BUSHkids Annual Report 21 | 22

Our teams contribute to the success of many child-based events in the communities we serve: • Simultaneous Storytime reading the book “Family Tree” and facilitating some fun and educational craft activities related • Under-8s days were attended in many smaller towns, with the theme “Play in a Changing World”. • Messy Play May , where the Stanthorpe event was particularly well received with great feedback

• The Stanthorpe team also participated in Stanthorpe Stampede, Eco Expo, Christmas Farm, Teddy Bears Picnic and Puppet show – all events clearly demonstrating that the team works in collaboration with other community services.

These days are very beneficial for the teams as they not only promote BUSHkids services and provide development activities for children but also are a great opportunity to network with other services in the areas. These events were well attended by community members and BUSHkids was on the organising committee for some events.

from parents (and children), including a feature in the local Warwick Today and Stanthorpe Today newspaper: “Thank you for your BUSHkids Messy Play today, my son had an absolutely wonderful time, and the staff were just amazing”.

to the book. Some of the team members read to their playgroup while others have involved services including the library and childcare centres to work together to read and discuss this book. This was a successful and enjoyable event held concurrently across the regions.

DSS Annual Report 2021-22

BUSHkids’ DFV support work for children and mums was showcased on page 150 to highlight DSS service provision.

This year BUSHkids partnered with Triple P to train 17 staff in the Primary Care Triple P and Stepping Stones Primary Care programs. The Stepping Stones Triple P targets parents of children with a disability and developmental delay. Primary Care Triple P allows for brief intervention alongside a block of therapy. Triple P Primary Care in action Teammembers returned from Triple P training and stepped straight into using their newfound knowledge. A parent reported that her child had significant and frequent difficult behaviours and that she needed a diagnosis. The parent was asked to track her child’s behaviours to explore frequency and possible triggers, to get a better picture of what was happening for the child.

BUSHkids Parenting Programs When we embark on the parenting journey it represents a major life transition; at times it can be difficult to adjust to and navigate this new role. Most new parents draw on knowledge from their own experience of being parented. BUSHkids values of being child-focused and family-centred means we work with parents and help them to reach the goals they have for their family. BUSHkids has a suite of parenting programs to support families in communities where they live: 1. Triple P – Positive Parenting Program 2. 1-2-3 Magic ® and Emotion Coaching 3. Bringing up Great Kids (BUGK) 4. Circle of Security

It was identified there were no family rules and there was a lack of consistency. Positive parenting requires consistency, clear expectations of the child (family rules) and parents need to lead by example. Gaining insight is the first step in change and Triple P is a powerful tool to empower parents with knowledge. Another family with two young children – three and 15 months old – was struggling to adjust to their new life. Using the Triple P Primary Care program, the family was supported with focusing on positive parenting and how to encourage good behaviour. The sessions focused on family survival tips, and with both parents attending together they learned how to

be on the same page and better emotionally support each other on their parenting journey.

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