Circles of Care (Queensland)

Based in the school communities of White Rock and Yarrabah in the Cairns Southern Corridor, the program primarily aims to support children who exhibit behaviours indicative of underlying personal, school or family problems – for example, bullying, disruptive behaviour in class and intense shyness.

Each Circle consists of six to eight adults, including family members, teachers and community service professionals. Circle partners work together to look out for the child, develop goals and strategies to head off potential difficulties, celebrate the student’s achievements and cultivate a healthy relationship with the school.

This service also provides workshops and activities for parents and children, as well as links to external services. Through this contact, families are better placed to strengthen support networks in their own community and ultimately overcome challenges.

By instilling positive behaviours early in life and providing a supportive environment for children, Circles of Care will create a healthier, safer society for us all.

The benefits – Circle of Care

• Set positive examples to children
• Create brighter futures for families  
• Build stronger, happier, safer, more harmonious communities
• Prevent the growth in social problems such as substance abuse, crime, alienation and unemployment.

Positive feedback:
“It was just good to touch base with other parents of kids with special needs, in a safe, non-judgmental environment.” - Circles of Care participant.

“The Circles of Care program has exceeded any expectations I had.”
–    John Baskerville, Principal, White Rock State School.

“I have been teaching since 1990 and of all the services I have dealt with Circles of Care is by far the most supportive and valuable I have ever seen.” — Learning Support Teacher.
–    

Contact:
Sarah Wilde, Service Manager for Circles of Care
Phone: (07) 4051 6560
Email: wildes@missionaustralia.com.au

Supporting Circles of Care
Mission Australia needs the support of generous Australians to provide Circles of Care to highly disadvantaged communities. To play a crucial role building stronger families and healthier communities, contact Helen O’Connor, Partnerships State Leader Queensland/NT:
Phone: (07) 3394 8149
Email: o'connorh@missionaustralia.com.au