'Home' is safe haven
Comparing the Department of Child Protection and Family Support’s new residential group home to the previous facility is like comparing “chalk and cheese” according to Goldfields district director Garfield Prowse.
Child Protection Minister Helen Morton yesterday visited Kalgoorlie-Boulder to formally open the $1.8 million Yallinyu Wamu home, which is just metres away from the old 1970s hostel.
Yallinyu Wamu, which means “safe, calm and beautiful home” in the local Ngadju language, is designed to house as many as eight children for a period of up to 10 weeks.
In addition to providing a stable temporary living environment for children who have experienced trauma and adversity, it will also act as emergency accommodation for children who cannot be immediately placed with family.
The physical structure of Yallinyu Wamu is in stark contrast to the former home — children have access to private rooms, a designated study area, and even have separate laundry baskets.
A sprawling outdoor area is complemented by a swimming pool, a playground, and a garden where children can care for a wide range of fruit and vegetable plants.
