Jesuit Social Services staff member Wayne Clarke has been highly commended by Minister for Families, Children and Youth Affairs Hon Jenny Mikakos at the 2016 Robin Clark Protecting Children Awards.
The annual awards recognise people working across all areas of the child protection and family support service programs in Victoria, and acknowledge the valuable contribution of individuals and the broader community who play their part to achieve the protection and wellbeing of children, young people and their families.
Wayne has worked with Jesuit Social Services since 2001, assisting Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal children and young people who have had contact with the youth justice system.
Central to Wayne’s work is the ability to use recreational activities as a tool to enable young people to build trust in him. This also enables him to help marginalised young people address the underlying issues behind their offending such as substance abuse problems and homelessness.
One of Wayne’s key achievements at Jesuit Social Services has been pioneering our motocross bike riding program, which allows marginalised young people between the ages of 10 and 21 the opportunity to engage with recreational activities and develop their capacity for economic, social and cultural participation.
Everybody at Jesuit Social Services congratulates Wayne on his well-deserved recognition at the Awards.
Photo: Wayne Clarke (centre), his wife Faye (left) and Jesuit Social Services CEO Julie Edwards at the 2016 Robin Clark Protecting Children Awards.
