Lovemore Chikwanda’s Post

*Content warning: Child abuse, sexual abuse, mental health and suicide* . . . . . Too many Australian children live the reality of cycling between residential care (group homes) and youth detention as they struggle with their mental health due to the abuse and trauma they’ve experienced. Sadly, we hear stories like Josh’s and the other children in this article, right across Australia. 💔 It is important that these stories are heard so we remember that the need for change is urgent. There is so much at stake. We know that home-based models of care, like kinship and #FosterCare, better meet the relational and developmental needs of children and are the preferred models of out-of-home care. And where residential care is needed because there are not enough foster carers, residential homes should be safe, responsive and therapeutic environments for the children and young people who live there. And children and young people should always have a choice and a voice about things that impact them, including where they live and how they access mental health supports. For every young person, carer and worker who spoke up and contributed their voice to this important story, we hear you and continue to advocate alongside you to make out-of-home care systems across Australia safer and better for children and young people. We will keep doing this by meeting with decision-makers, writing submissions, listening to children and young people, and supporting them to know their rights and advocate for them. CREATE is listening and we hear your calls for change. 💜 #ChildProtection #OOHC #ResidentialCare

BOOK RELEASE: 01/18/2025 Hey hey hey, y’all! It’s been a minute since I've been on Linkedin, and let me tell you why… First off, let me just say this: some folks commit crimes and have no desire for a second chance. But then some do—and they deserve it. The problem is, that too many are coming home struggling. I mean seriously struggling, carrying scars from prison that they don’t know how to heal. A few months ago, I found myself deep in those TikTok streets, and let me tell you—the cries for help were overwhelming. I couldn’t just stand by. I had to do something. So, I poured everything into this guide: THE SECOND SENTENCE: Understanding Post Incarceration Syndrome, A Guide for Formerly Incarcerated Citizens. This isn’t just another book. It’s a tool, a guide, and a lifeline. If they’re willing to put in the work, they can experience a real second chance—a transformation with lasting results. I’m so Godly proud of the content on these pages. What’s written here is the stuff the system won’t teach, and most reentry programs don’t even know. This book is for those ready to rewrite their story. Mark your calendars for 01/18/2025. More to come! #wifeafterprison #postincarcerationsyndrome #mentalhealth #PICS #thesecondsentence

High Rates of Child Apprehension Linked to Parental Substance Use. Substance misuse is a significant driver of child apprehensions in Saskatchewan. Many children are removed from their homes due to addiction-related family instability, which can delay reunification efforts. Family-focused treatment centres can reduce these occurrences and provide a stable environment for recovery. If you or someone you know is in need please go to our website www.thecarterhouse.net to learn more #addiction #addictionsupport #addictionrecovery #addictionawareness #saskatoon

🚧🚧🚧🚧🚧🚧🚧🚧🚧🚧 Prison trauma affects not just the individual, but their families too. Here are 3 essential tips to help navigate and heal from the impact of incarceration: 1. Acknowledge the Trauma: Understanding the emotional and psychological toll of incarceration is the first step toward healing. Recognize the different levels of impact and validate each other’s feelings. 2. Seek Professional Help: Engage with therapists or support groups specializing in post-incarceration trauma. Professional guidance can provide the tools needed to cope and heal. 3. Foster a Supportive Environment: Create a space of open communication and patience at home. Lean on community organizations and peer support groups for additional resources and a sense of community. Interview by Holli McEachern #Path2Redemption. #HealingAfterIncarceration #FamilySupport #TraumaRecovery #MentalHealthMatters

It’s hard to imagine that, instead of going to school or being cared for by their families, children are sent to work every day in factories, mines, or other harsh environments. Many more are recruited into armed conflict, forced into drug trafficking, prostitution, or other illicit activities. Each year, hundreds of millions of boys and girls are involved in work that prevents them from experiencing the basic rights of childhood, including education, play, adequate rest, mental health, and more. World Day Against Child Labor sheds light on and increases public awareness about the plight of these children, aiming to end such forms of child abuse and neglect. Join us in raising awareness and taking action to protect children worldwide. #WorldDayAgainstChildLabor #EndChildLabor #ProtectChildren #EveryChildMatters #ChildhoodRights #StopChildLabor #RaiseAwareness #SaveOurChildren #FightForChildhood #EducationForAll #NoMoreChildLabor #HumanRights #SupportChildhood #GlobalAction #HopeForChildren #KenfillTechnoSolutions

As someone who has personally gone through the system multiple times (yes, I'm a repeat offender), I can attest to the power of these rehabilitation programs. In fact, I went from being caught up in recidivism to actually beating it. One key insight we've gained is that these programs address underlying issues like mental health struggles and past traumatic experiences. By understanding what led us into incarceration or why we committed certain acts, we are able to acquire valuable information and skills for success upon reintegration into society. So why are these rehabilitation programs so important? Well, simply put - they work! They reduce the risk of repeat offenders by providing individuals with tools and support needed for successful reentry into society. Here's an overview of why rehabiliation programs rock: -Addressing underlying issues such as mental health struggles -Uncovering factors like adverse childhood experiences -Acquiring crucial information & skills for successful reintegration Beating recidivism one person at a time! By investing in effective rehabilitation strategies, societies can significantly decrease recidivism rates while giving individuals a chance at redemption and rebuilding their lives. It's truly a win-win situation! Let's keep pushing for better access to quality rehabilitation programs because they play an essential role in breaking cycles of crime and creating safer communities for everyone involved. #RehabilitationPrograms #BreakingTheCycle #SecondChances #CriminalJusticeReform

The Executive Summary from our Project Charter. Parents who are just starting their contested custody journey or those deep in the middle of it often search for help from service providers (lawyers, evaluators, therapists, and others) who understand parental alienation, false allegations, and emotional and psychological child abuse. The Parental Alienation Resource List is a comprehensive online resource directory that enables parents or others looking for help to locate and connect with “trusted” providers in their area. By quickly and reliably connecting parents in need with trusted and vetted professionals and local support resources/groups, this project will significantly benefit children and families to mitigate the many negative impacts of parental alienation, false allegations, and psychologically abusive parents. The launch of the Parental Alienation Resource List is expected to occur in the 2nd Quarter of 2025. #parentalalienation #familycourt #childabuse #CPS #falseallegations

Did you know that recovery homes for trafficked survivors, regardless of their age, often require a prolonged period of support and healing? National Studies have shown that 2-3 years in a residential program is recommended to allow sufficient time for mind, body, soul, and spirit recovery and reintegration. The recovery process for survivors of sex trafficking involves three stages. It generally takes place over two to three years: 1) the crisis stage 2) the transition stage and 3) the reintegration and inclusion stage Offering long-term case management and support to help survivors reintegrate into society successfully. Community Integration: Assisting survivors in establishing a sense of normalcy and community, including finding stable housing, reliable transportation, and employment. Empowerment and Advocacy: Encouraging survivors to become advocates for themselves and others, promoting empowerment and self-sufficiency. These stages are crucial in ensuring that survivors receive the comprehensive support they need to heal and rebuild their lives. You can help IF by giving here for our reintegration and aftercare program. https://lnkd.in/gApdykVT Or order off of our @Amazon wish list, https://a.co/4ilebtr Source: Nexus Institute #endsextrafficking #stophumantrafficking #endhumantrafficking #HealASoul #prevention #stopchildsextrafficking #helpachild #ProtectChildren #children #EndHumanTrafficking #aftercare #reintegration

One of the most pressing challenges in creating #safer #communities is tackling #recidivism – the tendency of previously incarcerated individuals to reoffend. But reducing recidivism isn’t just about improving #rehabilitation; it’s a cornerstone of community #security and long-term #peacebuilding. By focusing on rehabilitation #programs, education, employment opportunities, and mental health support, we #empower individuals to #reintegrate into society successfully. This, in turn, leads to lower crime rates, stronger community trust, and #sustainable #peace. When we invest in #recidivismreduction, we not only support individuals on their journey to reintegration, but we also build safer communities, enhance public security, and foster a more resilient society. Together, we can create environments where everyone has the opportunity to thrive without the burden of past mistakes holding them back. It’s time to prioritize second chances, not just for individuals, but for the communities they return to. #RecidivismReduction #SaferCommunities #Rehabilitation #PublicSecurity #Peacebuilding #SocialJustice #CommunityTrust #SustainablePeace #CriminalJusticeReform #SaferNeighborhoods #CommunityResilience

Our mission is to break the cycle and heal the trauma resulting from childhood sexual abuse and neglect with specialized treatment, education, and community outreach. No one should have the privileges of childhood taken away. Learn more about ChildSafe and our mission, here: https://loom.ly/JdvC5W4