North and West Regional Children’s Resource Program (NWRCRP)

North and West Practitioners from:

• Specialist Homelessness System (SHS)
• The Family Violence sector
• Other non-government agencies

The NWRCRP is funded by the Department of Families, Fairness and Housing (DOFFH) to assist and support Specialist Homelessness System services (SHS) and other NGOs with responding more effectively to the needs of children and young people who have experienced homelessness and/or family violence.

The objective of the program is to ensure children are seen as clients in their own rights. We provide resources, training and secondary consultation for practitioners to upskill their knowledge and practice to work effectively with children.

The role of the NWCRP is flexible and can meet specific regional needs that are identified within the program’s core functions, these being:

Secondary Consultation

• Complex case discussions and assessment frameworks
• Training and Resources
• Trauma, attachment, intervention and engagement tools

Networking and Advocacy

• Researching as required and promoting best practice
• Active involvement in various networks focused on Homelessness Service System Development advocating for children
• Advocating on behalf of children experiencing homelessness on a range of issues that affect their health, wellbeing and status within our community

Resources

• Toolkits are available for practitioners to assist them in engaging with clients and children. We provide information on upcoming training, the latest research and legislative changes.

Brokerage

• Brokerage provides opportunities for infants and children to access goods, services and experiences to engage in positive childhood activities. This will encourage homelessness and family violence support providers to integrate child and family-centred assessment and case planning into their work practice.

Our Philosophy

• The NWRCRP advocates on behalf of children and young people in the homelessness and family violence sectors. As stated in the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, we uphold the rights of children.

All Children

• Require a safe, secure and nurturing environment to promote positive childhood experiences and physical and emotional growth
• Require predictable and responsive caregiving
• Aboriginal children need to be connected to culture and community
• Should have access to quality, affordable education
• Should be encouraged to dream about their futures by being creative and foster a sense of belonging within family and community

North and West Metropolitan area of Melbourne

Referrals come through practitioners from SHS and Family Violence sectors. Practitioners should first contact the NWRCRP team to discuss brokerage, secondary consultations or training needs. The NWRCRP is part of the Statewide Children’s Resource Program. We can provide you with the contact details for the Coordinator in your region.

North and West Regional Children’s Resource Program
(03) 9359 5493
NWRCRP@merri.org.au