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Young Parent's Program
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When you're young, pregnant and homeless, having a baby can be frightening.
When you have little or no support from family or friends, the prospect of raising a child can be overwhelming.
The Young Parent's Program offers a three-phased accommodation, support and education program for young women who are pregnant or have a child, and are homeless or require intensive support.
Pre-natal and post-natal education is emphasised to ensure the health and welfare of both mother and child.
Centrally located in Sydney's eastern suburbs, the Glen Mervyn Centre provides young women and their children with easy access to health and welfare services. Moreover, Young Parent's Program is the only one of its kind in NSW, providing a unique 24-hour service that does not exclude clients with drug or mental health issues.
The program
Young Parent's Program strives to assist the development of both mother and child in three stages.
The first stage offers 24-hour support, accommodation and education at the Glen Mervyn Centre, catering for up to eight young women and their children at any one time.
Pre-natal and post-natal education is prioritised and, where necessary, therapeutic interventions are arranged for drug and alcohol problems, or for physical and emotional health problems.
During the first stage, an individual program of learning is developed through formal and informal meetings addressing a broad range of issues, including general living skills and parenting.
The second stage offers semi-supported accommodation within close proximity to the Glen Mervyn Centre, providing regular support and contact with staff. Clients are encouraged to take responsibility for their own and their children's health, and to continue to pursue personal goals such as education and/or employment.
The third stage offers transitional support to young women who are moving into their own accommodation or returning to live with family. Ongoing support from staff is gradually phased out, as community networks are strengthened. Social support is offered to third stage clients, through playgroups, newsletters, BBQs and other social events.
Young Parent's Program is partially funded by South East Sydney Area Health, and clients contribute a nominal amount per week toward the running costs of the program.
The Glen Mervyn Childcare Centre
Glen Mervyn offers a fully-accredited long day care centre with an occasional care component, dedicated to quality childcare. The centre is licensed for 24 children at any one time; 19 children in long day care places and five in occasional care places.
The children are divided into two age groups: the 'Puddle Ducks' for babies and toddlers aged 0 to 2.5 years, and the pre-school group for children aged 2.5 to 6 years. The centre operates Monday to Friday, 8.00am to 6.00pm.
The centre aims to meet the physical, emotional and psychological needs of all children attending day care. The philosophy of the centre is reflected in an anti-bias and multicultural curriculum, the integration of children with special needs, and the encouragement of children to develop at their own individual pace.
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