Extra Parent Program

Shepparton Social Innovators 2024

March 2024

Alex, Lily, Chris, Jess, and Sienna

This team conceived a crazy big initiative: a program designed to provide support for young people facing challenging circumstances at home by pairing them with an ‘extra parent.’ This innovative program would operate through its dedicated agency, employing a team of professionals responsible for conducting thorough background checks on Extra Parent candidates to ensure their suitability for the role. Additionally, the agency would identify the distinctive qualities of each candidate, enabling precise and thoughtful matchmaking with young people in need.

 

To kick things off, the team has introduced a Smart Start initiative, strategically downsizing their program into a peer support initiative. This initiative will be operational on selected days after school, catering to peers undergoing challenging situations at home.

 

Alex, Lily, Chris, Jess, and Sienna intend to manage the program on a rotating roster, each getting a chance to lead a session. The team plans to conduct a trial run of their program throughout Term 2. During each session, young participants will have the opportunity to engage in meaningful conversations and unwind through games and craft activities. In addition, the team aspires to involve community leaders from local organisations like Headspace, who will make guest appearances throughout the term, enhancing the impact of their initiative. 

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