We give children hope
The counselling programs of the Australian Childhood Foundation help repair the emotional and psychological damage experienced by children who have suffered abuse and family violence.
Counselling gives abused children hope that their lives can be safe and fun.
It requires a great deal of sensitivity and a fundamental belief in the resilience of children. It prioritises the voices and needs of children, as well as recognising the importance of families to support the recovery processes.
We employ a number of experienced child and family therapists. The programs for abused children include individual counselling, group work, parent support and family therapy.
The programs have a significant reputation for innovation and creativity in approaching the task of helping children overcome the trauma associated with abuse.
The counselling service focuses on children who have suffered serious multiple forms of abuse and require the active involvement of statutory child protection services and the police.
The essence of our counselling work with children who have suffered abuse is to provide them with:
- an experience that tries to clarify their confusion about how a trusted adult can hurt them;
- an opportunity to rebuild their world with a greater sense of safety and security;
- the knowledge that the abuse was not their fault but the responsibility of someone much more powerful than them;
- a sense of belonging to a community who cares about children.
We currently run a range of distinct specialist assessment and treatment programs for children and young people who have experienced abuse, family violence and neglect.
- Specialist Assessment and Consultation Service – Assists in defining the impact of abuse on children, young people and their families. Provides planning and intervention strategies for professionals.
- Abuse Related Trauma Counselling Program for Children and Young People – Assists children and young people to recover from experiences of abuse and family violence.
- Family Therapy Program – Provides solution oriented intervention aimed at changing abusive family patterns of communication, attitudes and behaviour.
- Transformers Program: Children’s Sexual Behaviours Program – Assists children under the age of twelve who have engaged in problem sexual behaviour.
- Dimensions: Children with Disabilities Program – Supports children with a disability who have experienced abuse and family violence and/or who have engaged in problem sexual behaviour.
- Therapy and Care for Kids (TRACK) Program – Provides intensive training and support for carers of children and young people who have suffered abuse related trauma and exhibit difficult to manage behaviour.
- GREAT Kids Program – Provides individual and family therapy for children and young people who have experienced emotional and psychological abuse in their family.
Please call 1800 176 453 if you would like more information about how to access one of these programs.