- Call
for Western Australians to participate in National Child Protection Week Book
and Toy Drive for children and young people in out-of-home care
- Books
and toys will be distributed following National Child Protection Week (3 to 9 September
2023)
Child Protection Minister Sabine Winton is appealing to the generosity
of Western Australians to brighten the day of children in care through the donation
of new books and toys.
Donations of books and toys are being accepted for children across a
range of ages, from babies through to high school students. Donations are being
accepted until 4 September.
National Child Protection Week runs from the 3 to 9 September 2023, and is
celebrated every year with the theme 'Every child in every community deserves a
fair go'. In 2023, the theme is being
complemented by the message 'Where we start matters'.
To further celebrate National Child Protection Week, the Minister is
announcing the latest edition to the Story Animal and Yarn book series, named Wonky's
Yarn. Wonky's Yarn uses the metaphorical story of humpback whale migration and
follows a whale calf named Wonky, who learns the value of listening to the
advice of Elders, in celebration of the 2023 NAIDOC theme - 'For Our Elders'.
Wonky's Yarn is the twelfth book in the Story Animal and Yarn Book series,
which use metaphorical situations to explore 'tough stuff' in life that can
lead children and their support networks to experience big emotions.
Story Animals are locally handmade fabric Australian animals and
characters with a therapeutic play function. They are adaptable for all ages
and situations and particularly useful in early years learning.
The Story Animals resources are used by Department of Communities child
protection workers, carers, families, community sector organisations, support
services and schools to strengthen cultural support planning, teach protective
behaviours, and support stability and connection for children in care, their
families, communities and care teams.
For further information about the donation drive and collection
locations contact booktoydrive@communities.wa.gov.au.
For more information about the Story Animal and Yarn book series visit https://www.wa.gov.au/organisation/department-of-communities/the-story-animals
Comments attributed to Child Protection
Minister Sabine Winton:
"Every child deserves a great start to life, and as Western Australia's
Minister for Child Protection and Early Childhood Education this year's Child
Protection Week message of 'Where we start matters' is so important to me.
"Receiving a new book or
toy creates an opportunity for a child to engage in play, and it is through
play from the earliest age that children build connections and discover the joy
of imagination.
"The Story Animals books are a wonderful way to engage with children on
complex issues through a culturally appropriate lens.
"I would like to thank
everyone for their generosity in donating the books and toys in the lead up to
Child Protection Week, and supporting WA's children and young people in care."
