Book club ignites the imagination of kids in care

Children in care in Cannington will be able to improve their literacy skills thanks to a new initiative developed by the Department for Child Protection and Family Support.

The 'Discovery Book Club Cannington - Where the Wild Readers Are' was launched today by Child Protection Minister Helen Morton at the department's Cannington District Office and aims to enrich the reading experience of children in care.

"The Cannington Discovery Book Club is a vital step forward in establishing positive reading relationships and literacy skills for some of our State's most vulnerable children," Child Protection Minister Helen Morton said.

"Many children coming into care have experienced neglect and have had little or no exposure to reading and writing resources.  However, with the support of foster carers, schools and the community, these children can achieve great things and enjoy a range of successes in their personal and future working lives."

Key partners of the project currently include the Aboriginal Literacy Foundation; Australian Literacy and Numeracy Foundation; the Better Beginnings program; Save the Children; and Westbooks, an independent bookstore. The Minister also welcomed the news that exploratory conversations are also under way with the School of Education at Curtin University and Rotary Club of South Perth-Burswood to become future partners.

The Cannington District has also developed a partnership with Westbooks, South Perth, which will provide $50 worth of customised book packages to more than 60 children in care, six times a year.  Save the Children has also kindly provided 3,000 books at significantly reduced cost, to be distributed to children in care over the coming months.

Another important partnership has been created with State Library's Better Beginnings Program which enables all children in care aged 0-5 years to receive starter book packs.  Better Beginnings supports parents in reading to children so that they build the early literacy skills they need to become good readers and succeed at school.

Children in care are recognised as a vulnerable group who are at risk of poor educational achievement and outcomes.  Current research highlights that the encouragement of children and young people to read and to develop their literacy skills is a key strategy in overcoming disadvantage.  It will also improve their capacity to engage in future vocational education, training and employment.

Minister's office - 6552 6900