Children are individuals with unique needs and wishes. They have entitlements to a voice of their own and have intrinsic value in themselves as well as in being members of families. Every child is unique and may be affected by homelessness in a range of different ways.
Effective and responsive services:
- Recognise that children are individuals with separate and different needs, wishes and aspirations to those of their parents, siblings and other children;
- Identify each child's developmental and other unique needs and the ways that children would like to be supported.
Booklet: I'm One of a Kind
This booklet provides ideas about why it's important to see each child as unique and special; websites on child development; ideas about how to explore children's needs and wishes; thoughts about culture and working with families from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and other culturally diverse backgrounds; and information on child-centred, family-focused assessment.
Booklet: I'm One of a Kind (PDF, 2.3MB)
Poster: I'm One of a Kind (PDF, 588KB)
Tools
Some of the tools from the Kids Central Toolkit are also available to download below, including:
- Tool 2A: The Name Game (PDF, 193KB)
Can be used as a warm up game when beginning group activities, to build rapport and help children feel comfortable.
- Tool 2B: I'm a Star (PDF, 247KB)
Can be used to find out about individual children's needs and wishes, build rapport and identify strengths.
- Tool 2C: It's All About Me (PDF, 228KB)
Can be used to find out about how children see themselves, their talents and gifts.
- Tool 2D: What I'd Like (PDF, 223KB)
Can be used to find out about the things children are feeling and thinking about their current and future situations, and what they would like to see happen for them and their families.
- Tool 2E: Here and There (PDF, 213KB)
Can be used to find out about the things children are wanting and to identify how they might be effected.
- Tool 2F: Eye See You (PDF, 183KB)
Can be used to help adults give kids positive affirmations, help kids feel good about themselves, help adults connect with kids, and help boost self-esteem.
- Tool 2G: Catching Dreams (PDF, 155KB)
Can be used to give children an opportunity to talk about their hopes and dreams, and build rapport.