The Alannah and Madeline Foundation is a national charity keeping children safe from violence. We care for children who have experienced or witnessed serious violence and run programs which help prevent violence in the lives of children.

The Foundation was set up in memory of Alannah and Madeline Mikac, aged 6 and 3, who with their mother and 32 others were tragically killed at Port Arthur on April 28, 1996.

Our Work:

We care for children Australia-wide who experience or witness serious violence, supporting their recovery from trauma in order to minimise the ongoing impact of the violence. We achieve this through offering support, guidance and referrals. In addition, we are currently developing a proactive Intensive Support Program (ISP), which will work collaboratively with relevant agencies to promote recovery from violence, foster resilience and see an emphasis placed on connecting each child to their community.
One of our key prevention programs is the Better Buddies Framework, a whole-school initiative designed to create safe and caring primary school communities where bullying is reduced. In Better Buddies, older children buddy up with younger children and learn the values: caring for others, friendliness, respect, valuing difference, including others and responsibility through formal and informal activities. Buddies enable younger students to feel safe and cared for while older students feel valued and respected. Buddy Bear is the mascot of Better Buddies.

We play an advocacy role and are a voice against childhood violence. The National Coalition Against Bullying (NCAB), a group of experts in the field of childhood bullying and the creation of safe schools and communities, is an initiative of the Foundation. NCAB provides expert knowledge so that we can deliver effective prevention and advocacy programs aimed at keeping children safe from violence.

Projects:

* A new initiative is the Buddy Bags program, created in response to the tremendous need to provide essential items to the many children who are placed in emergency foster care or a domestic violence refuge; often with nothing but the clothes they are wearing. Upon entering emergency care, these children will receive a Buddy Bag containing personal items such as toiletries, pyjamas, socks, underwear, a teddy bear, pillow slip and a �Life Book�. The Buddy Bags program commences in September 2007 with a four month pilot in Victoria.

* One of our key prevention programs is the Better Buddies Framework, a whole-school initiative designed to create safe and caring primary school communities where bullying is reduced.


The Alannah and Madeline Foundation,
Level 1, 6 Charles Street
South Melbourne, Victoria  3205
Ph: 03 9697 0666
Fax: 03 9690 5644
Web: http://www.amf.org.au
Email: [email protected]

ABN: 96 514 115 810       DGR: yes

Volunteering: Phone 03 9697 0666 for details OR Email this address [email protected] listing your contact details and how you might be able to help.