At Act for Kids, we not only help children who have experienced abuse or neglect, but we also work with families that are at risk of harm. The following is a true story and an example of how a parent can overcome trauma to create a positive future for themselves and their children when services like Act for Kids walk alongside them.
“This little family were residing in a women’s refuge after bravely fleeing from Domestic Violence. Although they had escaped immediate danger, they still faced numerous barriers to achieving safety and well-being.”
Desperate for safety
Some time ago, a young mum and her two young toddlers, three-year-old Mia and two-year-old Hayden were referred to Act for Kids Intensive Family Support. This little family were residing in a women’s refuge after bravely fleeing from Domestic Violence. Although they had escaped immediate danger they still faced numerous barriers to achieving safety and well being.
At Act for Kids they were supported by a Family Support Practitioner, a Domestic and Family Violence Specialist, and an In-Home Support Worker. At our first meeting, Mum expressed a desire to return home to her family for Christmas. At Act for Kids, we worked with Mum and her kids as well as linking in with their extended family to create a Safety Plan that enabled the young family to spend Christmas with their loved ones.
Getting back on track
Some of these services included support for subsidised housing, counselling for the mother and Mia, a parenting program for Mum, a physical fitness program for women who have experienced domestic violence and a school readiness program for Mia.
For a short while, Act for Kids helped Mum and the kids to get around to their various appointments, but with our support Mum quickly obtained her license and with it, her freedom.
“Our Intensive Family Support team focused on linking them in other local services that could further help them on their journey to overcoming the domestic violence they’d escaped.”
Where are they now?
Now, over a year later, this little family is thriving. They are immersed in the community, with a small group of friends and attending community events. The children are attending day care and Mum has recently started studying at TAFE. Mum now has a license, a car and is debt free – something she could only have dreamed about! They have moved into a rental property and have turned it into a home. Although the effects of trauma still lingers in all three of their lives Act for Kids has observed an immense improvement in their emotional well being.
Before saying goodbye to Mum, Mia and Hayden, we supported them in creating a Safety Plan for them to follow in the event that the perpetrator finds them. Along with this plan, the family was provided with a Domestic Violence Emergency Pack.
The response of Act for Kids and the other services involved have rewritten the story of this family. It was such a privilege to walk alongside this brave young mother in her journey to achieving safety and wellbeing for her children. Now, Mia and Hayden will go on to experience a safe and happy childhood, free from harm and able to experience the childhood they deserve.
“Although the effects of trauma still lingers in all three of their lives, Act for Kids has observed a big improvement in their emotional well being. “
The Bigger Problem
Last year
over 480,000
reports were made to child protection authorities
Over
174,700 kids
accessed child protective services
That's
1 in every 32
Aussie kids!
Source: Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, Child protection Australia 2019-20.
Abuse and neglect
The majority (54%) experience emotional abuse, followed by neglect (22%). One in five (14%) experience physical abuse and 9% experience sexual abuse.
Abuse and neglect can impact a child’s brain development, how they feel and think about themselves, how successful they are at school, even their physical development and skills. In the long term this can lead to drug and alcohol abuse, mental illness, difficulty developing and maintaining good relationships, unemployment and all sorts of social disadvantage.
Early intervention makes the world of difference
The response of Act for Kids and the other services involved have rewritten the story of this family. It was such a privilege to walk alongside this brave young mother in her journey to achieving safety and wellbeing for her children. Now, Mia and Hayden will go on to experience a safe and happy childhood, free from harm and able to experience the childhood they deserve.
How you can help
We rely heavily on donations to support our Integrated Therapy Services, and provide help to children and families who have experienced or are at risk of harm. With your support, we can continue to help keep kids safe, heal from trauma and lead happy lives.
