news & publications

Cara has launched "Model of Care".  Click here to download .

On 8 September 2009 Robyn Di Virgilio was announced as the joint winner of the Robin Clark Memorial Award 2009 in the category of  “Making a Difference with Children, Young People and Families.”

The awards recognise and encourage work of the highest standards in service provision in community and government organizations to improve the lives of children, young people and families in Victoria.

The Board of Management, staff and other supporters of Cara congratulate Robyn for her well-deserved award and recognition for more than 20 years of tireless, innovative and devoted work.

Thanks to the generous support of the Vicki Standish Family Fund and Melbourne Community Foundation, Cara has purchased a number of dolls from Virtual Parenting.

Dolls from Virtual parenting simulate varying situations that may arise for new mothers.

In an initiative called “Reality works – Live it, Learn it”, the young women in Cara’s care will learn about how different babies really work.

Cara has welcomed the following “virtual babies”:

“Smart Baby”

Cries to be fed, burped, rocked and have its nappy changed.

“DAD" (Drug Addicted Demonstrator) baby

FEEL the withdrawal tremors and HEAR the inconsolable cries of a drug affected infant.

“FASM Baby” (Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Mannequin)

Based on real infants suffering this condition, the manikin is small for its age and exhibits some of the many physical abnormalities that can result from alcohol use during pregnancy.

“Shaken Baby Syndrome”

Helps to increase awareness of the injuries involved in Shaken Baby Syndrome.