experienced confirmed sexual abuse, while this is suspected to have occurred in a number of other kids treated.
All children show signs of emotional, social and behavioural difficulties and many have developmental and learning difficulties. The team has been providing integrated therapy to address their needs and is making considerable progress.
In addition Act for Kids protective behaviours program Learn to be safe with Emmy and friends has been delivered to over 200 children in Reception year at local schools and the team will be rolling out the program to more schools in 2016.
Click here to view the Adelaide Progress Report.
