You are invited to attend a workshop to explore the needs of children in the 8-12 year old age group in the Onkaparinga region. The workshop is part of a broader project exploring the evidence about ¡§what works¡¨ for this age group and considering the applicability of these findings to the local context.

The project was initiated in response to concerns expressed by service providers and sector representatives that children in this age bracket were facing a range of challenges and that programs did not always cater for the needs of this age group.

The South Australian Community Health Research Unit (SACHRU) is working with the City of Onkaparinga to develop a strong foundation for the development of future initiatives for 8-12 year olds.

We are holding three identical workshops which will consider a discussion paper exploring the issues, which will be distributed prior to the workshops. It is a discussion paper only. The final paper will incorporate insights, examples and recommendations that emerge from the consultation workshops.

We believe input from key stakeholders is essential to develop a clearer picture of the issues and to ensure experience and local knowledge shape the final recommendations. Input from people such as you will be vital in identifying what needs to be done in order for the project to further progress.

We hope you are able to attend one of the workshops and encourage you to pass this invitation and accompanying information to others you may know with a particular interest in the area. Details of the consultations are provided on the following page. Please book in to the workshop that best matches your work location.

Prior to your workshop you will receive a discussion paper providing a succinct overview of key findings from the literature and recommendations for discussion.

If you require further information about the Child2Teen project please contact Mike Brown on 8384 0535 or Candy Evans on 8384 0771.

You are invited to a consultation with service providers on the needs of children in the 8 ¡V 12 year age bracket. Please check out the consultation dates at the link below.

The Transitions: Child 2 Teen research project is a joint initiative of the Youth and Children and Families portfolios of the City of Onkaparinga Community Development section. This research project is a response to widespread anecdotal evidence from service providers and sector representatives, which suggests that children in the 8-12 year age bracket are now facing the challenges that were previously experienced by teenagers.




This perceived lowering of the age at which young people are experiencing the social, emotional and physical life changing experiences associated with puberty and growing into teenagers, has been a regular topic of discussion at both the Families and Children and Youth Round Tables. Local youth service providers are increasingly reporting that this younger age group are attempting to access their services.

The City of Onkaparinga has engaged the South Australian Community Health Research Unit (SACHRU) to:

„X Provide an overview of the developmental stages and tasks associated with middle childhood;
„X Research local, national and international trends in the delivery of services/projects to this age group;
„X Explore and analyse the needs of this age group with local service providers and sector representatives;
„X Provide recommendations on the type of initiatives that would best address the identified needs of this age group;
„X Identify potential agency and sector collaborations and partnerships for the advancement and support of such initiatives;
„X Identify potential sources of funding for such initiatives; and
„X From all of the above, provide a solid evidence base from which to advocate to relevant funding bodies for increased resources to address the social and personal development needs of pre-teen children.


For more information on the project and to access the discussion paper and draft literature review check out:

https://som.flinders.edu.au/FUSA/SACHRU/Child2Teen

Consultation 1
Date Monday, 24 July
Time 9.15am ¡V 1.00pm
Venue The Salvation Army Aberfoyle Park
¡§The Hub¡¨ Worship & Community Complex, Aberfoyle Park
RSVP Di Schutz, Community Development Administration
ƒv 8384 0030 „J diasch@onkaparinga.sa.gov.au

Consultation 2
Date Tuesday, 1 August
Time 9.15am ¡V 1.00pm
Venue Aldinga Community Centre
Symonds Reserve Hall
Stewart Avenue, Aldinga Beach
RSVP Di Schutz, Community Development Administration
ƒv 8384 0030 „J diasch@onkaparinga.sa.gov.au



Consultation 3
Date Tuesday, 8 August
Time 9.15am ¡V 1.00pm
Venue Adelaide South Family Day Care
209 Main South Road, Morphett Vale
RSVP Di Schutz, Community Development Administration
ƒv 8384 0030 „J diasch@onkaparinga.sa.gov.au