Download - Novita Children's Services

5Circle of SecurityParenting © CourseNovita’s Child and AdolescentService (CAS) would like to knowwhat you think of their services.Novita’s Coralee Sheldon, ProjectManager – CAS Review, said a formalreview is under way which includescanvassing the views of clients,parents and caregivers.“I have been busy listening to whatCAS clients, parents, caregivers andteachers think about the services theyhave received from CAS in 2011 andwhat they would like to see from CAS inthe future”, Coralee said.“I have also been talking with Novitastaff, staff from disability agenciesinterstate and looking at some of thelead services internationally”.“If others would like to have their sayabout CAS and have not yet attended adiscussion group, completed thesurvey or spoken directly with me, it isnot too late,” she said.Here’s how you can still participatein the review:Young people who are CAS clients:If you are on Facebook send the NovitaCAS Facebook a friend request todayat www.facebook.com/CAS.Novita –there’s still time to have your say – youcan send a message, send an email orpost on the wall. You can comment onwhat others have said or raise yourown issues or ideas. (Please note thatonly CAS clients’ friend requests arebeing accepted during the project –not parents, staff or others)Parents or caregiver of a CAS client:Complete a survey online atsurveys.novita.org.auClose date has been extendedto 5 April for final comments.Please contact Coralee on 8243 8213 oremail child&adolescent@novita.org.au with any queries about the review.A summary will be published in the June edition of Nexus.Powered Mobility ClinicsNovita’s Powered MobilityClinics will be the focus of aconference presentation laterthis year.The clinics are unique as theyoffer input from a special team andenable clients and families to trialthe powered wheelchairs or justcome along to give it a try.Novita’s Annabelle Tilbrook ,Senior Occupational Therapist, andJulia Dinham, Senior Physiotherapist,will present at the AustralianRehabilitation & Assistive TechnologyAssociation Conference. It is animportant event for those who workwith or use Assistive Technology.Assessment and provision ofiPods and iPads for children whohave complex communicationneeds will be the subject of acollaborative paper by SandraStewart, Senior Speech Pathologist,and Cheryl Slade, from theDomiciliary Equipment Service.These items are considered forgovernment funding where aspeech pathologist has completedan assessment and recommendsthat item for use as a complexspeech generating device.If I had my child to raise all over again,I’d build self-esteem first,and the house later.I’d finger-paint more,and point the finger less.I would do less correctingand more connecting.I’d take my eyes off my watch,and watch with my eyes.I’d take more hikes and fly more kites.I’d stop playing serious,and seriously play.I would run through more fieldsand gaze at more stars.I’d do more hugging and less tugging.~Diane LoomansThe Circle of Security ParentingProgram is an early intervention programthat helps parents enjoy their childrenthrough understanding how best to meettheir child’s needs and emotions. It isbased on 50 years of research into childdevelopment and early attachment thatshows a secure attachment between achild and his/her parents is important totheir current and future well-being.Possible benefits of this group for youas a parent/carer:• build on your practical parentingknowledge and skills• improve communication with your child• develop insight and understand yourstrengths as a parent/carer• enhance your relationship with yourchild to increase their confidence andself esteem• feel more confident and connectedwith your childThroughout the course a DVD showingreal situations and life events will beused that will encourage you in yourparenting role while giving you simple,practical ways to understand andaddress some of the issues that youmay face as a parent.It is a group program that runs foreight weeks (1.5 hours/week) and will beoffered from the beginning of May atNovita’s St Mary’s Office. To registeryour interest or to obtain furtherinformation contact Jenny Robb,8172 9231 Monday to Wednesday.