Berry Street

Did you know that the effects of trauma can be felt even by babies in utero?

Trauma experienced in childhood can damage a child's sense of safety, and their ability to thrive.

Episode 2 of our podcast, Stories from Berry Street is now live.

The episode is called Healing Trauma, and host Richelle Hunt investigates the impacts and causes of childhood trauma and speaks to Berry Street Take Two Director, Dr Allison Cox.

Listen now wherever you get your podcasts, or visit https://www.berrystreet.org.au/about-us/stories-from-berry-street-podcast/healing-childhood-trauma-ep-2

Berry Street welcomes the first report card into the 10-year National Plan to End Violence Against Women and Children. But like the Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence Commissioner, Micaela Cronin, we want to acknowledge there is much more to do.

Berry Street is calling for:
- increased funding directed to frontline services so that all victim survivors can get the help they need when they need it

- the expansion of programs for people who choose to use violence, such as Berry Street’s Caring Dad’s program, an evidence-informed initiative that helps men who’ve used violence and are still in contact with their children, to be better dads

- more trauma-informed programs for children who’ve been exposed to family violence, through programs that help them recover from their trauma such as Berry Street’s Restoring Childhood program. Support for children is currently underfunded and critical if we are to stop the intergenerational transfer of violence and abuse.

Hear from the Commissioner on ABC News: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-08-22/dv-commissioner-says-tools-for-preventing/104255320

Learn more about Berry Street’s approach to addressing family violence: https://www.berrystreet.org.au/about-us/how-we-do-things/addressing-family-violence

It's an invisible crisis. The first episode of our podcast, Stories from Berry Street offers just a glimpse into the world of child protection.

What triggers intervention from child protection? How do we decide which children are offered intensive services? What systems of care are available?

All of this and much more is discussed in the podcast, hosted by ABC's Conversation Hour host, Richelle Hunt.

Listen to Stories from Berry Street on your favourite app now!

Or visit https://www.berrystreet.org.au/about-us/stories-from-berry-street-podcast
Image: Episode 1 cover art for the podcast "Stories from Berry Street." The cover features the podcast title in large, bold letters in the centre, surrounded by a colourful illustration of people, buildings, and nature. The names of the hosts, Jenny McNaughton and Andrew Lowth, are listed at the top, along with their titles. The phrase "Listen now" appears at the bottom, accompanied by icons for popular podcast platforms.

It Ends With Us, a film adaptation of Colleen Hoover’s best-selling book, puts a spotlight on childhood trauma experienced as a result of family violence.

Berry Street Take Two Director Dr Allison Cox explains how trauma affects children and infants, and what we can do to help them recover.

This is what It Ends With Us can teach us about childhood trauma It Ends With Us isn’t just another chick flick. Here’s why talking to kids about family violence and childhood trauma is so important.

"We've had some pretty wonderful news this month - two incredibly generous people have decided to leave a legacy gift to Berry Street. It's such a thoughtful way to make a difference. It's really heartwarming to think about the impact their generosity will have on kids' lives.

To know that people care deeply enough to support our work in this way is just wonderful. Their gifts will help us continue supporting children and families, give more people hope for a brighter future, and feel supported.

It really is a privilege to play a role in helping people make such an important life decision, I try to never forget that."

This is a small update from Berry Street Philanthropy Manager, Diana. Diana works with the generous people who choose to leave Berry Street a gift in their will.

By leaving a bequest for Berry Street, you leave a legacy that will have a profound and enduring effect.

Learn more here: https://www.berrystreet.org.au/you-can-help/leave-a-gift-in-your-will

For , Homelessness Australia released the 2024 Child Homelessness Snapshot. It showed some alarming figures.

Over 75,000 children in Australia interacted with homelessness services in 2023.

More than 18,000 Victorian children presented to homelessness services as part of a family group. First Nations children are over-represented across these figures.

A major contributing factor to homelessness is family violence and abuse. The focus must shift to prevention through early intervention, rather than management.

When we help victim-survivors early and support them to recover from violence we can help prevent homelessness.

This Guardian piece illuminates the experiences of Imogen and Ollie, both of whom experienced homelessness in at a young age in Melbourne.

Family violence and childhoods lost: census shows ‘horrifying’ plight of homeless youths in Melbourne Exclusive: Four-fifths of those surveyed said they had experienced family violence while another poll found one in 10 young people had been homeless in 2023

We're incredibly proud to announce that Berry Street has two finalists in the Victorian Protecting Children Awards!

The Victorian Department of Families, Fairness & Housing hosts these awards to recognise and celebrate the exceptional work of individuals, teams, and groups dedicated to the wellbeing of children, young people, and families.

Our Finalists ✨

The Comans Street Residential Care Team have been nominated for the Keeping At Risk Young People Safe Award for their exceptional support of an Aboriginal young person. Their unwavering commitment to creating a safe environment, cultural support, and facilitation of family connections helped this young person envision and look forward to their future.

The Berry Street - Take Two South Metro Leadership Team are nominated for the Minister's Award for Excellence in Protecting Children. The team developed a Therapeutic Intervention Program for Babies and Children (0-5 years). The program uses a Child Parent Psychotherapy informed approach, and together with the specialised training of the team, addresses a known gap in services. The innovative approach emphasises relational attunement, self-determination, cultural safety and collaborative responses.

Congratulations to both teams! Winners in each category will be announced in September.

Click the link below to learn more about the awards and our nominees.

https://www.berrystreet.org.au/news/berrystreet-victorian-protecting-children-awards-2024

We’re thrilled to announce ABC’s Conversation Hour presenter Richelle Hunt, will be hosting our new podcast, Stories from Berry Street dropping 14 August!

We're bringing important stories to life about the realities of working in the child protection and family violence spaces.

We’ll explore issues impacting children and families, and have honest conversations with a range of leading experts and on-the-ground staff.

Listen to the trailer via the link below and subscribe before 14 August in your favourite podcast app now! https://bit.ly/3YzRrRA
Image: A bright orange and yellow graphic with the words "Stories from Berry Street" in a bold white font. The background is filled with various icons and symbols, including a person, a heart, a family, a globe, and a book.

Well done to all!
Learn more about the Berry Street School here: https://www.berrystreetschool.vic.edu.au/

Berry Street School took to their feet for a hike to school this week while also using the walk to clean up the environment.

For the full gallery and story, click here: https://tinyurl.com/3uaj2nau

Children are present at nearly a third of all family violence incidents where police are called. Often, they internalise their experience and blame themselves, amplifying their trauma.

Conor Pall shares his experience of navigating the family violence system after his parents separated.

Conor, now a family violence advocate, speaks to his trauma and the unique challenges faced by children and young people accessing support after experiencing violence.

Berry Street Executive Director Heidi Reid, recently spoke with Mamamia to discuss the importance of children to be considered victims of violence in their own right.

Click to read more.

'I turned to alcohol to numb the effects': The forgotten victims of the domestic violence crisis. The impact on children rarely forms part of the discussions around DFV.

Family services professionals - register now for Berry Street’s annual Infant Mental Health & Wellbeing Series!

Running from August to December, the series is led by world-renowned experts. Participants can expect to enhance their knowledge of infant mental health and the impact of trauma.

The series is developed for those working in:
- maternal-child health
- family services
- child protection
- out-of-home care
- policy in family services
- clinical practice

👉Explore all workshops now: https://www.berrystreet.org.au/learning-and-resources/training-and-events?types=759369

Image: A woman holds an infant, they are smiling. Text on the image reads, "Infant Mental Health & Wellbeing Series. Professionals register now."

14 July is International Non-Binary Person's Day!

At Berry Street, we acknowledge the rich diversity of gender and celebrate our staff and service-users who do not identify with a binary gender.

We recently released an LGBTIQA+ Inclusive Practice online module for staff to complete. It was designed to help people better understand LGBTIQA+ identities and learn ways to support them through creating inclusive practices and an inclusive workplace.

This means that we understand the importance of using correct pronouns, and welcome our non-binary staff and service-users to communicate these.

Happy International Person's Day! 💜💛🤍🖤

Berry Street staff attended the annual NAIDOC Flag Raising Ceremony at Federation Square on Monday, to mark the beginning of the celebrations.

We recognise the privilege to work and live alongside our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander colleagues and friends.

This year's theme, 'Keep the Fire Burning! Blak, Loud and Proud' reminds us to amplify the voices of First Peoples.

We're also reminded of our Indigenous service users and the work we do alongside Aboriginal Community-Controlled organisations to ensure they remain connected to culture.

Happy NAIDOC Week!

Explore events near you here: https://www.naidoc.org.au/local-events/local-naidoc-week-events?title=&postcode=&state=All

In this poignant piece by ABC News, Jet James speaks about the emotional abuse he experienced as a child.

includes any pattern of insulting, humiliating, rejecting or withholding affection from children. Emotional abuse has a significant impact on the development of mental health disorders, and has been on the rise in recent years.

We also know that outside stressors, such as the economic climate and a lack of support are more likely to contribute to emotional abuse.

Dedicated parenting programs, such as the ones Berry Street offers, provide vital support to families to help them stay safely together, and live free from violence.

Early intervention is crucial, and it helps us to ensure that children and families receive the support they need, exactly when they need it.

Learn more about our programs here: https://www.berrystreet.org.au/what-we-do/parenting-and-family-services

Jet's mother was a sixties model who married rock royalty but her life met a tragic end Jet James was eight when his mother died tragically. His journey back from childhood trauma led him in an unexpected direction.

Happy NAIDOC Week! ❤️🖤💛🤍💙💚

Today, we celebrate the oldest, richest and most diverse continuous living culture on earth.

This year's theme, 'Keep the Fire Burning! Blak, Loud and Proud', demonstrates the unapologetic celebration of Indigenous identity. The fire represents the strength of Indigenous culture, having passed down through generations despite enormous hardship.

Many of us at Berry Street will attend local activities and celebrations throughout the week, we hope you do too.

Berry Street L2P Coordinator, Rebecca Thomas was recently rewarded by the Nationals Member for Eastern Victoria Region and Chair of the Latrobe community L2P Program, Melina Bath MP

Rebecca received the New Coordinator award for her wonderful work in the L2P Program since May 2023.

Rebecca has recruited 20 driving mentors and assisted over 30 learner drivers to get their licenses as well as establishing successful partnerships in the sector.

The Transport Accident Commission (TAC) L2P Program is a community-based program developed to assist young Victorian learner drivers between the ages of 16 and 21 who don't have access to a supervising driver or an appropriate vehicle to gain driving experience required for a probationary licence.

Well done Rebecca!

We are always seeking new L2P Driver Mentors. If you're interested in supporting a young person to gain their licence, visit https://www.berrystreet.org.au/you-can-help/become-a-mentor/tac-l2p-program-mentor
Image: Rebecca is pictured beside an L2P banner sign. She is wearing a blue t-shirt and black pants. She is holding her award.

There are two days left to make a donation before the end of the financial year.

Donating is a quick and easy way to reduce your taxable income.

When you make a donation to Berry Street you are supporting children who've experienced violence and abuse. We support children with safe homes, trauma-informed therapy and programs, as well as family violence specific services.

Don't miss out on making a donation before June 30.

👉 Donate today: https://www.berrystreet.org.au/you-can-help/support-a-cause-or-campaign/help-children-now
Image: A toddler with blonde hair looks sadly out a window. Text on the image reads, "Have you made your tax-time donation? Support children facing violence with a donation to Berry Street."

"I wish I had a different dad."

These are the words Luke* bravely shared with his mum one day. His dad's violence had become too much.

Luke and his little sister, Zoe* had learnt to walk on eggshells around their father, they even developed their own secret language to warn each other of his behaviour.

Their mum Sara* wanted to leave too, but every rental she applied for, she was rejected. The competition in the housing market made fleeing violence nearly impossible.

Read more: https://www.berrystreet.org.au/news/housing-crisis-keeps-families-in-violent-homes
Image: A young boy wearing a grey t-shirt looks forlorn.

Are you a 🐶 or 🐱 person?

Pets are important to many homes, including our foster carer households. Whether a dog, cat or even a goldfish, pets can bring great joy to adults and the children in their care.

Learn our top four tips for introducing the child or young person in your care to your family pet: https://www.berrystreet.org.au/news/how-pets-enhance-foster-care-experience

Guess what time it is!

It's Matched Giving Day at Berry Street!

This means every donation until we reach $60,000 will be doubled 💰💰

Your donation will help families across Victoria experiencing violence.

Children like Luke* and Zoe* need support to recover from their trauma and a safe home to grow up in.

Donate now at charidy.com/berrystreet



Image: A young boy and girl sit together. The girl has her arm over the boy's shoulders. They are smiling. Text on the image reads," Double your donation and support families experiencing violence."

It may be a grey day outside in Melbourne, but it's all bright smiles in the Berry Street office today. 🌞

Our award as the Not-for-profit winner at the recent Australian Web Awards for our Gifts from the Heart 🎁 ❤️ website has arrived!

When you buy a gift from the site, the money goes towards essential items needed by children in care who cannot live with families.

Thanks to the amazing team at Yump Digital for making our digital dreams a reality. Check out our award winning site here: https://gifts.berrystreet.org.au/

On the final day of Reconciliation Week, we celebrate Mabo Day, commemorating the life of Eddie Koiko Mabo.

Today marks the anniversary of the historic Mabo decision in 1992.

Eddie Mabo was a Torres Strait Islander man who challenged the claim that his family’s traditional land was owned by the Crown. The Mabo decision overturned that claim.

You can learn more about Eddie Mabo here: https://aiatsis.gov.au/explore/eddie-koiki-mabo