The director of therapeutic and advocacy services at Parkerville Children and Youth Care in Armadale reflected on the organisation and the successes and challenges of 2016.
Amanda Paton said Parkerville continued to reach young children and families with the aim of protecting and caring for them.
“We advocate and promote recovery for children and young people who have experienced trauma from abuse,” she said.
“We support families and work with the community to prevent child abuse through a range of specialist tertiary, secondary and early intervention services across the metro and regional areas.”
Mrs Paton said the Armadale based Parkerville has been open since 2008 and provided specialist services to treat the harmful impacts of abuse.
“Last year we provided services to over 6700 children, young people and parents,” she said.
“We operate the Challis Child and Parent Centre, and provide services via our School Based Support Services in local schools.
We also manage the Armadale Family Support Network, which provides families with connections to services in the area via a common entry point and assessment.”
Mrs Patton said Parkerville was not without its challenges.
“There is an ever increasing demand on our services, particularly those specialist psychological services for children and young people who have experienced abuse,” she said.
“The impacts of child abuse are devastating for the child, their family and the community.
“The organisation is committed to the continued expansion of our early intervention and prevention services, and has recently expanded into the regional South West with the opening of our Bunbury Therapeutic Family Services Office and School Based Support Services in eight schools.
“In the new year it is hoped that Child Protection and Family Support and WA Police continue to partner with Parkerville in the continuation of this and the role out of similar Child Advocacy Centres across WA.”
For more information visit parkerville.org.au
