Our stories

Our very first Child & Parent Day at the Hunter Correctional Centre was a huge success!

A group of very happy children spent quality time with their dads for the first time since they went into custody.

These extended visits are held in a space where children and their parent can run around, kick a ball, paint, play games, and generally enjoy each other’s company in a child-friendly environment.

This is in contrast to regular visits, which are short and where families are restricted in movement, making it difficult for children who like to be able to hug and play with their parent.

Our trained team provides activities, crafts, sports equipment, games, and support to help families connect.

These days allow children to strengthen this important relationship with their parent and create happy memories of time spent together that they might not have otherwise.

A perfect day

The day went perfectly from start to finish, with the excited kids rushing to their dads as they entered the area!

“To see the bright, happy faces on the children and their dads gave me a feeling that words aren’t quite enough to describe and that it is something that needs to be experienced.” – SHINE for Kids Hunter team

Our team said that two special moments stood out.

One was when the kids and dads were able to make pizzas together, having fun deciding which toppings to put on.

The second was when the staff at the centre brought out plain cupcakes and lots of fun toppings, such as gummy bears, rainbow sprinkles, cream, and candy floss, and the kids got straight to work decorating them with their dads!

Both of these moments, as it turns out, happened thanks to other people in custody, the kitchen staff, who approached the centre with ideas for these activities ahead of the day. They wanted to make the first Child & Parent Day at Hunter extra special for children, and their thoughtfulness truly moved us.

The feedback that matters

The feedback our team has received has been fantastic and includes:

“Today was the best; I am extremely thankful to all SHINE for Kids staff and others involved in making today happen. Thank you very much”.

“Thank you all for a fantastic day with my children.” 

“Couldn’t ask for a better day. Thanks heaps again.” 

Since that day, the families involved have been eagerly awaiting news of the next one!

“They have all asked if we could have another Child & Parent Day and if it can be soon!” said our team.

A special thank you to the staff at the centre and the kitchen staff.

We hope we can see those smiles and Hunter again very soon when we hold the next one!

*Stock images used to protect participant identities.