ac.care’s Communities for Children Murraylands is distributing toolkits to Murray Bridge kindergartens featuring resources to help families, teachers and support staff working with children impacted by domestic and family violence.
The Safe From The Start project was developed by Dr Angela Spinney of Victoria’s Swinburne University in partnership with The Salvation Army in Tasmania.
Resources in the kits include children’s books focused on feelings and emotions, stories for children who have witnessed violence or trauma, books on bullying, puppets and more.
“To treat all of Australian children fairly, we need to make sure every family and community has what kids need to thrive and be healthy,” ac.care Communities for Children manager Teresa O’Brien said.
The resources are being distributed as part of National Child Protection Week, which runs from September 5 to 11 with the theme “every child, in every community, needs a fair go”.
“Children deserve to be safe and able to thrive and National Child Protection Week is an important opportunity to promote the value of children and young people by focusing attention on the prevention of child abuse and neglect.”
The project is a collaboration between the Rural City of Murray Bridge Community Safety, Wellbeing and Inclusion Program, supported by the Murray Bridge SAFE Taskforce, which promotes a safe, vibrant and thriving community.
Funded by the Federal Government, the Communities for Children program supports children and families through community partnerships to deliver programs and services to children aged up to 12 years old.
More information can be found on the Communities for Children Murraylands Facebook page, ac.care.org.au or by calling the ac.care Murraylands Centre on 8531 4900.