Raising Literacy Australia has established this important project to support SA children aged 0-6 years in out-of-home care.

We believe that all children in our community deserve universal access to quality books no matter what their individual situation in life may be. Unfortunately, some circumstances beyond a child’s control can limit their access, leading to developmental delays in their language, speech, and learning.

The Read to Me initiative has been designed to develop emergent literacy skills and language

With the generous support of Variety – The Children’s Charity of South Australia, South Australian Department of Education, Department for Child Protection, and Cochrane’s

Recipients gain the benefit of establishing a library of books that the children can keep and enjoy for many years to come.

Children under the Guardianship of the Minister for Child Protection each receive an initial start-up library featuring:

• • 10 age-appropriate picture and board books
  • A Read to Me Library Bag
  • Supporting resources for carers including an activity book and role-modelling DVD.
  • Home library book packs are then sent every three months in March, June, September, and December. The books are specially selected based on each child’s age.

Program’s key achievements:

Over 164,000 books in homes since the start of the program in October 2015.
Carers are now engaging more readily with their children:

• 98% of carers agreed the books received are enjoyed by the child/ren.
• 88%* of carers agree the book packs have meant they spend more ‘together’ time with my child/ren.
• 88%* of carers read books to their child/ren at least once a day.
• 39% of carers read more than once a day.

* September 2023, Carer feedback survey on the Read to Me program.