Safe from the Start in Tasmania

"A child who lives with violence is forever changed, but not forever 'damaged'– and there is a lot we can do to improve their future prospects." (Barker/Cunningham, 2007)

Safe from the Start is an innovative Australian evidence-based project developed in partnership with two universities addressing the impact on children who have been exposed to family or domestic violence.  The project (Resource Kit & Training Program) won the top Australian Crime & Violence Prevention Award in 2011 and a Child Protection Award.

Dr Erica Bell (UTAS) conducted the 'States of Mind' research that considered the specific needs of children aged 0-5 exposed to domestic violence living in refuges. * www.salvationarmy.org.au/salvwr/_assets/main/documents/Tasmania/states_of_mind.pdf

The research findings covered the need for services working with children to recognise that children need individual responses, to identify best practice resources and provide training to equip workers and parents to work therapeutically with children.

Dr Angela Spinney (Swinburne University, Vic) conducted the 'Safe from the Start' action research project which demonstrated that children being exposed to violence in the early years can cause severe effects on brain development and increases the risks of children adopting violent behaviour, addictions to alcohol and drugs and mental health issues later in life, and that working within a therapeutic, positive and early intervention approach can decrease these risks. 

The SAFE FROM THE START RESOURCE KIT consists of 20 special topic books, DVD, CD, puppets, brochures and posters, Over 500 have been distributed nationally, including to Canada, New Zealand and Singapore.

A  TRAIN THE TRAINER program has been conducted in all Australian states and will be soon be available in New Zealand.

An Indigenous and Culturally and Linguistically Diverse project is currently being developed and these resources will be added to the existing kits. 

For information about future training or to order resources contact:

Nell Kuilenburg – This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

http://www.salvationarmy.org.au/contactus/tasmania-division/safe-from-the-start-project.html