Child Safe Advocate with Mrs Sally Croker
Principle 6: Who Else Matters during COVID-19?
During the uncertain time of the COVID-19 pandemic, it is important to take the time to ensure that children and young people’s wellbeing is nurtured and that their views and wishes are heard and considered. There are a variety of ways in which we can be more child centred in our approach.
The best outcomes are often achieved in partnership with others who can assist them in an ongoing way. During periods of uncertainty and change many children, young people and their families can feel isolated and disconnected from their usual support networks. This has been evident during the COVID-19 pandemic. During the period of isolation, children and young people couldn’t enjoy all the usual routines of life: school, sporting activities, family visits, playing with friends or shopping. They may have been disconnected from formal networks such as workers, teachers, support services or informal networks, including family, friends, neighbours, clubs, churches or the broader community.
Now that children and young people are beginning to re-enter their communities, they are returning to school, going to playgrounds and parks again, attending parties and connecting with friends. Some children and young people may be struggling to return to the 'new normal' after such dramatic changes. This can leave them feeling disempowered and disconnected from their extended families and communities.
As our communities start to slowly open up and we get used to a new sense of normal, children, young people and families may require help to re-engage and re-establish their networks and supports.
Parents, carers and workers can offer support to redevelop and sustain these vital relationships. You can play an important role in supporting children and young people to learn and experience community. Your support can help children and young people build relationships outside their family, understand who to trust, who to respect and how.
This fact sheet is the final in the series based on the Kids Central principles. I hope they have been beneficial to you and your family