Children's Program

The McAuley Care Program is the only crisis accommodation service with a specialised children's program and playroom.

Activities conducted in the playroom are not structured and will depend on children’s ages and individual needs. The playroom is a safe space in which children can express themselves in any way. At any given time, activities children can participate in include:

• Painting/craft activities
• Play dough
• Music/singing/dancing
• Card/board games  
• Colouring/drawing 
• Reading

Children can also participate in improvised group games such as musical chairs and 'What’s the time Mr. Wolf?'  as well as the general use of the many toys that are generously donated to the service.

Children may choose to participate in these activities autonomously, or the worker can facilitate and provide the opportunity to engage them.

The Children's Program is working with the Royal Children’s Hospital (RCH), to develop the ‘Building up Bonds’ (BuBs) and ‘Parents Accepting Responsibility Kids Are Safe’ (PARKAS) programs.

Initially, staff from the RCH integrated mental health program will work  with the McAuley Care Program staff and will train all staff in the skills related to these programs.