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The Group Work Program provides a venue for
peer support and an opportunity to have fun.
The following range of groups is held:
- Children’s peer support groups held in the community
- Children’s peer support groups held in schools
- Children and family school holiday fun program
- Children and family monthly day trip fun program
- Carers’ groups, reducing the isolation experienced by family members.
The Group Work Program is based around a strength-based
and solution-focused model which acknowledges
and affirms what is already working for an individual,
building on existing skills and strengths and is future-focused.
 Why Group Work?
It's not easy for the children and young people who have a parent in prison. It's not like you can tell your friends about it. Kids feel terrible, they miss their mum or dad, and they can't do anything because there isn't enough money. It's just plain awful.
Why is having a parent in prison so traumatic
for a child or young person? »
The Group Work Program at SHINE for Kids is a lot of fun for the children and young people involved. We try to help them to build friendships with other kids their own age who also have a parent in prison.
Group Work happens after school and it is usually a mix of craft, games and talking. Group Work and schools work, in particular, have enabled children to address the issues they are facing in a supportive, team environment. Through the Group Work program we have also been better able to identify those that may need more intensive case management.
What are the aims of Group Work?
Peer support groups:
- develop positive, nurturing relationships with children who are struggling with the imprisonment of a parent
- create an environment where many of the natural consequences of parental imprisonment can be addressed
- reduce isolation for young people with a parent in jail, by connecting them with other young people in a similar circumstance
- help build resilience in children
- teach skills that help children and young people to cope and to adapt
- are fun
Who is eligible to attend Group Work?
Children and young people between the ages of 5 and 16 who have been or are being affected by the imprisonment of a parent are eligible to be considered/evaluated for group. Acceptance into a group is subject to several criteria – location, safety, suitability of available group, and suitability of other clients etc.
For more information, contact SHINE for Kids by phoning (02) 9714 3011 or emailing groupwork@shineforkids.org.au
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