Why

We believe that when young people impacted by the justice system are connected to family, culture, and community, they can thrive.

How

We bring deep knowledge, understanding, and unique expertise to navigate the challenges in custody and community.

By walking alongside children, young people, and families, we create positive change through building trust, connection and confidence.

What

We deliver evidence-based social and emotional wellbeing programs in custody and in community for children, parents, and families.

We ground our work in the knowledge and wisdom of Elders, ensuring our programs are culturally appropriate and responsive.

We help young people reconnect with family and culture, building pride, purpose, and belonging.

Outcomes based research

We create outcomes-based accountability frameworks for all programs.

We grow and share our research with others to achieve the greatest social impact.

We create and take part in innovative research on how the criminal justice system affects children, young people and families.

Leading voice

We use our knowledge and expertise to influence government, business, non-government organisations and the wider community.

We lead program design, policy and public discussions about the needs of children and young people affected by the criminal justice system.

We influence policy directions about vulnerable children, carers and families.

We are a trusted and respected voice in the community and advocate to help children and young people affected by the criminal justice system.

There are approximately 43,000 children with an incarcerated parent in Australia. In NSW, there are over 6,000 children who use our services.

Often it is very difficult to maintain the parent-child bond when a parent is in custody. The parent may in a custody far away from the family home, making it difficult to visit. This results in a lack of quality one-on-one time spent with the parent in custody. The family may also have financial and housing difficulties and social insecurity.

We find there is a lack of understanding of the needs of children with a parent in custody. We need a whole of community approach to support families and children during an incredibly stressful time. Results from our programs include:

• Positive engagement in community
• Strengthened family and community connections
• Ensuring children are not disadvantaged by providing family support
• Children feel less isolated when they meet other children affected by having a parent in custody

Innovation

We are always looking for ways to improve so we can reach more children and families. We encourage and support innovation throughout the organisation to meet the growing need for our services, whether it’s within our programs, partnerships, fundraising activities, marketing or operational processes.