Volunteer - Child Care Worker

SHINE for Kids is the only organisation in Australia that seeks to specifically break down the barriers and difficulties faced by children of prisoners, and their families. SHINE for Kids is a non for profit Co-Op.

SHINE for Kids provides an advocacy role on behalf of their clients, being the children and their families. SHINE for Kids work to ensure that the next generation of children avoid serving time in the criminal justice system. For further information: www.shineforkids.org.au

Background to the role of a (Child Care Volunteer) at the Child and Family Centre – Parklea

SHINE for Kids has a Child and Family Centre at Parklea Gaol provides facilities to enable carers of children of prisoners and imprisoned parents the opportunity for a “child free” visit. This allows time for the carer and imprisoned parent to discuss issues together without the children hearing, for example; the child’s care, schooling and to maintain their own relationship.

Also our child and family centre allows children to be supported in a child friendly environment that provides a quality child care facility to children who are visiting the various Correctional Centres. Thus volunteering at our Child and Family Centre - Parklea promotes the following:

• A supportive environment for children which can assist to reduce their feelings of isolation and stigmatisation.
• Assist in reducing child’s trauma, which can surround the separation from parent.
• Enjoyable time for children.
• Enable families of prisoners a place to receive information, have a chat in a relaxed & supportive environment.
• Enable children to have some constructive time outside the visiting area of the Centre (goal).

Our Child & Family Centre - Parklea continues to run and provide a vital service mainly by the good will of volunteers who help out on a regular basis. Becoming a volunteer at our Child & Family Centre – Parklea means you join the ranks of 350 volunteers at SHINE for Kids across NSW with a volunteering tradition of helping children for over a quarter of century. As a volunteer not only will you make a difference in a lives of children but you will make new friends, gain new skills that will enhance your resume and career prospects and you will also enhance your own personal development and lifestyle goals. As a volunteer at our Child and Family Centre – Parklea you will contribute to achieve some of the following:

• Interact with Correctional Centre Staff and SHINE for Kids staff
• You will receive on the job training and support from the Facilitator of the Child and Centre – Parklea or from other SHINE for Kids staff
• Prepare the environment, setting up activities and to ensure necessary resources are available.
• Promote a positive experience to all who use the Centre.
• Ensure a caring and secure environment for all children attending the Centre.
• Treat each child with dignity and respect taking into account any cultural, socio-economic and/or other differences that may arise.
• Ensure the safety and well being of the children attending the Centre.
• Maintain an open, warm and very professional relationship with all parents and share positive information about the children with their parents.

The days and hours of operation

You can assist and volunteer during the following times and days:

• Saturday and/ or Sundays
• 9:30am – 3:30pm.

For further information please contact:

Melinda Pale Eli, The Facilitator, Child & Family Centre (02) 9626 - 0088

Or send an email tompaleeli@shineforkids.org