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The Anglican Church in Tasmania Search |
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a healthy church...transformingLIFE |
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October 2005 |
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Re-shaping Clarendon’s ministryClarendon Children and Family Services have made a bold decision. Clarendon Children and Family Services can trace its origins back some 115 years. Its operation was a direct concern of Bishop Montgomery and his wife Maud. The children and family care programs have continued with the addition of an intensive early intervention pilot program ‘Reconnections’ from 1997 –1999. This program was funded by the Sidney Myer and Ian Potter Trusts and proved successful in preventing family breakdown and children entering out-of-home care. Unfortunately, the program ceased at the end of 1999 through lack of on-going funding. Recorded in 'Clarendon, A Century of Care', is the ongoing struggle to find adequate funds to enable the continued provision of services. Over the last two years the proportion of Government funding has fallen and there has been an alarming rise in the number of children entering care in Tasmania. This, with the drop in funding, has brought about the Clarendon Board’s decision to cease providing cottage and foster care. The Board has been concerned with the increase in requests for the placement of young children, particularly young sibling groups. This has highlighted the lack of holistic early intervention programs. In response, the Clarendon Board has decided to put its energy and assets into the development of a sustainable early intervention/prevention program. to work with families before they reach crisis point. It would offer support over an extended period, both in the family home and centre based. The Department of Health and Human Services has been notified and all children at Clarendon will remain until suitable placements are found. Clarendon staff will offer all assistance possible to ensure a stress-free transition for the children. The Director of Clarendon, Marion Rainsford, has contacted the groups who have supported Clarendon with fund raising over the years and they have expressed a willingness to continue support. It has not been an easy decision for the Board. Clarendon’s success has been founded on its willingness to change services to meet the needs of the community. The Board and staff would be grateful for your prayers, particularly for new carers and placements for the children. Also pray for the children’s current carers as they look after the children and work to alleviate any anxiety that the children may have. The Board appreciates the support of many guilds, church groups and individuals over the years and would ask you to continue that support for this new endeavour. St Luke’s Taroona Book SaleThis annual event in Taroona has become much more than simply a fundraiser for Clarendon Children’s Homes. There is wide community support throughout the year as books are collected from many sources, and on the day buyers come from all across the state. All proceeds of the sales go to Clarendon Children’s Homes. This year’s result exceeded all expectations and the previous record by $1800, reaching a total of $8300.
Collection for next year’s sale has already begun. Enquiries 03 6227 9240
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