Parenting Project
Supporting parents with an intellectual disability
In 2006 Disability SA and Barkuma came together to establish a ground breaking pilot project to address the special needs of parents with an intellectual disability.
Changes in societal norms, government policy and support structures have meant that an increasing number of people with intellectual disabilities are having children. The support available to these parents is largely inadequate or inappropriate and as a result, many people are becoming involved with the child protection system and other enforcement agencies.
Research conducted by Disability SA showed that;
- Parents with an intellectual disability unintentionally neglect their children because they lack knowledge and skills rather than from purposeful intention.
- Supporting these parents in a proactive and natural way is essential to preventing a crisis.
The project provides families with practical support, one-to-one mentoring and education to improve parenting and house hold management skills. Support workers also assist program participants to connect with health, welfare and education services in a positive and proactive way to underpin the wellbeing of the family unit.
For more information call us on 08 8258 0100 or email bcs@barkuma.com.au.
