Sunnykids

SunnyKids is an Australian children's charitable organization. It is a domestic and family violence service on Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia, the service initially partnered with the government and social communities to purchase and develop properties in the region to accommodate women and children escaping domestic violence and family violence.

History

Founded in 1998, by 2003, SunnyKids was providing 7000 nights of accommodation per year, 75% to children, many representnig the third or fourth generation of their family to live in refuge. Although 75% of people living with domestic violence in Australia are children,^[1] government practice has been to support only adults, viewing children as "accompanying" their parents. The logic behind this idea is that if the parent is helped, any dependent children will also have benefited, and therefore children do not require direct service.^[2]

In 2003, SunnyKids observed that many people using crisis accommodation services, including SunnyKids' own services, did so in a predictable manner. Young people who required youth refuge later required crisis accommodation as adults, often with their own children now "accompanying" them. In an effort to break such cycles, the Board of SunnyKids determined to develop their practice into child-focused interventions aiming to break intergenerational cycles of poverty and disadvantage.

Between 2003 and 2009, SunnyKids developed integrated support systems and child-focused programs. During this time accommodation provision grew to 10,000 nights per year^[3] At this time, the organisation began to gain a national profile as its services and programs won recognition in multiple award programs.

In 2009, the organization received requests to establish programs in communities across Australia so the SunnyKids partners program, and SunnyKids children's charity were established. The expansion included crisis and early intervention services for children throughout Australia, a collaborative resource development and distribution network, a national brand advocating for the needs of under-served and disadvantaged children and fundraising.

Supporting Children in Primary Schools

Supporting Children in Primary Schools (SCIPS) is a National Crime and Violence Prevention Award Winner and Schools First National Best Practice in School and Community Partnerships Winner. It provides support to at-risk children to reach their full educational potential. The process offers services to support children facing significant barriers to their education.

Supporting homeless families

SunnyKids annually provides over 10,000 nights of emergency accommodation, 75 per cent of which is for children.

Government subsidies are primarily directed towards supporting parents. Child specific supports are funded through donations and fundraising.^[4]

References