46,000 confirmed cases of child abuse in Australia in 2010.

The ACT for Kids website was set up by the Australian charity Abused Child Trust and is based in Queensland. Their philosophy is that “Protecting children is everyone’s business.”

Their aim is to treat and prevent child abuse. They want the whole community to join play a part in stopping child abuse and neglect – for good.

Their services include:
Intensive therapy – helping children deal with emotional or behavioural issues
Safe houses – up to 6 young people can be accommodated in several houses with trained staff
Sexual abuse counselling – counsellors work with children to overcome the trauma of abuse & create a safe environment
ACT for kids preschool – special education teachers work with young children so they can enter mainstream school system
Safe classes in schools – “Be Safe with Emmy” is a series of 5 classes which teach grade 1 kids how to protect themself from abuse
Help for families at risk – “Active Parenting Program” helps families who are at risk of becoming abused or neglected
Mentoring for Teens – “Youth Opportunity Program” offers young people who have already had a brush with the law a chance to make a better future for themselves

If you would like more information on their services or if you think you know a young person who has suffered neglect or abuse, you can contact ACT for Kids at 4/14 Merivale Street, South Brisbane Qld 4101 or PO Box 3387, South Brisbane Qld 4101. They also have offices on the Gold Coast and in North Queensland.
 
Phone: (07) 3857 8866      
Fax: (07) 3857 7587
Email: mail@actforkids.com.au

Writer Helen Splarn. Editor Dr Ramesh Manocha.
Source: ACT for Kids