Child Protection Award-winning program supports Jindalee students

The program, which was honoured with a Highly Commended award at last year’s Queensland Child Protection Week Awards, is an initiative of Churches of Christ’s Families Together team.
 
The School Readiness program connects families with a range of free services to help parents support their children’s health and developmental needs, and prepare them for the new school year.
 
Local mum, [Jodie] attended the event with her seven-year-old son earlier in the year.
 
“I was surprised at how much really important information we discovered for his health and wellbeing; and how nice it was to meet other families in the area. Highly recommend!
 
“We were shocked when he met with the podiatrist and found out he had flat feet and issues with his knees; we had no idea! I remember having his ears checked when he was younger, as he always had issues with balance. In talking to the podiatrist, suddenly it all made sense, and gave us a plan for the future. It was such a relief.
 
“I always thought podiatrists were for those older in our community, not for children. The information provided as to next steps was really helpful.
 
“The speech therapist gave us some very important information about some challenges that I wanted to find out more about for him.
 
“The hairdresser was awesome also and covered that extra expense that we don’t have to worry about heading into the new school year.
 
Fungisai Tabengwa, Service Manager, Brisbane Intensive Family Support, Churches of Christ said it was the cheerful sound and sight of the children excitedly going through the different stations and receiving their packs to take home that was her favourite part of the program.
 
“The team identified a need in the community to provide parents and children access to local services, such as a dentist, audiologist, child health nurse, nutritionist, hairdresser and podiatrist.
 
“We reached out to local allied health services, and received an overwhelming response that contributed to the success of this event.”
 
Churches of Christ is committed to ensuring that all children are safe, happy and empowered, find out more: ittakesacommunity.com.au
 
Queensland Child Protection Week runs from Sunday 5 to Saturday 11 September 2021, with the 2021 Child Protection Award-winners honoured at a ceremony on Thursday 2 September. To see this year’s winners, visit: childprotectionweek.org.au