The Aunties & Uncles Program links Volunteer Carers with children aged from 3 – 12 years from families who could benefit from support. Generally the child or young person is given an opportunity to experience life with another family by spending one weekend a month with them. The Program is based on the belief that giving time, friendship, care and guidance can help build a child’s self esteem and confidence. Trained Regional Coordinators assess, screen and train adult Volunteer Carers and evaluate the needs of socially and emotionally disadvantaged or isolated families. Regional Coordinators facilitate links between children and approved Volunteer Carers, providing children with friendship, mentoring, role modeling and time out from stressful situations.
The Rationale
Research has shown that a preventative Program like Aunties & Uncles can alleviate the stress that many families face and that linking children with appropriate role models can contribute to children developing into well-adjusted adults. Aunties & Uncles is not a quick fix remedy, it is a preventative Program that gradually role models skills and provides care and support to help a child develop into a functional adult.
Our Vision
- To build a better life for children.
- To provide a support service to families whose children may be socially and/or emotionally disadvantaged.
- To create an extended family and non-judgmental support network to assist stressed families.
- To assist in the prevention of the break-up of families, and the need for children to enter out-of-home care, by providing ongoing support and assistance.
- To provide children with regular respite on weekends and in times of family stress.
- To acknowledge and support parents or primary carers in their parenting role.
- To encourage members of the community to support each other.
