Preventing abuse in vulnerable families

The best way to stop child abuse is to prevent it from occurring in the first place. Our Active Parenting Program is for families who are not yet part of the child safety system, but who are on a “slippery slope” towards endangering their children. Signs of this can include:

• a track record of domestic violence
• homelessness or unstable living arrangements
• disability or mental health problems
• poor school attendance
• joblessness and financial stress
• children’s recurring health issues

Child Safety Officers, police, GPs, hospitals and even Centrelink can link families up to our Active Parenting Program.

How we help

Family Coaches identify strengths and weaknesses within the family, and work with parents to make their home a safe and loving place.

Coaches work to improve families’ dynamics in a similar way that personal trainers improve physical fitness. They help families one-on-one – setting goals, providing motivation and advice, teaching skills, and linking them with other community support services.

Group sessions are also available as part of this program, so struggling parents can learn and support each other through their challenges.

The Active Parenting Program is part of the Queensland Government’s Referral for Active Intervention initiative. We work with families in Cairns, Yarrabah and on the Gold Coast.