A component of the Parent Drug Information Service (PDIS) is the Parent Volunteer Support Network, where parents, who have all experienced a son or daughter using drugs, have been selected, trained and supervised to provide telephone and community support to parents across Western Australia.
What do you need to become a Parent Volunteer?
The Parent Drug Information Service recruits parents and guardians who have first hand experience of a son or daughter using drugs (past or present). The parent volunteers come with a wide range of life experiences including different occupations and cultural backgrounds. Parent volunteers need to have a non-judgmental and open-minded attitude when working with families with drug-related issues.
How to become a Parent Volunteer?
Recruitment occurs on an as needs basis. Advertisements are placed in selected newspapers, and parents and community groups are notified. Prospective volunteers complete an application, and are interviewed by a panel.
What does training involve?
When selected parent volunteers undertake an initial three-day training program that capitalises on their strengths and wisdom. The training covers general drug and alcohol information, harm reduction and basic counselling skills required to support family members concerned about their son or daughter’s drug use.
Working as a Parent Volunteer?
Parent volunteers work from their own home to take incoming PDIS calls from all over Western Australia from concerned parents and family members.
As a parent volunteer you will become part of a team of trained parents who will provide confidential support by listening, sharing information and discussing mutual strategies to support parents and families.
Parent volunteers also have opportunities to present to community groups, promote the service, liaise with media and participate in community events.
Telephone Support
The parent volunteer’s primary role is to provide support and practical strategies to parents and families who call PDIS. Volunteers are rostered on 4 or 5-hour shifts between 8 am and 10 pm, once a week.
Court Support: Adult Drug Court and Children’s Court
· Adult Drug Court
Parent volunteers can choose to provide support to families in the Drug Court. Volunteers attend the Monday morning information session each week and offer support, information and referral to parents needing assistance. Volunteers are trained in Drug Court processes and are able to explain these to the families attending.
· Children’s Court
Parent volunteers may also choose to provide support to families in the Perth Children’s Court. Volunteers attend once a week and provide assistance, support and referral to family members who have concerns about their son or daughter’s alcohol and/or other drug use. They can also accompany the families into court.
Youth Withdrawal Respite Service (YWRS)
Parent volunteers also have the option to support family members who attend the Youth Withdrawal Respite Service on Tuesday evenings. Volunteers provide information, support and referral to family members visiting their son or daughter in residence at YWRS.
Community education talks and special projects
Parent volunteers have opportunities to promote the service and present to community groups, school parent talks, liaise with media and participate in community events and special projects.
Parent Drug Information Resource
A resource booklet for parents concerned about their son or daughter’s drug use developed by parent volunteers and professionals is available for download below.
PDIS Information and Support Pack for Parents and Families (PDF 166Kb)
Who do you contact?
If you would like further information about becoming a parent volunteer, call the Parent Drug Information Service Coordinator on (08) 9370 0376, email: PDIS@health.wa.gov.au