The Rosey's Cottage initiative came to life, when it became apparent that there were few residential facilities to take young pregnant women, particularly those in the State Welfare system, after the birth of their bub. So many babies, both Aboriginal/Torres Strait Islander and not, are destined for a life 'in care' due to the lack of appropriate facilities to take them before birth. Rosey's Cottage gives bubs the chance to stay with their mums in a safe, supportive environment, so they can be nurtured and loved. In QLD more babies are being taken from the delivery room to be placed in Resi Care, without their mum, due to risk factors such as 'lack of support'. Rosey's Cottage is an initiative to stop this type of child abuse. No bub benefits being raised by youth workers on shift. Every bub needs them mum!!

Rosey's Cottage is a new initiative , which supports Mum's and Bubs, in a culturally appropriate home, with workers who are fully trained, qualified and skilled in helping them 'grow' into parenthood, to care for their infants without intervention from Child Safety. Other services such as Aboriginal Midwives, Community Health Services, Child and Maternal Health workers will also be engaged in the process.

Why we are doing this

Kirrawe wants to stop the removal of 'at risk' newborn babies, who are destined to grow up in a system which does not support their most basic need, nurture and love. Rosey's Cottage offers support to young mums from six months of their pregnancy to birth and for a further 3 months after, to help them parent their newborn babies: from breastfeeding to secure attachment, as this has been proven to give their babies the best chance in life. Reseach shows that trauma in early life can lead to trauma in childhood, throughout teenage years and into adulthood. Kirrawe will provide training in Trust Based Relational Intervention to expectant and new mums, so they understand the need to care for their bubs appropriately. All staff will also be trained in TBRI, to help them work with young women who are pregnant and have no family support. Kirrawe recognises the need to have Rosey's Cottage's across Australia, due to the over-representation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island children and young people in the care and protection system.  Kirrawe also understands that the Cottage's need to be staffed with mature aged women with the qualifications and knowledge to teach the young women , as we were all taught over generations by our mothers, grandmothers and aunts. 

What we can do

As a start, the funds raised will help to fund Rosey's Cottages across Sth East QLD. The rate of bubs, being removed from their mothers, in this area, is the highest in the state.

How we can do this

With your help we can give the babies a chance to stay with their mothers, to be safe and supported, with help from Kirrawe Angels, who are fully qualified and mature staff.