Building resilience in our most vulnerable children and young people

How to build resilience in WA’s most vulnerable children and young people is the theme of a series of workshops this week by 2014 Thinker in Residence Dr Michael Ungar.

Dr Ungar has returned to Perth to work with staff from a number of organisations who work directly with children and young people at risk, including those in contact with the justice system, children in out-of-home care and those who are disengaged from education.

Acting Commissioner Jenni Perkins said that Dr Ungar’s Thinker residency last year had been successful in raising awareness of the importance of resilience in children.

“The series of workshops this week is an opportunity to explore in detail the learnings from Dr Ungar’s residency and focus on some of WA’s most vulnerable children and young people,” Ms Perkins said.

“Staff from several organisations who are at the frontline in supporting these at-risk children and young people will attend detailed workshops on how to best support children with complex needs and build their resilience.”

Organisations involved in the workshops include the Department of Corrective Services, the Department for Children Protection and Family Support, the Department of Education, non-government agencies and a group of WA foster carers.

Dr Ungar advocates that communities should be able to shape children and young people’s environments – provide them with families, schools and communities that facilitate their growth, resilience and wellbeing.

While the workshops are fully booked, resources will be available on the Commissioner’s website next week.