Empowering Spaces:
The New George Jones Child, Youth
and Family Centre in Armadale
Parkerville Children and Youth Care is excited to announce the relocation of its George Jones Child, Youth, and Family Centre to a newly purpose-designed facility, tailored to meet the unique needs of our clients!
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Established in March 2011, the George Jones Child, Youth and Family Centre pioneered as Western Australia’s first Child Advocacy Centre to provide an integrated response to supporting children and young people impacted by child sexual abuse and significant physical abuse to provide them with a safe trauma-informed environment where they can be supported throughout the investigation process and beyond when there is a disclosure of abuse. In 2015, the Multi-Agency Investigation and Support Team (MIST) was a further development in Parkerville’s commitment to supporting children and young people impacted by child sexual abuse. This collaborative initiative, led by Parkerville Children and Youth Care, in partnership with WA Police Child Abuse Squads, and in consultation with the Department of Communities, and adopts a trauma informed holistic approach to addressing childhood sexual and physical abuse.
The decision to relocate the George Jones Child, Youth and Family Centre was prompted by concerns about potential noise disruptions from nearby METRONET urban projects, coupled with a firm commitment to providing a secure and nurturing environment for children, young people, and families impacted by trauma and abuse. Ms Brooklyn, CEO of Parkerville, emphasised this dedication, stressing the importance of fostering an atmosphere conducive to healing and support.
Parkerville, WA Police, and MKDC meticulously designed the new facility, ensuring that every detail, from the welcoming reception to counselling rooms, prioritises trauma-informed care. Subtle curves and vibrant graphics are incorporated to foster healing and resilience, while neutral tones prevent sensory overload, empowering individuals to engage with the environment without feeling overwhelmed.
The new George Jones Child, Youth, and Family Centre is equipped to provide a wide range of services to meet diverse needs. This includes offering counselling and therapy rooms, interview suites, and meeting spaces, all designed with accessibility and inclusivity in mind to ensure every child and young person feels valued, respected, and empowered. Additionally, the GJCYFC serves as a central hub for community support, co-locating essential services such as specialised support for children and young people affected by homelessness, domestic violence, and homicide.
The need for Child, Youth, and Family Centres is highlighted by alarming statistics: in Australia, 1 in 3 girls and 1 in 5 boys experience sexual assault by age 15, with a staggering 78% facing repeat incidents. With 3,158 reported cases of sexual assault in Western Australia in 2022 alone, the demand for services is urgent.
With the financial year nearing its end, Parkerville urges support for their EOFY Tax Appeal. Donations will offer crucial assistance to children, young people, and families in WA who are overcoming significant trauma and adverse childhood experiences. To make a tax-deductible donation*, visit www.parkerville.org/tax