Referred by the Family Responsibilities Commission in late 2012, Gertie Koonutta was required to join Strong Families to get her three children back from Child Safety.
‘My children were with Child Safety in Weipa, and I wanted them home with me’, said Gertie.
As part of Strong Families, Gertie regularly attends group and one-on-one sessions where she is able to discuss her parenting issues and develop competencies in the sixteen Triple P parenting strategies.
‘Now I have my children back. I walk my girls to school every morning and pick them up every afternoon’, said Gertie. ‘My family is really proud of me. My partner has also signed up to the course. The parenting program has changed our lives—now I’m a great mum and I have my three children home and safe.’
Gertie is on track to complete the program and will graduate during a ceremony in May. Her experience with Strong Families has been so beneficial to her life, she has signed up for Baby College.
‘I am going to do more parenting training for my baby’, said Gertie. ‘I want to learn as much as I can.’
As part of Baby College, Gertie will develop skills around caring for and bonding with her son, reducing parenting stress, and strengthening her relationship with her partner.
Gertie has also been an MPower member for two years. She successfully completed Internet and Telephone Banking Support training to develop skills to use the iBank.
She now frequently visits the Aurukun Opportunity Hub to use the iBank unassisted.