In adversity, hope: Reflections from our CEO
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Inaccessible childcare for families seeking asylum
Every parent wants the best for their child.
For families seeking asylum, this often means accessing childcare, a vital support that allows parents to work, children to learn and grow, and families in all forms to thrive. Yet, this essential service remains inaccessible for many people seeking asylum.
Impossible choices
Allison Keane, a family network coordinator at the Asylum Seekers Centre (ASC), explains, “People seeking asylum are not entitled to the Childcare Subsidy, which is a right of all Permanent Residents.”
The harsh reality is that many people seeking asylum face a painful paradox.
“They often say to me ‘why have I been given work rights, but not subsidised childcare? It actually still means I can’t work—childcare costs more than I earn.’”
The process of seeking financial assistance is also a daunting, bureaucratic maze.
“To get the only possible funding available, they have to navigate a demeaning and inefficient Centrelink procedure.”
The process takes many weeks, and is not guaranteed to succeed.
ASC’s lifeline
The ASC helps people seeking asylum navigate various cultural, language, and systemic barriers in the complex world of childcare access.
“We give them advice to try to understand their options,” says Alison.
The ASC liaises with childcare providers and facilitates enrolments, advocating for families throughout the whole process.
The life-changing impact of childcare
When childcare is secured, the benefits are profound.
Keane explains that the mental health of families improves dramatically once children are in childcare.
“The children have their needs met, become socialised, and learn the language.”
“The parents have the headspace to start addressing their own mental, physical, and employment needs. It is quite literally life-changing.”
Stories of impact
The importance of childcare is tangible in the stories of parents who have received support from the ASC.
Trency* shares, “It helped our entire family in many ways”
“She [my daughter] was at risk before joining childcare. Now she is in safe hands. Our minds are peaceful now.”
Her daughter began learning good habits and better communication.
Lang*, a single mother, also shares the effect of childcare on their whole family.
“My daughter, who had been struggling with frequent nightmares due to the trauma of domestic violence, is now a cheerful and happy child.”
Lang’s son, once introverted, also became more social and confident.
With her children blossoming, Lang now has the space to focus on her own therapy and healing.
“You’ve [the Asylum Seekers Centre] helped us turn a difficult chapter in our lives into one filled with hope and new possibilities.”
Alison adds, “It bears out all the research that childcare for children under five is absolutely vital – especially for vulnerable children… And it warms our hearts to hear these stories.”
Choosing welcome and helping families thrive
It is time to choose welcome and make access to childcare a reality for all.
In recent months, the ASC community has benefited from local government areas (LGAs) and childcare providers stepping in. The Canterbury Bankstown City Council and Blacktown Council KEL for example have worked hand in hand with the ASC team to access childcare from Goodstart Early Learning. By following their lead, we can all help children develop cognitive and social-emotional skills crucial for later success.
As Alison emphasises, “Kids should not be the ones to miss out”.
The impact of accessible childcare extends far beyond the individual child. It strengthens communities by fostering social inclusion, promoting early childhood development, and empowering families to thrive.
