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The Moving On Project

The Moving On Project. Barry Walton Relationships Australia (Qld). Background. The Forde Inquiry. In 1998 Queensland Government commissioned an inquiry into institutions established or licensed under: The Infant Life Protection Act 1905 The State Children Act 1911

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The Moving On Project

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  1. The Moving On Project Barry Walton Relationships Australia (Qld)

  2. Background

  3. The Forde Inquiry In 1998 Queensland Government commissioned an inquiry into institutions established or licensed under: • The Infant Life Protection Act 1905 • The State Children Act 1911 • The Children’s Services Act 1965 • The Juvenile Justice Act 1992

  4. The Inquiry had Two Main Areas of Focus • An investigation into past institutional abuse • A review of current systems, including reviews of legislation, policy and procedural guidelines

  5. Findings The Report’s findings from this inquiry was tabled in Parliament on 8th June 1999 • The findings were very clear – “The State was not always a good parent”

  6. The Aftercare Resource Centre(ARC) • In response to Recommendation 40 of the Forde Inquiry ARC, a program of Relationships Australia, and funded through the Queensland Government Department of Communities was established on 4th October 1999 • Client group Adults who, as children, spent time in Queensland institutions, orphanages, youth detention centres, family group homes and foster care

  7. Core Services Offered by ARC • Counselling and support for former residents and their families provided throughout Queensland and nationally by ARC staff, Relationships Australia staff and external private practitioners • Assistance with educational opportunities, including numeracy/literacy programs, vocational training and tertiary studies • Assistance with official records searches

  8. Additional Services • Assistance with family reunions • Financial assistance obtaining medical and psychological reports • Support groups, psycho educational groups, activity groups • Reunions and return visits to institutions • Projects

  9. A Mental PictureSt Joseph’s Orphanage - Neerkol

  10. W.R. Black Home - Chelmer

  11. Boystown - Beaudesert

  12. St Vincent’s Orphanage - Nudgee

  13. The Environment • Poor nutrition, education and role models • Lack of love, caring and nurturing • Harsh discipline, attachment and boundary violations • Potential for neglect and abuse

  14. Immediate Effects Children often felt: • Abandoned, unloved and unwanted • Isolated and alone • Separated and segregated • Confused and suspicious • Afraid and worthless

  15. Long Term Effects • Literacy and numeracy problems • Unemployment and poverty • Relationship and parenting problems • Dislike and suspicion of authority • Poor physical, oral and mental health

  16. Common Issues • Loneliness and isolation • Poor coping skills and negative coping strategies • Lack of identity and connection with family of origin • Anxiety, depression, substance abuse and PTSD • Criminal activity • Suicide

  17. Audio Visual Interlude Images – St Vincent’s Orphanage .… Nudgee Audio Track – “I still haven’t found what I’m looking for” …. U2

  18. Asking the Questions • Is what we’re doing effective and meaningful? • Could we be doing things differently? • What could we do that would make a difference? • Is there something we could do that would engage former residents more effectively?

  19. The Seed is Sown • Discussions between ARC and Griffith University • Australian Research Council Grant application • Industry partnership developed • The Moving On Project is born

  20. The Project • Healing opportunity • Use of drama for change • Range of process drama and performance activities • Explore aspects of personal and collective experiences • Safe environment within which to tell their stories

  21. Stages of Growth Stage 1 (2003) – first action research cycle • Regular workshops • Drama techniques • Drama facilitators and counselling staff

  22. Stages of Growth Stage 2 (2004) – second action research cycle • Develop, refine and expand effective drama techniques from first cycle • Create a group-devised performance using participants’ experiences

  23. Stages of Growth Stage 3 (2005 to 2006) – final cycle • Participants from stages 1 and 2 work with and mentor other client groups in Queensland • Refine drama techniques and develop further group-devised performances

  24. Seasonal Changes • Collective performance seems less important • Learning to play, expression of self and building confidence is more important but ……. • Climate changes over time – the vision returns

  25. The Tree Bears Fruit

  26. Presentation of excerpts from a DVD produced by Griffith University …..

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