For almost two decades AnglicareSA’s Banana Splitz program has been helping children find understanding, friendship, and practical tools to navigate the challenges of parental separation.

During the 2025 SA Children’s Week in October, the program, delivered as part of the federally funded KidsAreFirst Parenting Orders Program, was recognised at a reception at Government House with a Children’s Week Award.

AnglicareSA case worker Chanchal Yadav said since 2006 the therapeutic group program, designed for children aged 5–12, had offered a safe, engaging environment where children could speak openly, explore feelings, share experiences, and develop healthy coping strategies.

“Facilitators uphold strict confidentiality and use age-appropriate, interactive activities so children feel understood and respected,” Chanchal said.

“The six-week program’s design is both child-centred and evidence-informed, and it is delivered by experienced staff who understand the complexities of family change.

“Children leave the program with greater confidence in expressing their feelings, improved ability to talk with parents about difficult topics, and comfort in knowing they are not alone.

“In turn, families benefit from increased understanding of children’s experiences and stronger communication, helping to support children’s wellbeing beyond the program.”

The ongoing success of Banana Splitz was highlighted in an independent 2025 evaluation by the Flinders University Centre for Social Impact which found the program “overwhelmingly” helped participants and was consistent with best practice.

The Flinders evaluation reported that through Banana Splitz:

• children gained clarity that separation was not their fault, improving their ability to make sense of their world
• many valued knowing they were “not alone” by connecting with peers in similar situations
• participants increased their awareness of, and confidence in accessing, support services, with benefits often continuing after the program
• more than half found it easier to talk with their mothers about difficult topics following participation.

AnglicareSA Manager, Family Relationships, Michael Hawke, said Banana Splitz ran twice during each school term in three locations, supporting around 80 children annually.

“Banana Splitz continues to provide a consistent, supportive presence for children and families at a time of change,” Michael said.

“Its steady delivery over nearly two decades reflects AnglicareSA’s commitment to ensuring children have a safe place to be heard, understood, and supported.”