For mum Bella*, staying connected to her three young children while she is apart from them is her absolute priority.
Despite being their primary caregiver, she was not able to contact them for some time after being incarcerated, and it’s been incredibly difficult for her and her children, aged just 2, 3 and 5.
Determined to do whatever she could, Bella first self-referred to our parenting program, Bringing Up Great Kids. Across five sessions, she showed genuine commitment and was engaged, attentive and eager to learn, completing the program and receiving her certificate.
At the final session, Bella asked our team what else she could do to connect with her children. That’s when she heard about our Storytime program.
Keen to take part, our team organised for Bella to record herself reading three carefully chosen books for her children.
She picked Who Sank the Boat?, knowing it would make her youngest laugh, alongside two heartfelt favourites, The Invisible String and Guess How Much I Love You.
As she finished recording, she added a personal message: “Mummy loves you all the way to the moon and back”, a phrase she shared is something she often says to her children.
The positive impact was immediate. Bella’s sister, who has been caring for the children, said they were overjoyed to hear their mum’s voice again and listened to the stories every night at bedtime.
Not long after, Bella applied to take part in our Stay Together Play Together playgroup, and then the happy day soon came when she was reunited with her children in person for the first time since entering custody.
As soon as they arrived, the children scrambled out of the pram and ran straight into their mum’s arms.
The visit was filled with laughter, with the family painting pictures, making music and playing games together.
In a quiet moment, Bella’s eldest opened up about friendship troubles at school. Drawing on what she had learned in the parenting program, Bella offered comfort and encouragement, reminding her child of their worth.
It was a lovely moment of reconnection, not just physically, but emotionally, and shows the value of these programs when they work together.
Bella’s sister passed on to our team how grateful she was and praised the impact of all of the programs, sharing that they’ve helped bridge the gap for the children while their mum is away.
For Bella and her children, these moments are helping to keep bonds strong, restore confidence, and create a pathway forward together.
*Names and images changed
When a parent is taken into custody, a child’s world can change overnight. When this happened to Sally*, Year 4 became a year of uncertainty, and new responsibilities. But with support from […]
“The boys told their mum it was the best day. She said they haven’t stopped talking about it since!” Child & Parent Days are a highlight for families with a dad […]
Young people in custody discovered the joy of cooking while building confidence during a hands-on class with SHINE for Kids and inaugural MasterChef Australia winner Julie Goodwin. This new program is […]