TIME FOR KIDS

Ms CICCARELLO (Norwood) (15:26): Today I would like to acknowledge a wonderful organisation in my electorate which is making a real impact upon the lives of disadvantaged children in our community. I speak of Time for Kids, which began its life as the Society of Sponsors in 1960. It was founded by Stipendiary Magistrate William Scales, who, at that time, was in charge of the Adelaide Juvenile Court.

Seeing the children appear before him on a regular basis, Magistrate Scales noted that a common thread in their stories and lives seemed to be a lack of family support and positive influences. Concerned about the welfare of these children and wanting to make a difference, he and his wife founded the society and worked hard on developing a network of volunteer families who would take the children into their homes on a regular basis.

The aim of the society today, as it was back then, is to provide an opportunity whereby these children can participate in positive childhood experiences, receive the influence and guidance of a mentor and, perhaps most importantly, be the recipients of acceptance, love and care. In addition, it also serves the purpose of providing the children and their families with a much-needed break from the rigours of a sometimes stressful home life.

With these guiding principles forming the cornerstone of the organisation, Time for Kids has developed into a highly successful respite foster care program for at-risk or disadvantaged children in South Australia. Its commitment is unwavering and can best be summed up by its value statement, which states:

We believe that every child should have the opportunity to develop into a well adjusted and responsible member of the community. We value each child's potential and, through our program, seek opportunities to develop that potential.

The philosophy is simple. By connecting children with volunteer carer families on a part-time basis—usually one weekend a month in the metropolitan area or a week or so with a family in the country during school holidays—Time for Kids has ensured that the original aspirations of Magistrate Scales remain undiminished to this day.

Time for Kids assists about 150 children each year in Adelaide and in a number of country areas. Impressively, since its inception, it has now helped almost 4,000 children and their families. One only needs to look through the stories posted on its website or in its annual reports to see the enormous positive impact that Time for Kids is having on real families and real lives. Take, for instance, the story of Mason, a 21 year old who, since he was five years old, has spent time with the Killian family because his single mother had five other children and, although doing the best that she could, was not able to give the children the time and attention they craved. Mason recounted his memories of camping, fishing and birthday parties with the Killians, and he still enjoys a close relationship with the family to this day. In fact, Mason puts it best when he states:

But it was mainly being asked what I wanted for dinner or getting to sit in the most comfy chair at their house, receiving some attention and having time given to me.

These are simple things and pleasures that we might take for granted, but they have obviously made an enormous impact on Mason's life, so much so that Mason has enrolled to be a social worker because he realises what good he can do. He is currently finishing his degree, and has maintained such a close relationship with the Killians that he is now boarding with them while he finishes his studies.

Time for Kids has been the recipient of many state government grants in recognition of the outstanding work it does in our community. Last year I presented it with a cheque from the Volunteer Support Fund, and it also received substantial funding from the 2007 Community Benefits Fund. I am pleased to say that, last week, Time for Kids also received funding to the tune of $62,500 from the 2008 Community Benefits Fund. I look forward to visiting Time for Kids soon to acknowledge its good work and to once again present it with well-deserved funds.

It is a privilege having such a committed and compassionate organisation in my electorate, and I extend my congratulations to all the staff at Time for Kids, in particular, the Manager, Kathy Garrett, and the Assistant Manager, Karen Lewis. To all of you, a job well done. And, last but certainly not least, I offer my heartfelt thanks to the many wonderful families out there who offer their time and their homes to give these children a shot at a better and happier life.