In May 2014, we opened our first Child and Family Centre of Excellence at James Cook University in Townsville. The facility leads the way in Australian education, training and research in child protection practice. Act for Kids has established a training centre for students undertaking undergraduate and postgraduate courses at James Cook University.
Meet Chanelle Chate
Chanelle is currently studying a Bachelor of Speech Pathology at James Cook University. Chanelle undertook a six week student placement with Act for Kids in February 2015. During this time, she assisted the Growing Learning Team to provide help to kids who have developmental delays and educational disadvantage due to experiencing abuse and neglect. From this she has grown to understand ways that professionals can help struggling kids and families which will not only help her in her future career it will help more children and families.
Chanelle Chate, said that it was such an encouraging and supportive environment at the centre, and the learning experience went beyond her expectations.
Speech pathology is an opportunity for me to give people a voice. Communication is the key to building relationships with those around us.
It can be frustrating and isolating for people who aren’t able to communicate effectively with those around them. I am privileged to be able to help these people communicate and build relationships with those who are important to them.
Speech pathology is so much more than just teaching people to talk properly, its about giving people an opportunity to express their needs, wants, ideas and thoughts with those around them and engage with the world, Chanelle said.
Renée McAllister, Townsville Regional Director at Act for Kids, said student placements ensure graduates are learning current best-practice support services and are better equipped for specialist work in the child protection sector.
Act for Kids has a very strong relationship with James Cook University allowing us to offer approximately 10 students placements per year, which not only gives students hands on experience, but also help to increase the capacity and capability of the human services sector in the North Queensland region, Renée said.
If youre interested in completing a student placement at Act for Kids, please send an email to mail@actforkids.com.au