Association of Children’s Welfare Agencies Conference, 18–20 August 2008 Enhancing safety and wellbeing for children through supporting the meaningful inclusion of families facing challenges into mainstream child care: The Role of the Child Care Resource Officer (CCRO) Julie Druce Director of Early Intervention & Family Support SDN Children’s Services & LubaTorban Child Care Resource Officer SDN Children’s Services

Acknowledgement of country We would like to acknowledge the traditional custodians of this land and pay our respects to the Elders – past, present and future – for they hold the memories, the traditions, the culture and hopes of Indigenous Australia.

The SDN Brighter Futures Program is Voluntary Targeted to families facing challenges with children 0-8 years. Case-managed support to prevent an escalation into child protection. Aimed at reaching families as early as possible to provide early support and early intervention. A single entry point.

The SDN Brighter Futures Program The program has three core goals: To promote healthy development in children To promote strong, functional and well-supported families To reduce and prevent child abuse and neglect in participating families.

Vulnerabilities Domestic Violence Parental drug & alcohol misuse Parental mental health issues A lack of extended family or social supports Parents with a learning difficulty or intellectual disability Child behaviour management problems Lack of parenting skills/ inadequate supervision

The Multi-Disciplinary Teams *Family workers *Finance administrators *Social workers *Managers *Child carers *Project officers *Administrators *Psychoanalytical psychologists *Aboriginal Family Support Worker *Educators

The Referral Process SDN DoCS determines eligibility SDN Early Intervention Workers The EIW contacts the Child Care Resource Officer (CCRO) DoCS Early Intervention Workers The EIW contacts the Child Care Resource Officer (CCRO) CCRO provides ongoing support to staff DoCS EIW provides ongoing support to parent

Supports regular follow-up meetings to ensure a collaborative and holistic approach to case management. The Referral Process Sources a child care service for the family Facilitates a family service meeting – inviting family members/ community elders, EIW, Director, Primary Educators & the CCRO. Facilitates Reflection Meetings to engage service educators to further support the family. The CCRO

Childcare is one of the major aspects of the Brighter Futures service delivery Parenting styles & cultural practices Respectful partnerships FAMILY CHILD STAFF

The Role of the Child Care Resource Officer *To facilitate the families’ involvement with our Brighter Futures program. *To facilitate equitable access into mainstream childcare. *To facilitate meaningful inclusion of Brighter Futures families into early childhood services.

SDN BF family systems model of early intervention Relationships Building Family/Child EIWCCRO EIWs and CCROs working together for children and families

What impact does the role of the CCRO have on the Service? Transitions and changes Inclusive practices Building relationships

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