With funding ending soon, we would like to share some highlights from this innovative program.
The Indigenous Children and Schooling Program (ICaSP) was funded 2 and half years ago to support Aboriginal families from the Anangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara (APY) Lands and Playford region to increase children’s attendance and participation in schooling. ICaSP funding expires on 31 December 2017, ending our work in the APY Lands. However, we will continue in the Playford region until end of June 2018, based at the Relationships Australia SA Salisbury office.
We would like to share some highlights from the innovative Playford ICaSP program. While the majority of the work is complex case management of families, there are opportunities to work directly with children in schools, as well as connect families with young children to Children’s Centres based at primary schools. Please see photos below that demonstrate the work.
Wak Wakko Young Doctors Program
Funding from Anglicare’s Communities for Children has helped support a weekly program on health and wellbeing for Aboriginal children called Wak Wakko – Young Doctors. ICaSP workers Karina and Erica, with support from Sarah, Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Families Practice Leader, have engaged local Aboriginal elders, health workers, community members, and sports and arts professionals to participate in the group sessions. Wak Wakko – Young Doctors program was developed by the Malpa Project based in Sydney.
Infant Massage
Based on the First Touch 5 week program developed by Baby in Mind (Canberra), ICasP workers Karina and Eileen have been developing culturally appropriate Infant Massage programs for Aboriginal infants. They are part of the network of Relationships Australia SA qualified Infant Massage Instructors coordinated by Kerryn Roberts, who is based in Together 4 Kids service. Relationships Australia SA’s Infant Massage Programs won a National Association for Prevention of Child Abuse Neglect (NAPCAN) – South Australian Play Your Part Award in 2015. Karina and Eileen recently presented at the SNAICC Conference in Canberra. The photos below shows some of their beautiful work with parents with young babies in Playford.
ICaSP Group Work – Wellbeing Group
ICaSP Group Work – Wellbeing Group
ICaSP Group Work – Wellbeing Group
Infant Massage
Wak Wakko Young Doctors Program
Wak Wakko Young Doctors Program
