Footprints Builds Connections
10 May, 2010
Interrelate's Building Connections project was managed by Jane Oliver, of Footprint Directions. Funded by the Attorney General's Department to the non-government organisation, Interrelate, the pilot project aimed to encourage separated parents reduce their conflict for the benefit of their children. Interrelate Family Centres in partnership with the Child Support Agency won the 2004 Prime Minister's Gold Award for Excellence in Public Sector Management for the program "Staying Connected" - a workplace program for separated fathers.
Based on this success the Building Connection's project is aimed at both residential and non-residential parents - both mums and dads. See www.interrelate.org.au for more information. Due to the success of the pilot project, with an independently evaluation showing six of the seven tough objectives were easily met - the project is now available Australia-wide for separated and separating parents. 
Project designers, (pictured from left) , Jonathan Toussaint,Jo Riley, Jane Oliver, Lyn Cossar and Karen Morris have 40 years' combined experience in working with the family service system. Jane highlighted the strengths of the program, "Building Connections is about taking practical steps to give parents with entrenched conflict the chance to start afresh and get behind their kids' emotional needs...".
Programme pilot workshops (3 hours each) will rolled out in Coffs Harbour, Lismore, Dubbo and Orange in regional New South Wales, Australia. The resilience of the project, with its proven efficacy for short-term interventions is the first of its kind in Australia.
Footprint Directions acknowledges the support of its client partner, Interrelate Family Centres and the close involvement of the Australian Attorney-General's Department in the development of the project. Jane's project management services were utilised over an 18-month timeframe, culminating in the nationwide take up of the seminar.
For more information contact jonathan.t@interrelate.org.au or Jane Oliver through Footprint Directions.