Parkerville strengthens Allied Health Service
to better support children and families
in Out-of-Home Care
Every child deserves the chance to grow, learn, and feel safe. But for many children in out-of-home care, the effects of trauma can make life extra hard – affecting how they learn, manage their feelings, communicate, or move through the world.
To meet this need, Parkerville Children and Youth Care has launched Parkerville Allied Health Services (PAHS), a new social enterprise bringing together a team of specialists who work together to support children and young people in care.
At PAHS, psychologists, occupational therapists, and speech pathologists work under one roof. That means that children and young people in care can receive timely, connected support from professionals who share information and plan together, with the child’s needs always at the centre. PAHS supports children and young people from birth to 18 years who meet broad inclusion criteria.
‘Children in care often face many challenges that impact their development, wellbeing, and future opportunities,’ said Kim Brooklyn, CEO of Parkerville Children and Youth Care. ‘With PAHS, families and carers will be able to receive specialist support in one location – delivered by an organisation with a long history and deep expertise in supporting those impacted by trauma and other adverse life events. PAHS operates from Parkerville’s Midland and Armadale Centres, with outreach support in schools and community settings to make therapy more accessible.’
Beyond individual therapy, PAHS delivers Protective Behaviours programs and workshops designed for children, parents, carers, educators, and other community professionals. These programs help build skills and confidence to support children’s safety and wellbeing. Workshops for parents, carers, and children will further strengthen relationships and empower families with the tools to understand and respond to their child’s needs.
‘Our aim goes beyond simply offering therapy,’ said Ms Brooklyn. ‘At PAHS, we provide a comprehensive wraparound service that supports children and families to truly thrive. This is an exciting milestone for Parkerville, reflecting our deep commitment to hope, connection, compassion, and community. We’re dedicated to growing this service so even more children can access the support they deserve. PAHS is about walking alongside families with care and understanding, building stronger foundations for a brighter future together.’
From 2026, PAHS plans to extend its services to the wider community, offering additional allied health support and welcoming more children, young people, and families beyond out-of-home care.
PAHS is delivered by Parkerville Children and Youth Care and shares the same commitment: to walk alongside children and families with care, connection, and compassion, helping every child build the foundations for a brighter future.
For more information about PAHS or referral pathways, contact the team at pahs@parkerville.org.au, call (08) 9290 1235 or visit Parkerville Allied Health Services (PAHS)