Page 4083 - Week 13 - Wednesday, 26 November 2014
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Finally, the designs create a space for children and young people to engage in relaxation and calming activities such as mindfulness, breathing and guided visualisation. These skills are essential for self-regulation and emotional functioning.
The quality of these presentations was exceptional, and I wish to extend my congratulations and thanks to the students from the University of Canberra who were involved.
MADAM SPEAKER: Supplementary question, Ms Porter.
MS PORTER: Minister, exactly what stakeholder feedback has your directorate received concerning Melaleuca Place?
MR GENTLEMAN: I thank Ms Porter for the supplementary. In the short time that Melaleuca Place has been operational, it has received a high level of interest, with both Canberra and interstate services showing a keen interest in the model of service and its operations. ACT directorates such as Education and Training, Health, and Community Services have seen a steady stream of staff to the centre to gain an in-depth understanding of its workings in relation to the assessment framework and treatment methods. It has also enabled discussions on the essence of working collaboratively to meet the therapeutic needs of children who present with multiple and complex issues.
The chief executive officer of Parkerville Children and Youth Care in Western Australia visited the site last month. This meeting provided an opportunity to exchange information on best practice frameworks for service provision in residential, community, outreach and clinical settings to children, young people and families affected by trauma.
There has been interest from a number of services such as the Australian Childhood Foundation and the Australian Childhood Trauma Group Victoria, as well as policy areas such as the commonwealth Department of Human Services out-of-home care reform unit.
On a recent visit, a senior staff member from Berry Street in Victoria commented that they were “impressed and encouraged by the flexible and holistic approach to service delivery”. They felt that this enabled a more continuous flow in care planning from assessment to treatment, in comparison with other similar services in Victoria.
Melaleuca Place has also hosted visits from international services and experts in the field, such as Kim Golding from the United Kingdom, recognised for her work on attachment and dyadic developmental practice. Leanne Robins, senior social worker from Merlin Park children and adolescent mental health inpatient unit in Galway, Ireland, also visited the site and commented positively on the therapeutic space.
A common theme emerging from when carers and community agency staff have visited Melaleuca Place is how welcoming and engaging it is. (Time expired.)
Ms Gallagher: I ask that all further questions be placed on the notice paper.
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