1
2009
Australian Crime and Violence Prevention Awards
MEDIA RELEASE 29 OCTOBER 2009
SA TIME FOR KIDS PROGRAM RECEIVES NATIONAL ANTI-CRIME AWARD
A program assisting disadvantaged children and families in regional and metropolitan South Australia
has won national recognition at the 2009 Australian Crime and Violence Prevention Awards (ACVPA).
The Time For Kids Placement Program provides regular respite care for children from disadvantaged
homes by placing them with volunteer carers on a part-time basis, providing a break for their regular
carers and strengthening the children’s support networks.
The Time For Kids Program received a National Certificate and cash award of $10,000, which was
presented by the Minister for Home Affairs Brendan O’Connor at Parliament House in Canberra today.
The program also focuses on preventing children from offending behaviour, homelessness or dropping
out of the education system by coupling them with trained carers who provide them with a strong
support base.
Mr Philip Scales AM, president of the Time For Kids board of management said that since its inception
in 1960, Time For Kids has linked 4500 children with volunteer carers and currently involves 153
households providing support for 163 children.
“The program can proudly claim that no child has been involved with the state’s youth court while on the
program, even though their backgrounds are the same as many of those who do.”
Joanne Wickes, Chief Executive Officer, said the recognition of the value of their work will assist the
organisation to encourage more South Australians to help children lead meaningful and positive lives.
“The need for successful early intervention is greater than ever and we will be there to meet it working
in partnership with government, the community and individuals,” Ms Wickes said.
“We must raise awareness in our community of the overwhelming social, health and economic
difficulties many South Australian families face and invite people to be a part of the solution.”
Minister O’Connor said the program’s intense focus on providing disadvantaged and at risk children
with a wider support network is a much needed service.
“Community and volunteer participation through these programs is vital in providing these children and
their families with a platform to succeed and experience a life away from the direction of crime and
violence,” Mr O’Connor said.
The ACVPA is a joint initiative of the Australian, State and Territory governments which rewards
outstanding community-based projects that prevent or reduce crime and violence.
Eight ground-breaking projects involving young offenders and youth at risk, Indigenous communities,
religious congregations, police and community health and safety organisations have won national
recognition this year.
For more information about the Australian Community Violence Prevention Awards visit
Media contacts: Scott Kelleher 0418 159525, Caterina Giugovaz 0418 221798.
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2009
Australian Crime and Violence Prevention Awards
MEDIA RELEASE 29 OCTOBER 2009
PROJECT OVERVIEW: TIME FOR KIDS PLACEMENT PROGRAM, SOUTH AUSTRALIA
Time For Kids Placement Program, South Australia
The program provides regular respite care for disadvantaged children in South Australia by placing
them with volunteer carers on a part-time basis.
More than 4500 ‘at risk’ children have been linked with families across the state since the program
began in 1960 to prevent them becoming involved in offending, homelessness or dropping out of the
education system.
Key outcomes:
153 households currently caring for 163 children
Enduring relationships between children and carers that outlast the program
No child has been involved in the state’s youth court while on the program, notwithstanding their
backgrounds being the same as those who do.
ends
Media contacts: Scott Kelleher 0418 159525, Caterina Giugovaz 0418 221798.
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