As part of the Communities for Children professional development project, NRSDC Project Officer Meaghan Vosz is trying to find out about the needs of Aboriginal people working with vulnerable children and families in the Lismore and Murwillumbah areas.

I am writing to you today to try to get your feedback on some training options that have been suggested to me in surveys and conversations over the last couple of months. I will use your feedback to guide me in what training we get up and running for Aboriginal workers in Lismore and Murwillumbah in 2011/2012.

Please take the time to let me know your preference for training, by responding to this email before the end of September. You can either respond to this email or complete the survey online at: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/training_workingwithAboriginalfamilies.

Training Option 1: Training for Aboriginal Trainers

Engage a Registered Training Authority to deliver a Cert IV in Workplace Training and Assessment in Lismore

Sponsorships and study support for Aboriginal workers

To build the group of local Aboriginal people qualified to deliver accredited training in our region.

Training Option 2: Parenting Courses for Aboriginal Workers

Deliver a series of Aboriginal PPP (Positive Parenting Program) sessions in Lismore and Murwillumbah

Broaden workers’ skills in effective parenting strategies, and build their skills to support families.

Training Option 3: Weaving the Net

This is pitched mainly at the community, along with workers, to raise awareness and find ways to work effectively together.

Engage the Educating Centre Against Violence (ECAV) to bring Weaving the Net Program to Lismore in 2012 – 2013.

Aboriginal educators with experience in working with children, young people and families that have been affected by this type of violence, deliver the 'Weaving the Net' program.

Build local skills and networks for addressing child and family violence in our communities.

Training Option 4: Certificate IV in Aboriginal Family Health

All Aboriginal Trainers, developed by Aboriginal trainers in consultation with Elders and community leaders

The six modules of the course explore:

Ways in which power and control are used at an historic, political, social and personal level and implication of this for work in family/domestic violence, sexual assault and child protection in Aboriginal communities

Theories behind work in family/domestic violence, sexual assault and child protection in Aboriginal communities

The nature, extent and impact of child sexual assault and offender tactics on the child and other family members

Ways of working with Aboriginal communities to address family/domestic violence, sexual assault and child protection

Co-operative interagency approaches

Community development strategies to address family/domestic violence, sexual assault and child abuse

Respectful approaches to individuals, families and communities affected by family/domestic violence, sexual assault and child abuse

If you would like to know more about this project, please give me a call on 0417 832 286 or 6620 1821.

Regards

Meaghan

Meaghan Vosz

Project Officer

Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays

Northern Rivers Social Development Council

PO Box 5419 East Lismore NSW 2480

www.nrsdc.org.au

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ph:02 6620 1821

ABN: 77 398 196 862