Parkerville: How Early Intervention & Compassion are Game Changers

The rising cost of living is placing extraordinary strain on families across Western Australia. Housing, groceries, fuel, and utilities have all increased significantly, forcing households already under pressure to make impossible choices - between paying rent or putting food on the table, between heating a home or buying school supplies.

For children, the consequences are immediate and far-reaching. Poverty in childhood means going without essentials, missing educational opportunities, and growing up in environments marked by stress and instability. Left unaddressed, disadvantage becomes entrenched and can span generations.

Parkerville Children and Youth Care understands how these pressures compound existing challenges such as trauma, mental health difficulties, and family breakdown. The organisation’s work focuses on therapeutic care, early intervention and prevention, family support, education pathways, and safe environments that help children and families build stability and wellbeing. Preventing the impacts of poverty from taking root is a core strategy in breaking the cycle of disadvantage.

Tania Lawrence MP (Hasluck) seen with the End Child Poverty team and Parkerville Children and Youth Care at Parkerville, Midland.

“Poverty is not just about a lack of money - it’s about a lack of opportunity and stability,” says Kim Brooklyn, CEO of Parkerville Children and Youth Care. “When families face mounting pressures, children are at risk of falling behind. By providing early support through services, guidance, and trusted relationships, children can thrive and their life trajectories can be transformed.”

Early intervention is critical in stopping crises before they escalate. Families under pressure can feel overwhelmed by even minor setbacks. Timely support eases those pressures, strengthens family capacity, and provides children with the stability they need to flourish.

Parents often do everything they can to support their children but may face challenges beyond their control. Parkerville works alongside families to enhance their capacity, ensuring children experience safety, stability, and opportunities to thrive.

Programs such as Medicare Mental Health Kids Hub and Ruby’s youth homelessness prevention initiative illustrate the impact of early support. Kids Hub, the first program of its kind in Western Australia, provides free mental health services for children under 12 in the City of Swan who are experiencing mild to moderate developmental, behavioural, emotional, or mental health challenges. Through therapy, workshops, and assessments, Kids Hub addresses these challenges early, helping children grow up in supportive environments where they feel secure, confident, and able to engage fully at home, at school, and in their communities.

Ruby’s supports at-risk youth aged 12–17 and their families, offering safe, flexible spaces for those facing homelessness, family conflict, or eviction. With counselling, 24-hour therapeutic support, and tailored services, Ruby’s helps young people build resilience, reconnect with family, and create pathways to stability.

“Poverty is a reality that clients face daily. Many cannot access therapy or programs without sacrificing essentials such as food, clothing, or personal care,” explains Ms Brooklyn. “To ensure children and families can fully engage, Parkerville provides practical resources such as weighted blankets, fidget tools, meal vouchers, taxi vouchers, baby formula, and care packages. Removing barriers and reducing stigma enables families to seek help early and feel supported.”

The rising cost of living further highlights the importance of early intervention and wraparound support. Through therapeutic care, guidance, safe spaces, and practical resources, Parkerville strengthens family capacity and ensures children grow up in stable, nurturing environments.

Parkerville Children and Youth Care stands alongside children and families, providing the support, opportunities, and guidance necessary to thrive. The organisation proudly supports the End Child Poverty Campaign, recognising that every child deserves the chance to grow up safe, supported, and empowered to reach their full potential.