SSS issue eight DECEMBER 2008 Photovoice Project...2008/12/08 · nificant contribution to the...
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In 1989, The Human Rights Commissioner, Brian Burdekin, released a groundbreaking report on the situation of homeless young people in Australia. It shaped government and community thinking on youth homelessness. Salvation Army youth services made a sig- nificant contribution to the development of the report. Throughout 2007, another nationwide inquiry into youth homelessness was conducted by the National Youth Commission. This inquiry was funded by the Caledonia Foundation, who also supported Shark Island Films in their production of a documentary focused on the work of The Salvation Army Oasis Program in Sydney. During April 2008, the National Youth Commission launched their report, Australia’s Homeless Youth, in the same week the ABC screened the Oasis documentary to an audi- ence of over one million viewers. Each night, over 22,000 young people are homeless in Australia. Over 1,000 of them find a bed in a Salvation Army youth service. Thousands find appropriate assistance such as referral to local housing services, material aid, response to health concerns, counselling and connection to lawyers. Our family mediation programs such as Reconnect offer early intervention into family conflict that can lead to homelessness. We are committed to exploring innovative approaches to preventing homelessness. In this supplement there is a report on the Oasis conference. This conference brought together Salvation Army youth workers from across Australia to share good work practices and develop a nationwide network of practical and compassionate programs for homeless young Australians. I was inspired as I heard what our programs offer young people. It was challenging to share with workers as they planned and worked together to build a focused national response to young people in crisis. Pray for our work with young people and get in contact with your local homelessness ser- vice to see how you can support their work. Major David Eldridge territorial social program secretary Our response to the homelessness crisis Oasis conference issue eight DECEMBER 2008 Photovoice Project Quality and the Meaning of Life SSS The Salvation Army Social Program Department Editor-in-chief Major Laurie Robertson Supplements coordinator Robert Drane Proofreader Dawn Volz Designer Simon Robertson Address PO Box 479, Blackburn 3130 Phone (03) 8878 2308 Email [email protected] SSS The national Oasis conference (reported in the 6 December issue of On Fire) focused on the needs of young people deemed at risk of becoming homeless or already trapped in a spiral of homelessness and despair. Professor David McKenzie, discussing the plight of these young people, highlighted the despair of ‘young people’ who are ‘the most vulnerable homeless people’; he estimated that ‘20% of young people moved into homeless- ness from state care and many of them would have, unfortunately, been abused before com- ing into the system’. The professor called for a national inquiry into child protection, and investment in and reform of the system. Two initiatives helped guide delegates’ thinking. Max Dumais, a consultant, social worker and former Franciscan monk, supervised the use of a new technology by the conference’s 58 delegates. Mr Dumais introduced the Anyzing ‘know- ledge creation tool’—a networked data entry system that enables ‘a plenary on the run’ by keying in the recommendations and findings of delegates in real time onto a large central screen. Emeritus professor Leo Bartlett encouraged the Army to consider using the ‘social enter- prise’ (se)* model to address the problem of youth homelessness. The supportive, capacity- building framework of an ‘se’, he explained, would allow for ‘national campaigning and advocacy, mutual support, effective fundraising and the sharing of stories’. The Australia Eastern Territory, Captain Paul Moulds reported, has been experimenting with an ‘se’ model through the Oasis youth support network, ‘with mixed success initially’. Professor Bartlett urged the Army to develop a national database on youth homelessness, sharing experience and best practice through websites, portals, blogs and mentoring relationships. * A social enterprise can be defined as a body, driven by a social welfare mission, that trades in goods or services for an altruistic, social pur- pose; thereby helping to link government policy and resources with community need. I have been the Quality Management Project Officer for the Territorial Social Programme Department since February 2008. My role involves encouraging, facilitating and support- ing the understanding and delivery of ‘quality’ for and in our social programs from a pragmatic systems perspective. The question “What’s quality?” can leave us in the same kind of mess as “What’s the meaning of life?” Nevertheless, we need a sense of purpose to help get us out of bed in the mornings and to help sustain us throughout the day…weeks…months…years! A clear purpose helps us frame the way we do things, the activities we prioritise and plan. So we might view ‘quality’ as essentially being about the way we do things, the way we review and critique what we do in terms of how it is helping us pursue our purpose and achieve our aim. ‘Quality’ isn’t ‘the purpose’ let alone ‘the meaning of life’! The various accreditation standards against which our social programs are reviewed may be regarded as differing windows through which the way we do things—our ‘quality’— is viewed and assessed. Whilst there is a Max Dumais introducing Anyzing range of service specific standards (e.g. the Homelessness Assistance Service Standards and the Children, Youth and Family Standards in Victoria), broader organisational standards such as QIC and ABEF, have common themes, areas of focus and expectations. The point is that accreditation does not equal ‘quality’ and ‘quality’ doesn’t tell us what are our purpose or aims. So, what are our purpose and aims? We have our vision, mission and value state- ments. But what about our aims—the particu- lar impacts we’re looking to make over the next 3–5 years, that provide the bases for how we are going to marshal our forces to best effect to deliver on our vision, mission and values? “As an organisation even though there are many good ideas we somehow have to get more strategic about which ones are worth proceeding with. Like all effective military movements unless we know and implement a specific plan we can end up keeping busy just looking after ourselves, rather than engaging in the areas God is wanting us to.” [Captain Collo’s Blog 22-10-08] In getting ‘more strategic’ we must ensure that the person—in body, mind and soul— who we are called to serve is kept at the centre of all we do and ‘how’ we do. If this is the essence of ‘integration’ then one might term Territory, Divisions and Programs working together to this end ‘360° integration’ and a pivotal ‘quality’ focus for us all. With social programs continuing to meet the demands of accreditation, we must continue to recognise that ‘quality’ neither begins nor fin- ishes there and neither does responsibility. Tony Chasteauneuf Crossroads West is The Salvation Army’s response to youth homelessness in Western Australia. The Transitional Support Service (TSS) was established 10 years ago to assist young people to reconnect with their communities and families. A recent initiative run by the service was Photovoice. Western Australia has a diverse, multicultural youth population, many of whom are transient and isolated. Young people often require a number of agencies to support them. Crossroads West was endeavouring to engage young people and other community agencies across the state in this awareness building project. The project raised the profile of Crossroads West, thus increasing the number of young people assisted. Photovoice provided cameras to young people with least access to those who make decisions affecting their lives, enabling them to record and reflect upon their community’s strengths and problems. The theme for our recent Photovoice exhibition was, ‘My community, my identity’. Photovoice follows this premise: ‘What experts think is important may not match what people at the grassroots think is important.’ Crossroads West coordinated the use of Photovoice across WA to facilitate an awareness of community networks, promote identity and create a visual link between regional centres. Four centres—Geraldton, Kalgoorlie, Port Hedland and Perth—exhibited their work. A final exhibition was then held in Perth, with all regions participating. Photovoice aims to: Build on strengths within the • community. Acknowledge, support and build on • the capacity of parents, families and communities to nurture and care for young people in diverse ways. Provide a forum for young people. • Enhance self-worth, identity and • wellbeing by recognising strengths. Provide a snapshot of what is valued by • young people in the community. Increase awareness of community • networks. Motivate and inspire. • The result was a visual network linking regional and metropolitan areas. Ten different agencies were involved statewide, involving over 50 young people. Those involved gained increased empathy for others, an understanding of support networks and agencies, hope, compassion, dignity, justice, and above all, a sense of belonging. SSS_December08.indd 2-3 9/12/2008 1:42:41 PM
Transcript of SSS issue eight DECEMBER 2008 Photovoice Project...2008/12/08 · nificant contribution to the...
In 1989, The Human Rights Commissioner, Brian Burdekin, released a groundbreaking report on the situation of homeless young people in Australia. It shaped government and community thinking on youth homelessness. Salvation Army youth services made a sig-nificant contribution to the development of the report.
Throughout 2007, another nationwide inquiry into youth homelessness was conducted by the National Youth Commission. This inquiry was funded by the Caledonia Foundation, who also supported Shark Island Films in their production of a documentary focused on the work of The Salvation Army Oasis Program in Sydney.
During April 2008, the National Youth Commission launched their report, Australia’s
Homeless Youth, in the same week the ABC screened the Oasis documentary to an audi-ence of over one million viewers.
Each night, over 22,000 young people are homeless in Australia. Over 1,000 of them find a bed in a Salvation Army youth service. Thousands find appropriate assistance such as referral to local housing services, material aid, response to health concerns, counselling and connection to lawyers.
Our family mediation programs such as Reconnect offer early intervention into family conflict that can lead to homelessness. We are committed to exploring innovative approaches to preventing homelessness.
In this supplement there is a report on the Oasis conference. This conference brought together Salvation Army youth workers from
across Australia to share good work practices and develop a nationwide network of practical and compassionate programs for homeless young Australians.
I was inspired as I heard what our programs offer young people. It was challenging to share with workers as they planned and worked together to build a focused national response to young people in crisis.
Pray for our work with young people and get in contact with your local homelessness ser-vice to see how you can support their work.
Major David Eldridgeterritorial social program secretary
Our response to the homelessness crisis
Oasis conference
issue e ight DECEMBER 2008
Photovoice Project
Quality and the Meaning of Life
SSS The Salvation Army Social Program Department Editor-in-chief Major Laurie Robertson Supplements coordinator Robert Drane Proofreader Dawn Volz Designer Simon Robertson Address PO Box 479, Blackburn 3130 Phone (03) 8878 2308 Email [email protected]
SSS
The national Oasis conference (reported in the 6 December issue of On Fire) focused on the needs of young people deemed at risk of becoming homeless or already trapped in a spiral of homelessness and despair.
Professor David McKenzie, discussing the plight of these young people, highlighted the despair of ‘young people’ who are ‘the most vulnerable homeless people’; he estimated that ‘20% of young people moved into homeless-ness from state care and many of them would have, unfortunately, been abused before com-ing into the system’.
The professor called for a national inquiry into child protection, and investment in and reform of the system.
Two initiatives helped guide delegates’ thinking.Max Dumais, a consultant, social worker and
former Franciscan monk, supervised the use of a new technology by the conference’s 58 delegates.
Mr Dumais introduced the Anyzing ‘know-
ledge creation tool’—a networked data entry system that enables ‘a plenary on the run’ by keying in the recommendations and findings of delegates in real time onto a large central screen.
Emeritus professor Leo Bartlett encouraged the Army to consider using the ‘social enter-prise’ (se)* model to address the problem of youth homelessness. The supportive, capacity-building framework of an ‘se’, he explained, would allow for ‘national campaigning and advocacy, mutual support, effective fundraising and the sharing of stories’.
The Australia Eastern Territory, Captain Paul Moulds reported, has been experimenting with an ‘se’ model through the Oasis youth support network, ‘with mixed success initially’.
Professor Bartlett urged the Army to develop a national database on youth homelessness, sharing experience and best practice through websites, portals, blogs and mentoring relationships.
* A social enterprise can be defined as a body, driven by a social welfare mission, that trades in goods or services for an altruistic, social pur-pose; thereby helping to link government policy and resources with community need.
I have been the Quality Management Project Officer for the Territorial Social Programme Department since February 2008. My role involves encouraging, facilitating and support-ing the understanding and delivery of ‘quality’ for and in our social programs from a pragmatic systems perspective.
The question “What’s quality?” can leave us in the same kind of mess as “What’s the meaning of life?” Nevertheless, we need a sense of purpose to help get us out of bed in the mornings and to help sustain us throughout the day…weeks…months…years!
A clear purpose helps us frame the way we do things, the activities we prioritise and plan. So we might view ‘quality’ as essentially being about the way we do things, the way we review and critique what we do in terms of how it is helping us pursue our purpose and achieve our aim. ‘Quality’ isn’t ‘the purpose’ let alone ‘the meaning of life’!
The various accreditation standards against which our social programs are reviewed may be regarded as differing windows through which the way we do things—our ‘quality’—is viewed and assessed. Whilst there is a
Max Dumais introducing Anyzing
range of service specific standards (e.g. the Homelessness Assistance Service Standards and the Children, Youth and Family Standards in Victoria), broader organisational standards such as QIC and ABEF, have common themes, areas of focus and expectations. The point is that accreditation does not equal ‘quality’ and ‘quality’ doesn’t tell us what are our purpose or aims.
So, what are our purpose and aims?We have our vision, mission and value state-
ments. But what about our aims—the particu-lar impacts we’re looking to make over the next 3–5 years, that provide the bases for how we are going to marshal our forces to best effect to deliver on our vision, mission and values?
“As an organisation even though there are many good ideas we somehow have to get more strategic about which ones are worth proceeding with. Like all effective military
movements unless we know and implement a specific plan we can end up keeping busy just looking after ourselves, rather than engaging in
the areas God is wanting us to.”[Captain Collo’s Blog 22-10-08]
Proofreader Dawn Volz Proofreader Dawn Volz Proofreader
lar impacts we’re looking to make over the next 3–5 years, that provide the bases for how we are going to marshal our forces to best effect
“As an organisation even though there are many good ideas we somehow have to get more strategic about which ones are worth proceeding with. Like all effective military
movements unless we know and implement a specific plan we can end up keeping busy just looking after ourselves, rather than engaging in
[Captain Collo’s Blog 22-10-08]
In getting ‘more strategic’ we must ensure that the person—in body, mind and soul—who we are called to serve is kept at the centre of all we do and ‘how’ we do. If this is the essence of ‘integration’ then one might term Territory, Divisions and Programs working together to this end ‘360° integration’ and a pivotal ‘quality’ focus for us all.
With social programs continuing to meet the demands of accreditation, we must continue to recognise that ‘quality’ neither begins nor fin-ishes there and neither does responsibility.
Tony Chasteauneuf
Crossroads West is The Salvation Army’s response to youth homelessness in Western Australia. The Transitional Support Service (TSS) was established 10 years ago to assist young people to reconnect with their communities and families.
A recent initiative run by the service was Photovoice. Western Australia has a diverse, multicultural youth population, many of whom are transient and isolated. Young people often require a number of agencies to support them.
Crossroads West was endeavouring to engage young people and other community agencies across the state in this awareness building project. The project raised the profile of Crossroads West, thus increasing the number of young people assisted.
Photovoice provided cameras to young people with least access to those who make decisions affecting their lives, enabling them
to record and reflect upon their community’s strengths and problems.
The theme for our recent Photovoice exhibition was, ‘My community, my identity’.
Photovoice follows this premise: ‘What experts think is important may not match what people at the grassroots think is important.’
Crossroads West coordinated the use of Photovoice across WA to facilitate an awareness of community networks, promote identity and create a visual link between regional centres. Four centres—Geraldton, Kalgoorlie, Port Hedland and Perth—exhibited their work. A final exhibition was then held in Perth, with all regions participating.
Photovoice aims to:Build on strengths within the • community.Acknowledge, support and build on • the capacity of parents, families and communities to nurture and care for young people in diverse ways.Provide a forum for young people. • Enhance self-worth, identity and •
wellbeing by recognising strengths.Provide a snapshot of what is valued by • young people in the community.Increase awareness of community • networks.Motivate and inspire.•
The result was a visual network linking regional and metropolitan areas. Ten different agencies were involved statewide, involving over 50 young people. Those involved gained increased empathy for others, an understanding of support networks and agencies, hope, compassion, dignity, justice, and above all, a sense of belonging.
SSSSSS
Crossroads West is The Salvation Army’s response to youth homelessness in Western Australia. The Transitional Support Service (TSS) was established 10 years ago to assist young people to reconnect with their communities and families.
SSS_December08.indd 2-3 9/12/2008 1:42:41 PM
Music Access Program – Brunswick
The Salvation Army Brunswick has been operating for 125 years. From free breakfasts, showers and laundry facilities for the homeless to drug and alcohol counselling and emergency financial assistance, The Salvation Army Brunswick serves hundreds of people each week and a consistent emphasis is on building community. Weekday activities at the Community Centre promote acceptance and belonging. Everyone is valued and has something to contribute.
People with drug and alcohol addictions, physical and intellectual disabilities, mental health issues, and indigenous and migrant residents of the community all form part of the daily mix.
It is from this base that a music program was developed that would enable The Salvation Army to share their own enjoyment of music with those with limited opportunity.
Initially set up as a community band and choir, offering music lessons for people on low incomes, the Salvos music program was noticed by the manager of a local Adult Training and Support Service who asked if we would work with people with disabilities.
A decision was made in 2007 to fund the Music Access Program. Interim funding was secured through The Salvation Army for program development and expansion, and separate funding was found for a concurrent research project.
The project was driven by our belief that music is a basic need. Although children of all abilities are encouraged to participate in
music making, this becomes less common as people age. The research team believe that for adults on the edge of society, the potential for connection and expression available through music is significant. Adults with disabilities can successfully participate in listening, playing, singing or dancing. It is an opportunity to convey something of one’s own identity while connecting with others in a meaningful way.
Anecdotal reflection on the program suggested a range of therapeutic benefits for participants. Though the initial focus for research has been participants with an intellectual disability, it is anticipated the model may be applicable to a range of contexts, including aged care and mental health.
The Salvation Army’s tradition of music making stands proudly alongside their community and religious commitments. It is therefore appropriate, even necessary, for us to take the lead in exploring the potential benefits of music for the disenfranchised.
Incunabula Exhibition –
WestcareReading is a skill most of us take for granted,
but imagine the difficulties the functionally illiterate face.
Incunabula is the culmination of 12 months hard work by a group of young people participating in Westcare’s ‘Creative Literacy and Numeracy/Art’ program.
The program aims to improve self-worth and decision-making abilities through the development of effective communication. For some, this is as basic as reading and writing.
Young people are also exposed to a lifestyle that is about making decisions rather than just reacting to pressures of life, instilling in them the notion that anything is possible with effort. It is also time for quiet, safe reflection.
The Salvation Army Westcare and their Western Early School Leavers Program play an important role in re-engaging young people with mainstream education and diverting them from further entering the Juvenile Justice System.
Programs and services target marginalised young people who, through no fault of their own, find themselves in unfortunate circumstances.
The Incunabula Exhibition was launched by Kristen, a young person who has been involved in the program for two years and has been successful in selling many of her works.
The artwork on display was vibrant and alive, filled with vitality and hope, covering a wide spectrum: abstract, figurative and landscape.
This year’s exhibition built on the success of 2007 with 20 young people exhibiting their paintings. A total of 122 paintings was on display and every young person sold at least one painting, with a total of 32 sold.
The art program is not only offered to young people. Two nights a week the Westcare staff and friends wind down and get in touch with their creative side.
SSS SSS
SAFE FROM THE START
‘Safe from the Start’ was a 12-month action research project initiated by The Salvation Army in Tasmania and conducted by Dr. Angela Spinney.
The project’s aims were to document the impact of witnessing violence on children up to six years of age and develop educative resources to assist parents and professionals.
FAMILY HUB NEW NORFOLK
The corps at New Norfolk has established an exciting ‘Family Hub’ as part of the Commonwealth’s Communities for Children Initiative. Over a three-year period, a range of children’s activities has been developed including playgroups, Kiddygym, parenting groups, community meal program, women’s craft group and evening GetAWAY group.
ME AND MY DAD’S PLAYGROUP
An exciting initiative has been a dads-only playgroup which meets from 5.30 pm–7 pm, currently attended by 45 dads and their children. The aim is to create happy memories and increase bonding. A brief playtime is held, a meal is eaten, followed by facilitated activities along a special theme, such as music, exercise or cooking. These dads, who rarely spent one-on-one time with their children prior to attending, are now sitting down confidently reading to their child, playing and taking them to the local park. A range of weekend activities is organised with Kelvin (Corps Officer), such as bushwalks, fishing trips and barbecues. This group has been so popular that the Project Officer has been invited to share the experience at national and state conferences and forums. For further information, email: [email protected]
The research shows that a child who lives with violence is forever changed, but not forever ‘damaged.’ There is a lot a parent or worker can do to prevent further damage and reverse the effects.
The project outcomes include an evidence-based training module, final research report and innovative tool kit consisting of 24 products obtained from the UK, USA and NZ, including books, puppets and other resources.
Two new resource brochures and posters were also developed. The kits cost $550 and can be purchased from The Salvation Army Tasmania.
The Safe from the Start Kit, a national first, and has attracted strong national interest and may be implemented nationally.
For copies of the research report, brochures or further information contact Nell Kuilenburg, Development & Research Manager—DHQ Tasmania. [email protected]
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