Over the past months, chocolate gift bags have been given out to delighted children who drop in before or after a visit with their parent in custody at the nearby correctional centres.
These little goody bags have sweetened up what can be a stressful day for families and let them know they are thought of.
While the children enjoyed their surprise gift, families had a coffee and chat at the centre, bonding over the shared experience of having a loved one in custody and enjoying the opportunity to feel supported, understood and heard.
Practical tips were shared, especially from families used to visits with new families, and our team linked carers with support services in their home towns.
It’s lovely to see how comfortable families and children are at the centre, with one little girl even saying she didn’t want to go home so she could keep playing with the doll’s house and toys at the centre!
One mother gratefully told our team that the chocolates absolutely made her family’s day. With six children at home and money-tight, treats like this are rare and very appreciated.
This family also loved the teddy bears donated by the Cessnock Samaritans available to children, and each took a cuddly toy home to remind them of their much-missed dad.
Our local team member loves every minute on the job and all the smiles he receives from happy children and grateful carers.
“I always feel like I’ve achieved something positive and that I have helped to make a difference in the lives of the families and children that drop in.”
Please support our work with children and families affected by the justice system. Donate today. Every bit counts!
Thank you to the NSW Department of Communities and Justice and local correctional centres for the donation of chocolates.
11-year-old David* has had a really tough start in life, with both parents in and out of custody and very little contact with them. David’s experiences have led to emotional regulation […]
This is the story of how Mike*, an Aboriginal dad in custody, turned from active program participant to respected leader and mentor to other dads going through what he has. In […]
For three little boys and their dad in custody, staying connected is key to their wellbeing, and dads aim to make a new life for himself when he’s released. Mark* (8), […]