Who is Helping Children Heal for?
Helping Children Heal supports children aged 6-12 years and their siblings who have experienced domestic and family violence.
We work with children and families who have experienced domestic and family violence, with a focus on rebuilding safety, stability and support.
WAGEC case managers and child trauma specialists support:
- Children aged 6–12 who have experienced domestic and family violence
- Parents and carers seeking support for their child’s recovery, wellbeing and development
- Families to build safety, strengthen relationships and support children’s healing and growth
Families can self-refer or may already be connected to WAGEC. The program is for families who have experienced violence and have at least one child in the family unit aged 6-12 years.
We work with children and families from all backgrounds and experiences, regardless of visa status or citizenship.
Domestic and family violence can shape how a child sees the world, their relationships, and themselves. It can disrupt learning, impact emotional wellbeing, and make it harder to feel safe, even after the violence has stopped.
That’s what makes Helping Children Heal so important. It creates safe spaces to rebuild trust, strengthen relationships and promote healthy development and growth.
Every child deserves to feel safe and supported
Treating children as clients in their own right, because when children are supported to heal, families and communities heal too.
Alexis’ story: Learning that trauma doesn’t define who she is
How we help families heal and reconnect
Helping Children Heal sits within WAGEC’s broader model of trauma-informed care, supporting children and families beyond immediate crisis and into longer-term recovery and prevention.
Therapeutic support and recovery
Children are supported to process their experiences in safe ways. Through play, creative expression and therapeutic activities, they can rebuild a sense of safety, confidence and emotional wellbeing.
Strengthening parent–child relationships
Violence can disrupt trust and connection within families. We work alongside safe parents and carers to rebuild those relationships, supporting confidence, attachment and everyday caregiving.
Learning, development and connection
Through our Learning Hub, volunteers support children with homework and structured activities, while offering a consistent space to reconnect with learning, routine and peers in a way that feels safe and engaging.
Integrated, wraparound support
Connecting children and families with allied health services, schools and community partners including speech therapy, occupational therapy and psychology to ensure support responsive to their needs.
Supporting a child after violence can be complex, and even overwhelming.
"Since coming to the program, I have seen a change in my daughter.
At first, she was so shy and withdrawn. Now, she’s happy, calm, and confident. When visiting, she actually gets excited for our sessions.”
— Parent, Helping Children Heal Participant
What your support makes possible
Programs like Helping Children Heal exist because of the collective effort of partners, funders and community. Your support allows us to respond to emerging needs, invest in specialist staff, and deliver vital services to children and families when it matters most.
Since launching in 2024, the Helping Children Heal program has created a welcoming, nurturing space for hundreds of families to connect, play, and heal together.
Behind every number is a child rebuilding confidence, a parent reconnecting with their role, and a family finding steadier ground after crisis.
Questions about the program
The program offers a mix of therapeutic, educational and family-based support. This includes group programs, creative and play-based activities, parenting support, and connections to allied health services where needed.
You do not need to have all the answers. Being present, listening without judgement, and responding with patience and care can go a long way. Support for parents and carers is just as important, as strengthening these relationships is a key part of a child’s healing. Programs like Helping Children Heal are designed to support both children and the adults around them.
What to do next
Learn more about our impact
Explore how WAGEC supports women and families to heal beyond crisis.
Join the movement
Fund programs that help children recover from violence and build safer futures.
Visit the Resource Library
Explore resources and insights to better understand children’s experiences of violence.
beyond violence.
