Marg Rogers’ Post

Children's sense of belonging and agency is supported when they see their lives reflected in storybooks. Being part of a military, Veteran, and First Responder families can be tough if their parents have a moral injury. It impacts affect the whole family, and children are often silent sufferers. Research-based storybooks using family narratives give voice to their experiences and support children's understandings. Our resources are free because many organisations donate their time, and cash funding from The Association of Graduates in Early Childhood Studies. #moralinjury #freeresources #support #mentalhealthsupport #wellbeing #childrenswellbeing #childrensvoice #childrensbooks #childrensliterature #marginalizedcommunities #researchtranslation #knowledgesharing #researchimpact Manna Institute University of New England (AU) CIPSRT-ICRTSP CIMVHR - Canadian Institute for Military and Veteran Health Research Military and Emergency Services Health Australia CQUniversity #veteransupport #firstresponders

In case you missed it..... Since the summer/fall of 2022, I have been running a pilot program in #hamptonroadsva to see what it takes to fill the gap in childcare access that military families face. Spoiler alert: it isn't much, but it does require asking families what isn't working and then changing. On January 8th, I will publish the results of this white paper, which not only states the EXACT amount of money this pilot required but also the impact of that funding and a loud but clear call for transparency from organizations claiming to work in this space. Transparency and accountability are the themes of 2024. Follow The Operation Child Care Project to stay updated.

Hayley Ann Boswell ⭐️This hit me. Our eldest is onto her 7th school and all four of our children have faced challenges with their education due to being Defence Kidz. Thankfully, they have also thrived. As Defence families, we do not get to pick where we live. The amount of times some snarky person on the phone has said to me, "Why didn't you have them on the wait list from birth?" We, as Defence families, don't get that luxury. How about priority of placement for Defence Kidz in ALL childcare centres. Who needs respite more than a Defence spouse doing it solo? How about State School of CHOICE? We don't get to pick where we live, so how about allowing us to pick the State school that best suits our child regardless of catchment area? Small actionable outcomes that would give Defence families a little bit of power to determine the best educational outcomes for their children. These options are already available to at risk children, so the framework is there. How about our Defence Kidz?

Adoption is wildly expensive these days, and for many military families looking to build their families, it's the only option due to extremely limited policy support. If you're a military member who has gone the route of adoption, what was your experience like? We'd be honored to hear what you have to say in the comments. ⬇️ #militaryadoption #adoptionjourney #militaryfamilybuildingcoalition #infertilitysupport #militaryfamily #militaryspouse #militaryfamilylife #militaryfamilysupport #familybuilding #familyplanningjourney #militaryinfertility

For military families, that number is even higher due to physical separation, injuries, and more. If you're a part of the 13%+ of families dealing with infertility, you are not alone. We have been through the heartbreaking process of struggling to grow our families ourselves, and it's why we're so passionate about helping others find the support, resources, and community they need to experience parenthood. Explore our catalog of resources and organizations to help make family building possible for our military members and their families. ⬇️ https://lnkd.in/esyn42Ei #militaryfamilybuildingcoalition #infertilitysupport #militaryfamily #militaryspouse #militaryfamilylife #militaryfamilysupport #familybuilding #familyplanningjourney #militaryinfertility

💫 Exciting Updates in the November Child Support Report! 💫 Commissioner Tanguler Gray sheds light on the crucial topic of Supporting Military Parents, and there's a must-read checklist for Modernizing Your Child Support System, something we know a little about. 😉 Dive into insights on Increasing Tribal Collaboration and more. Click the link to stay informed! #ChildSupport #MilitarySupport https://lnkd.in/gtN4xVWK

Exciting news! For the first time ever, 'Military and veteran families' are officially recognised as a distinct cohort within the Australian Government’s Early Years Strategy! 🙌 The Early Years Strategy, led by the Department of Social Services (DSS), is shaping the vision for the future of Australia's children and families. It aims to deliver the best outcomes for Aussie kids by focusing on the critical early years of development. 🧒👶 📣 Now, you can make a difference! The government wants YOUR feedback on the draft Early Years Strategy 2024-2034. 🗣️ The survey is open until February 9, 2024. Let your voice be heard and contribute to shaping the future for our children! Why is this important? The Strategy is designed to improve the lives of children, and it's based on extensive consultations with parents, grandparents, service providers, academics, and, most importantly, young children themselves. Your input matters! Check out the draft Strategy on the DSS website and take the survey to share your thoughts. 🔗 https://lnkd.in/gGDyNJsC Let's work together to create a brighter future for Australia's little ones! 🌟 #EarlyYearsStrategy #HaveYourSay #ChildhoodDevelopment #FutureLeaders #SupportOurVeterans #VeteranFamilies #MilitaryFamilies #DefenceFamilies #Military #ADF #Defence #Veterans 📸 Australian Government Department of Social Services

In the next few months, some of those guys below will be service leavers before becoming veterans after serving between 22 to 24 yrs in the British Armed Forces. The concept of "belonging" is central to the idea of community support and inclusion. It involves creating an environment where individuals feel valued, included, safe, and able to join in community activities, thus reducing loneliness and fostering community integration. Similarly, the British Red Cross report "Barriers to Belonging" explores the causes of loneliness and obstacles to seeking help for people from Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic (B.A.M.E.) backgrounds, emphasizing the importance of feeling valued, included, and safe in tackling loneliness. Read more below:👇🏾 https://lnkd.in/eQvmQ6Uq "OP BELONGING" initiative, part of the Leavers to Leaders, focuses on supporting Foreign & Commonwealth personnel & their families to overcome various challenges, such as access to employment, housing, health, finance, education, and justice system. We empower then to better integrate communities and continue to contribute to economic development of the UK and the commonwealth. #opbelonging, #leaverstoleaders #careerdevelopment #military #Commonwealth #britisharmy #royalnavy #royalmarines