SHINE For Kids

SHINE for Kids Co-operative Limited is a not-for-profit organisation focussed on assisting children of prisoners in Australia. Available figures suggest that nationally, 38,000 children have a parent in prison. 145,000 children under the age of 16 have experienced parental imprisonment in their lifetime. This represents 5% of all Australian children and 20% of Indigenous children. With one or sometimes both parents in prison, these children have many challenges to overcome. They suffer extreme emotions of sadness, shame and stigma - every day. Some are bullied at school; many suffer the isolation of carrying a terrible secret. The stigma often prevents families from asking for help, even despite extreme need. Many fear further consequences - particularly the removal of the children. Because of this, agencies are often unaware of their issues and many children fail to receive the support they need. For over 30 years, SHINE for Kids has been devoted to working with children and families to provide a range of support services and programs to build futures where kids can shine. Our programs employ qualified, experienced staff who are supported by volunteers that have undergone specialised training and security checks. SHINE for Kids has Child and Family Centres located in or near many correctional complexes throughout NSW and we also run services in the ACT and Victoria. We pro-actively seek to engage with children so that we can begin to build trust and help them access the support they need. Children of prisoners are much more likely than other children to become the next generation of prisoners unless their life trajectory can be shifted. SHINE for Kids works to break the cycle of intergenerational offending by providing early intervention programs aimed at preventing the suffering and lifelong effects of parental incarceration. For more information visit our website: http://www.shineforkids.org.au or call: 02 9714 3000.