News

We are so pleased to share this exciting milestone; we have started our first-ever playgroup for dads in custody!

Last week at Alexander Maconochie Centre, we launched Stay Together, Play Together for very excited children and their dads.

Dads (and mums) at AMC can now spend regular structured and supported quality playtime with their children, growing these vital family relationships, improving children’s wellbeing, and preparing parents for a hands-on role again when released.

While mums have been able to take part in our playgroups across Queensland for several years, this is a first for mums at AMC and a first for dads at any of our centres.

Our facilitator said the first session went wonderfully and shared the moving moment when one dad’s toddler fell asleep on his shoulder (after lots of playing!), with the young dad saying, “I can hear his heartbeat! I feel like a dad again.”

“It’s these moments that keep you going,” she said.

Our partnership with the local organisation Yeddung Mura Aboriginal Corporation makes these playgroups even more remarkable. Yeddung Mura will join playgroup sessions regularly, providing beautiful live music and culturally appropriate resources and activities. We are so grateful for this partnership; our playgroup sessions are much richer for their participation.

We’d also like to thank The Family Unit at AMC for their wholehearted support of the program.

We look forward to our playgroup program at AMC growing and reaching more excited children and parents in custody!