The Lottery Office pledges $10,000 to child therapy services
Act for Kids is an Australian charity working tirelessly to prevent and treat child abuse and neglect. Last financial year the Act for Kids supported more than 46,000 children and family members across Australia.
According to Act for Kids CEO Dr Katrina Lines, trauma from neglect, sexual, physical and emotional abuse can lead to serious long-term impacts on a child’s life.
“Trauma can lead children to self-harm, suicide and a range of other mental health challenges.”
“Other consequences of childhood trauma includes high interaction rates with the youth justice and criminal systems, and drug and alcohol dependency,’ Dr Lines said.
“There is a significant personal cost for children and families impacted by trauma, but there are costs to the broader community, and the economy. ”
Act for Kids provides free, trauma-informed therapy to prevent and treat child abuse and neglect. Children and family members receive support from a range of Act for Kids allied health professionals and specialist support personnel, including psychologists, occupational therapists, speech therapists and domestic and family violence practitioners.
“There are no ‘quick fixes’, however the sooner we can intervene, or better still prevent child harm, the better the outcome is for children, their families and the community,” Dr Lines said.
“Our programs are evidence based, and we regularly undertake research and service evaluations to ensure continual improvement of our services.”
The Lottery Office is donating $10,000 to Act for Kids to help support children and families in New South Wales throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Lottery Office CEO Jaclyn Wood said the funds will go towards Act for Kids’ integrated therapy services.
“Act for Kids has continued to provide support to vulnerable children and families across the country despite the growing demand for their services,” Ms Wood said.
Since the COVID-19 crisis unfolded, Act for Kids has enacted its Pandemic Response Plan and deployed its Business Continuity strategies to ensure services could continue.
All Act for Kids therapy centres have transitioned to telehealth, providing a lifeline to children and families over the phone, and via a range of online video conferencing facilities.
The Lottery Office donates a percentage of the cost of every ticket sold to charities across the country, allowing the organisation to make a positive impact on the lives of everyday Australians.
The Lottery Office urges anyone interested in donating to visit the Act for Kids website.
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