Western Australia’s First
Trauma-Informed CARE School
to Transform Young Lives
For children and young people who have experienced abuse, healing must come before learning. Traditional schools often struggle to meet the needs of trauma-affected young people, who require specialised, wraparound support to address the impacts of their traumatic experiences, build resilience and successfully re-engage/engage with education.
Without this support, some young people may disengage entirely, potentially facing challenges such as homelessness, mental health struggles, and involvement with the justice system. Providing opportunities to break these cycles requires a different approach.
Parkerville Children and Youth Care is addressing this gap by establishing a specialised trauma-informed CARE (Curriculum and Re-engagement in Education) School, with plans to have the school open in 2026. Unlike mainstream schools, the CARE School will support young people who’ve experienced significant trauma prioritising healing as a foundation for learning. It will offer a tailored and supportive environment that supports the delivery of psychosocial services and educational approaches designed to help students re-engage, rebuild confidence, discover their potential and build brighter futures. Recognising that trauma impacts children from all walks of life, the school will welcome students from a wide range of backgrounds and experiences.
Located on Parkerville’s historic 12Ha campus, the school will provide a safe and stable environment where every student receives individualised support. Heritage-listed buildings are being transformed into dedicated trauma-informed learning spaces, ensuring that the school’s setting optimises and fosters both emotional recovery and academic success.
The choice of the Parkerville site is intentional and carefully considered. Nestled in peaceful bushland, the campus provides a calming environment that supports healing and learning. Research from the Australian Psychological Society highlights the restorative benefits of nature, particularly for those recovering from trauma.
By integrating nature into the school’s design, Parkerville is creating a learning environment that promotes security, connection, and personal growth.
Safety remains a top priority in the school’s development. Extensive risk assessments and mitigation strategies ensure compliance with many risks; however, bushfire safety standards have been a very keen focus. Construction incorporates modern fire-prevention measures, including fire-resistant materials, strategic landscaping and external/internal road access, and robust emergency response protocols and tools. These measures ensure a secure and supportive environment for all students and staff while also reducing risks for our neighbours.
A trauma-informed education benefits not only the students but also their families, communities, and the broader economy. Research from the University of Melbourne highlights that completing education significantly reduces long-term social and economic costs.
The Parkerville CARE School aims to disrupt cycles of disengagement by offering a structured and supportive pathway that empowers young people and strengthens the Western Australian community.
Kim Brooklyn, CEO of Parkerville Children and Youth Care, emphasised the significance of this milestone:
‘At Parkerville, we have always believed that every child deserves the opportunity to heal, learn, and thrive. The establishment of our CARE School is a transformative step in addressing the unique challenges faced by young people who have experienced trauma and tough times. This school will provide not just an education, but a holistic support system that enables students to address the impact of their trauma, build confidence, resilience, and a future full of possibilities. We are excited to see the lasting impact this initiative will have on young lives and the broader community.’
For over a century, Parkerville has been committed to helping children and young people overcome adversity. The CARE School represents a new chapter in this mission - a place of hope, transformation and opportunity, proving that with the right support, every young person can achieve a successful and fulfilling future.
Support Parkerville’s Tax Appeal Before 30 June
Every day at Parkerville, we meet children and young people who have experienced things no child should ever have to face. Some have been impacted by family violence. Some have been harmed by people they trusted. Others have lived with fear and uncertainty for far too long. What all of them have in common is that they are navigating the effects of trauma – often quietly, often unseen as they internalise their sadness, fears, anger and anxiety.
With your help, children impacted by trauma can find hope, healing and a fresh start. Your tax-deductible donation helps provide the specialised care, safe environments, and support they need to reclaim their futures.
Give before 30 June to change a child’s story. Visit www.parkerville.org.au/tax