Australian Government funds Parent Peer Leadership Project that builds expertise for families of children with developmental concerns through the Now & Next program and local parent peer workers.
We have a vision for a society where children with a disability or developmental concerns and their families are supported. Some of these families do not meet eligibility requirements to join the NDIS.
Skills to thrive
Empowering parents to better support their children as early as possible is vital for child and family wellbeing now, and into the future. Funded by the Australian Government, Plumtree will deliver a free Parents as Peer Leaders Project nationally for families that are not eligible for NDIS funding. These children and parents are identified by community agencies including childcare, ECEI partners, schools and playgroups.
Through Now & Next, parents will learn to access community-based services effectively and develop skills for the whole family to thrive. Positive child and family outcomes include greater community participation for children, becoming less reliant on therapy hours and leading a good life with the support of peers. Parent peer workers will also be trained to support families in their local area.
Beginning October 2020 and ending June 2024, the 36 month funding was a part of the Government’s Information, Linkages and Capacity Building (ILC) program to deliver projects in the community that benefit all Australians with disability, their carers and families.
The resources produced include:
- Parents as Peer Leaders Project | Final evaluation _ 26 Sep 2024
- Parents as Peer Leaders Project: At a glance _ 20 Sept 2024
- Support for Developmental Concerns – Tips from our team | eBook
- Support for Developmental Concerns – An introduction to early childhood professionals | eBook
About Now & Next
Now & Next is a unique, peer-led group program for and co-designed by families of children with developmental delays or disabilities. It is delivered by parent peer facilitators with lived experience, who are trained and employed at Plumtree.
Parents who have completed the program are able to set achievable developmental goals for their children. They have greater expertise to identify formal and informal supports, navigate mainstream and community-based services, and develop more effective partnerships with professionals—all of which support their child’s development.
Read about the award-winning program’s outcomes at the Now & Next: our growth and achievements blog.
Contact Eram at eram@plumtree.org.au about joining the Parent Peer Leadership Program or becoming a partner organisation.
