The Victorian Statewide Children’s Resource Program for the Loddon Mallee Region is part of the Loddon Mallee Homelessness Network and is staffed by the Children’s Resource Program Coordinator, who provides networking and resourcing services to homelessness services in the region.
The State-wide Children’s Resource Program (SCRP) advocates for and assists practitioners in homelessness support and other non-government services to respond more effectively to the needs of children who have experienced homelessness and/or family violence.
The Children’s Resource Program advocate on behalf of children and young people in the homelessness and family violence sectors. We uphold the rights of children as stated in the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child.
All children:
- Require a safe, secure and nurturing environment to promote positive childhood experiences.
- Aboriginal children are connected to culture and community
- Require access to appropriate shelter to promote a caring environment to nurture physical and emotional growth.
- Should have access to quality, affordable education.
- Children should be encouraged to dream about their futures by being creative and having a sense of belonging within family and community.
Homelessness and family violence may impact on children by:
- Significant impact on a child’s cognitive, social, physical, emotional and psychological development.
- Disrupted attachments to caregivers and a distorted sense of self.
- A sense of not being connected to their peers and the broader community.
- Inability to engage with and maintain education (including early education services such as childcare and kindergarten).
The Children’s Resource Program Coordinator also oversees a Children’s Homeless brokerage program funded through the Department of Families, Fairness and Housing to assist children affected by homelessness and/or family violence with access to educational and recreational needs.
To apply for Brokerage support go to Homeless Children’s Brokerage Application & Guidelines