Some children have already experienced abuse or neglect. Their families need support to repair the harm and improve their parenting and their living environment.
We provide a range of services to ensure that children are safe and supported to heal from the impacts of abuse and neglect. We support families to address and overcome the stresses which have led to the abuse and neglect. Every family has individual needs and we work with them to find out what approach will work best, including:
- counselling
- home visiting
- play groups
- social groups to help parents form social networks
- art therapy
- linking families to local services and activities
- activities such as cooking groups and circus skills workshops
Contact one of our child protection services.
Illicit drug use
We provide emotional and schooling support to children 0-8 who have been exposed to illicit drug use. The NSW Department of Community Services estimates that up to 80% of all child abuse reports involve parental drug and alcohol issues, a significant statistic given that more than 286,000 reports were made in 2006-07. Our Transform program works with children to improve their academic and emotional development and also works with both the child and the parent/s to improve their interaction with one another.
Recent Australian reports and inquiries relating to child protection
In 2007 the NSW Government set up the Special Commission of Inquiry into Child Protection Services in NSW, presided over by retired Supreme Court Judge James Wood AO QC. The Commission is currently taking evidence and will report in late 2008. The Benevolent Society has made a number of oral submissions and one written submission to the Inquiry.
The Benevolent Society also provided a written submission commenting on the Australian Government's discussion paper 'Australia's Children: Safe and Well, A national framework for protecting Australia's children'.
'Breaking the Silence: Creating the Future'
The report of the NSW Aboriginal Child Sexual Assault Taskforce, 2006
'Ampe Akelyernemane Meke Mekarle: Little Children are Sacred'
The report of the Northern Territory Board of Inquiry into the Protection of Aboriginal Children from Sexual Abuse, 2007