Believe in Me! is a new booklet released as a companion edition to our 2020 release, The Power of Me – Stories from ParentsNext. It features good news stories showcasing great experiences of participants.
It provides an opportunity for them to tell their story on the benefits that OCTEC ParentsNext had on them and their families.
There are features on many participants who were also in The Power of Me. Readers catch up on their progression, which illustrates how participation in our services changes lives long-term.
OCTEC ParentsNext Manager, Charissa Mossop said the booklet showcases a sample of what participants and consultants share each day.
“It’s inspiring to know that one of our consultants has met a parent at a stage where they had a goal in mind but didn’t have the resources to achieve it, and then these two people have collaborated to work towards achieving that goal,” Ms Mossop said.
“It’s also great to see the positive impact that this has on the parent and their family.”
In May 2023, the federal government announced the conclusion of ParentsNext as a compulsory program for eligible parents, but making involvement voluntary in the lead up to a new pre-employment program for parents.
This program is due to commence in November. In response to these changes, OCTEC commenced our Savvy Parents service. This voluntary program offers pre-employment assistance for parents of young children.