Australian Childhood Foundation

Click here to view the Australian Childhood Foundation - Social Media Terms of Use: https://bit.ly/3HayHgf

If you haven’t yet completed the It’s never too late survey, there's still time to do so today. Thank you to everyone who has responded so far. While the survey will close, the work continues. To stay updated on the research and survey findings, visit nevertoolate.org.au and subscribe to our newsletter. ---------- If you, or someone you know is in immediate danger, call 000. For confidential support regarding family violence, call 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732). To report concerns relating to a child, please contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

At OurSPACE NSW, we're dedicated to working alongside care teams to provide stability for children and young people in out-of-home, residential and kinship care. The program has helped to successfully stabilise placements for 92% of those we support, showcasing the effectiveness of a comprehensive and trauma-informed approach. Involvement in the program saw: ➜ 43% of children and young people achieve stability in their current placement. ➜ 34% of children and young people move to a new, more suitable placement and achieve stabilisation – moves were often due to reasons such as unsuitable matches with carers or the need to address challenging behaviours. ➜ 15% of children and young people continue to receive intensive support to stabilise their care arrangements, particularly those with kinship carers or complex needs. These fantastic outcomes for children and young people are a testament to our commitment to ensuring they achieve the stability they need to heal from trauma. Anyone can refer to OurSPACE. For referrals or any other enquiries, please email intakeourspace@childhood.org.au.

Ever thought of becoming a foster carer? Ordinary people like you do the extraordinary every day, giving children a safe place to call home and a fresh start. Become a foster carer today. Find out more about fostering with us in Perth here: https://lnkd.in/gFN4KAA8

ORDINARY PEOPLE, EXTRAORDINARY HEARTS! We were thrilled to launch our ‘Ordinary People, Extraordinary Hearts’ foster care recruitment campaign over the weekend at City of Belmont WA's KidzFest. Our Foster Care team in Perth, Western Australia are looking for ordinary people with extraordinary hearts to join our foster carer community. If you are or know someone who has an extraordinary heart that wants to make a difference in a child’s life, reach out to our team to learn more about fostering: https://lnkd.in/gFN4KAA8

This #ChildrensWeek, we’re celebrating play as the universal language of children, offering them a safe space to express, explore, and heal. The Foundation’s team at Naala Djookan Healing Centre in Perth, WA, recently introduced 'Family Fun Time', a play program for mothers and children affected by domestic and family violence (DFV). The Naala Djookan Healing Centre is a partnership with local government, the Foundation, and other organisations that provide vital support for families. Caught in the cycle of violence, mothers and children experience harm that disrupts their safety and stability. The Family Fun Time program prioritises relational safety, offering a space for children to express themselves through play. Children are celebrated as play experts, guiding the sessions. Mothers learn to respond to their children's needs with undivided attention, fostering empowerment and hope. Playful activities help rebuild trust and emotional resilience in children impacted by trauma, reminding them they are safe with those around them. Feedback for the program so far has been overwhelmingly positive. Swipe through and read our latest blog to learn more: https://lnkd.in/gSTqkMas

We've extended abstract submissions for our 2025 International Childhood Trauma Conference by two weeks! There's still time to share your knowledge alongside an incredible lineup of world-leading thinkers, researchers and practitioners. Submit your abstract via eOrganiser by 6 November 2024. All submissions will be reviewed by an internal panel, with notifications sent in December 2024. Learn more and submit: https://lnkd.in/eE_3U8By 🗓️ 17 - 22 August 2025 📍 Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre

We’re looking for ordinary people with extraordinary hearts in Perth. Fostering is about offering love, patience, and understanding. Every day, ordinary people make an extraordinary difference by opening their lives to children in need. It doesn’t take a lot to be extraordinary— just have an open heart and a desire to help. Find out how you can help at https://lnkd.in/gFN4KAA8

"Play is the language of children, and through play, children learn, express emotions and thoughts, have fun, solve problems and discover their world." #ChildrensWeek is a wonderful time to celebrate the power of play in children's lives. As Chris Hutchinson, Senior Consultant for our Parenting and Early Years Program, shares in our latest blog, play is so much more than a fun activity for little ones. It's essential in helping children learn, grow, and make sense of the world around them. From developing motor skills to exploring their emotions and building social connections, play is a child's natural method of discovering who they are. You can read the blog via our website. https://lnkd.in/gKYDF5Jp

It’s officially Children's Week. This week, and every week, take a moment to remind your children and yourself of the incredible worth you both hold. Positive affirmations can be a powerful tool for helping your little ones build their self-esteem, resilience, and loving connections with others. We're sharing a few affirmations you may wish to incorporate into your daily routine with the children in your life to help foster a supportive and nurturing environment at home. The words we speak to those around us can shape their lives in wonderful ways. 🧡 ➜ Your imagination is powerful. Help them to let their creativity and sense of fun shine through play and exploration. ➜ You are a kind person. Recognise how their kindness holds the power to shape a better world. ➜ You can do anything that you set your mind to. Encourage them to try new things and keep going if they don't succeed the first time. ➜ You make me proud every day. Acknowledge their achievements, big and small. ➜ I'm so grateful for you. Express gratitude for their presence in your life and the love and joy they bring you. ➜ I love you just the way you are. Remind them to embrace the special, unique qualities that make them who they are.