National child advocacy and support organisation SHINE for Kids has launched a picture book, The Sun Still Shines, aimed at young children with a father in custody.
This book was self-initiated and written by fathers who participated in the SHINE for Kids Storytime program at Clarence Correctional Centre, Grafton, NSW. It was written for their children and the 43,000 other children affected by parental incarceration in Australia every year, to whom they collectively send comfort, love, and support.
The book has been designed to support children through the challenges of separation from a parent in custody and let them know they are not forgotten.
The Sun Still Shines is a joint initiative between SHINE for Kids, Green Fox Studio, an award-winning creative agency and social enterprise that trains and employs people with lived experience, and Serco, the operators of Clarence Correctional Centre.
The work was curated under the guidance of leading social worker and 2023 AASW Social Worker of the Year recipient Mary Jo McVeigh OAM.
The book has been initially available in the correctional centres SHINE for Kids works within and for families who are supported in the community with SHINE for Kids programs. It is also available digitally via the SHINE for Kids website.
SHINE for Kids supports children and young people exposed to the justice system, with the core objective of reducing intergenerational harm. It also delivers programs to help children and young people in youth correction centres.
If you’d like to add this free storybook to your collection, don’t hesitate to contact Sophie Zoellner from SHINE for Kids at [email protected].
Link to the digital version: https://heyzine.com/flip-book/46e57a55c0.html