KiDS CAN seeks to
maximise the active participation of children and young people with the aim of building their resilience, developing healthy relationships and breaking the cycle of abuse and neglect.
The aims of KiDS CAN are to:
- Provide children and young people with a voice on matters of concern to them
- Encourage maximum participation of children and young people in developing community projects so that each individual experiences a sense of agency - that they can make a positive difference for themselves and others
- Provide them with opportunities to make decisions and take responsibility for the operation and completion of a project
- Develop a sense of belonging to the group / community
- Encourage and develop any necessary research skills
- Develop relational values and the intra and interpersonal knowledge and skills which are the foundations for healthy relationships
- Develop confidence, strong collaborative skills and willingness to ask for help.
- Build positive approaches towards challenges and potential conflict.
- Approach and liaise with supportive adults in the community.
- Have a solution focused approach to problems
- Celebrate and communicate their achievement
- Provide evidence to adults of the potential for CYP to be creative, work together and take responsibility.
The aims in bold are those most closely linked to the prevention of child abuse and neglect and inhibiting the cycle of abuse.
Over the last 3 years and supported by our sponsors, KiDS CAN used a micro-philanthrop ic program to distribute $90,000 to projects aimed at making a difference to the lives of children in communities throughout NSW. Microgrant Projects 2008: HERE 2007: HERE 2006: HERE
Initially this was coordinated by NAPCAN in liaison with corporate bodies but increasingly local councils are taking responsibility for overseeing the projects including approaching local businesses for funds.
To enable sustainability, NAPCAN is currently developing a Community Engagement model that will promote the importance of engaging children and young people (expressed in the KiDS CAN aims), and provide the framework to educate local communities across Australia in order to initiate and sustain their own KiDS CAN initiatives.
- NAPCAN is partnering with five Local Councils to pilot this model and will provide skills and knowledge through partners including Dr Sue Roffey and the University of Western Sydney.
- Local Community Action Groups will be developed to provide ongoing support and ensure the sustainability of KiDS CAN.
- The advantage of the KiDS CAN framework is that it can be adapted to the needs of each community and run on a small or large scale.
The KiDS CAN criteria is modelled on the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. Read how KiDS CAN initiatives are enabling KiDS to exercise these rights HERE
LOOK - Children’s Ideas, Visions and Images is a KiDS CAN initiative undertaken as a pilot project with well respected Author, Artist and Educator Ursula Kolbe. MORE
This production provides you with an overview and understanding of how KiDS CAN helps to build resilience in our children and young people, and thus reduces their risk of harm, and was generously produced and supported by Super Ant Productions and Bondi Beach Public School. View the film HERE
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