Raising Literacy Australia has established this important program 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.

Since 2015, Raising Literacy through the Read to Me program has been supporting carers and children, by providing resources and information to encourage positive adult – child interactions and experiences that will support healthy brain development.

Children under the Guardianship of the Minister for Child Protection each receive a start-up library to launch each child’s reading journey, featuring:

• 10 age-appropriate picture and board books
• A Read to Me library bag
• Carer resources, including an activity book and role-modelling DVD.

Every quarter an additional three board or picture books are posted direct to the child.

This project is made possible thanks to the invaluable support of Variety SA – the Children’s Charity, Cochranes, and the Department for Child Protection.

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.

To read the Independent Evaluation of the Read to Me – Out of Home Care Program by Dr Grant Banfield (March 2023), please click here.