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Community organisations such as yours provide much needed ‘on the ground' support and services to assist individuals, parents, children and families. You may not be aware that many of the things you do everyday within your community organisation are helping to prevent child abuse and neglect.
Research has shown that there are various protective factors that will increase the likelihood of positive outcomes for children. At an individual level, this means things like parents having a network of supportive friends and relatives. At the community level this means access to adequate health care, quality education and employment services, appropriate, timely support for problems such as substance abuse and addictions, and having neighbourhoods that are safe, well policed and cohesive. At the societal level, this means a society that discourages violence and physical discipline of children. All of these factors are indicative of child friendly communities. By offering practical and emotional support to parents and families, your organisation plays a part in creating child friendly communities and preventing child abuse and neglect.
- Maintain up-to-date referral information to share with families regarding local facilities and supports for families. Include information about parks, libraries, pools and playgrounds as well as family welfare and support services.
- Explore potential opportunities for promoting attitudes and behaviours that value children. For example, conduct activities such as family picnics or family fun days during Families Week (May), Under 8's week (June), Child Protection Week (September), Children's Week (October).
- Consult with parents and children in your local community about how to make your organisation and the local community more child friendly.
- Develop a positive relationship with the local media and encourage the publication of articles that promote the wellbeing of children and celebrate the strengths and achievements of families.
- Connect with local schools to coordinate programs that focus on parenting and personal development as a way of enhancing parents' relationships with their children, their partners and themselves.
- Promote attitudes and beliefs that value and respect children as equal members of our society with equal rights.
If you would like to know more about how you can Play a Part, contact our Project Facilitators HERE.
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