Volunteers in the program act as “lights” for vulnerable children. Photo: Joshua Resnick.
The South Australian Government has announced the encouraging results of a volunteer program providing vital support to people in child protection and family support systems.
A targeted campaign by the Department of Child Protection has shown promise in increasing the recruitment of volunteers to help young people needing support.
“Child protection and family support is a whole-of-community responsibility, with a role for everyone to play in supporting children and young people to feel safe, loved and nurtured and to know they are not alone,” Minister for Child Protection Katrine Hildyard said.
As of July, there were 207 volunteers in the program, representing an increase of 15 per cent since April. Under the program, volunteers spend 29,000 hours a year giving support to children and young people in care.
The campaign reaches out to potential recruits through career expo promotions and shares the stories of volunteers on social media, showing the impact they can have on the lives of children needing support.
“The government is always looking for more volunteers to help children and young people who have gone through some extremely tough circumstances,” Ms Hildyard said.
Volunteers are from a wide variety of backgrounds and range in age from 18 to 88. The recruitment campaign brings both young and old together to care for vulnerable youth.
The volunteers help create a safe and nurturing environment for young people to grow and learn, helping with homework and transporting them to school. Volunteers also provide support for children and young people to acquire practical skills, such as learning to drive, and support them at special events.
Some volunteers, such as Dylan Strudwick, have spent time in the state’s foster and care system themselves.
“I wanted to give back to the DCP [Department of Child Protection] community – to all the people who helped me and improved my quality of life,” Dylan said.
“It feels like I’m on the way to helping the people who have helped me in the past.”
Dylan said his most rewarding job was setting up a backyard trampoline for two foster siblings.
Ms Hildyard said: “Our incredible volunteers show extraordinary support and compassion in their efforts, and I’m so thankful to people like Dylan for giving our South Australian children their time, patience, encouragement and care. Dylan exemplifies what it means to be a ‘light’ for the children who most need us.
“If you think you may be able to help, please reach out to the department – I’ve heard several volunteers say it’s one of the most rewarding things they’ve ever done.”
For more information about volunteering to help kids and young people in care, visit the South Australian Child Protection website.
