New DVD 'opens the door' to education of kids in care

A unique training tool to help address the poor rates of educational attainment of children and young people in out-of-home care was launched September 23 at the University of Western Sydney's Parramatta Campus.

"Opening the Door", a DVD produced by UnitingCare Burnside and aimed at carers, teachers and workers, contains vital information about the educational needs of children in care, including ideas on how to support and encourage their learning.

"Research shows that the educational attainment of over 10,000 children living in care in NSW is desperately poor compared to their peers in the community," explains Manager of Burnside's Education Programs Dianne Nixon.

"A 1996 study revealed that in NSW, 80 per cent of young people living at home with their families completed the Higher School Certificate, compared with only 35.6 per cent of young people in care.

"There is an urgent need to address this gap, and that's where Opening The Door comes in," she continued.

Apart from containing timely tips and advice for people working with children in care, the DVD incorporates the unique feature of the voice of children and young people.

"By showcasing their voices, we are representing their stories and experiences, rather than just the opinions of experts in the field," said Dianne.

Dianne expects Opening The Door will have an important influence in the out-of-home care sector.

"There is nothing like this out there at the moment," said Dianne. "We expect this tool will heighten the awareness of the critical issues affecting the education of children in out-of -home-care and increase the emphasis on the importance of training for those working in the area."

The DVD was funded through a $10,000 National Literacy and Numeracy Week prize awarded to Yvonne Clarke of Burnside by the Australian Government in 2004. Generous support in production was provided by Dream Capture Films.