Expert advice on building supportive communities

The Parliamentary Secretary for Community Services, Julie Collins, today launched a new book which provides expert analysis of ways to best support vulnerable children and their families.

More than 40 practitioners, policy makers and researchers across the community services, education and health sectors contributed to Building Integrated Connections for Children, their Families and Communities.

The book compiles a series of presentations delivered at the 2010 Children, Communities, Connection Conference and was co-edited by the local Manager of the Salisbury Communities for Children site, Karl Brettig.

Ms Collins said the book gives people access to the knowledge gained from research and on the ground practice and would be an important resource for policy-makers.

“The Gillard Government recognises the importance of providing integrated support for vulnerable families to help give every child the best possible start in life,”
Ms Collins said.

“This resource covers topics such as supporting vulnerable children and families, developing social, emotional and spiritual wellbeing in children and community development, which are relevant to programs such as Communities for Children.

“Under the Gillard Government’s Communities for Children program, parents are given a range of support to help build their parenting skills and confidence, and access to early learning and development opportunities.

“The Communities for Children program delivers important integrated support services for parents and children, ranging from one-on-one intensive counselling to whole-of-community events.

“South Australian community organisations including Anglicare, The Salvation Army and Unitingcare will receive more than $15.8 million over three years to deliver dozens of Communities for Children programs for families across Murray Bridge, North West Adelaide, Onkaparinga, Salisbury, Playford and Port Augusta.”

Mr Zappia said the book is essential reading for people working to support vulnerable communities in South Australia and across the country.

“I congratulate Karl Brettig and Professor Margaret Sims for working on this impressive volume and bringing together the work of a number of experts to examine effective support for children and families.”