Dads key to a brighter future for children and families
MEDIA RELEASE
1 September 2010
Dads key to a brighter future for children and families
UnitingCare Burnside’s Brighter Futures program on the Central Coast is helping fathers improve their parenting skills.
Manager of the Brighter Futures program Vicki Daley said, ‘Brighter Futures provides support and services for families to give their children a good start in life. It can help parents improve their relationship with their children, and prevent or address a range of issues families face including managing children’s behavioural and emotional problems. We especially encourage fathers to be part of the program.’
Services available through the program include quality child care, playgroups, home visiting and parent groups. Joining the program is voluntary.
John is the father of 7. He and his partner Jody have been involved in the Brighter Futures program since March 2010.
‘I had a difficult past as a young man and still struggle with constant pain due to a work related injury. In spite of this I wanted more than anything to become a caring and devoted father and ensure my family have a secure and safe home environment. Brighter Futures has helped me establish good routines and I now feel confident to implement effective behaviour management strategies with my children,’ John said.
John and his partner have also been supported to access quality childcare for their children and are in the process of achieving other goals which they have identified.
‘We all want our children to be happy, healthy and safe. The Brighter Futures program supports lots of different families. Some families struggle with drug and alcohol problems and others experience domestic violence. Many parents don’t have support from family or friends and find parenting tough. Services are free to families who wish to participate in the program,’ Ms Daley said.
Brighter Futures is designed for families who have children aged eight years or younger or are expecting a child and who face specific problems. Priority of access is given to families with children less than three years of age.
To find out more about Brighter Futures contact UnitingCare Children Young People & Families Intake free call number on 1800067967.
To contact Vicki Daley and John for interview call 4325 9614
Other media enquiries to Mark Warren 0438 294 938.
