Support

“It takes a village to raise a child”

African Proverb

Parenting a child with a disability or special learning needs can be a challenge that few people truly understand.  Parents deal with issues such as grief, coping with the day-to-day stresses that a child with special needs brings, and concern for their child’s future.

Families of a child with special needs cope better when they create a support network for themselves.  The people in these support networks are different for each family.  Other family members and friends can form part of this support network, as can community services and support groups, learning support staff at the child’s school, and local churches.

“If you are a parent of a child with a disability, you might find that talking through your problems with other parents of children with disabilities can really help. Sometimes just talking about your difficulties helps to ease the emotional burden. In the long-term, caring can become easier as skills are learnt and you adapt to your circumstances. If you feel as though you can’t cope, it helps to speak to a professional such as a psychologist or counsellor who will understand the stresses associated with your role” (Information from http://raisingchildren.net.au/articles/raising_a_child_with_a_disability.html – click on the link to read more).

These websites provide links to organisations providing support for families of children with special needs:

·       Centacare Family Relationship Services for Carers – provides counselling and mediation services to families caring for a person with a disability. Families caring for a family member with a disability in Queensland can access up to six sessions FREE of charge.  Families are assisted to:

o   Manage challenges and conflicts that may arise within the family

• Discuss their concerns and issues around family relationships and the care of a family member with a disability
• Make decisions about future care arrangements

Freecall Ph: 1800 337 552 or Ph: (07) 3252 4371

http://www.centacarebrisbane.net.au/content.php/counselling

• Disability services Queensland- http://www.qld.gov.au/disability/   http://www.qld.gov.au/disability/families-carers-friends/support-groups-counselling/help/

• Carers Queensland offers a carer advisory and counselling phone service – http://qld.carersaustralia.com.au.

• The Pine Rivers Neighbourhood Centre runs a parent support group for parents and carers of children with special needs.  The group is called “InSync”.  Click on this link for more information.

• Lifeline– http://www.justask.org.au/

• Queensland Parents for People with a Disability Inc. (QPPD) – a state-wide parent-based organisation involved in systems and family advocacy – http://www.qppd.org