DSS video promotes SNAP
To encourage uptake of the Support Network for Aboriginal Parents (SNAP) Program, DSS made a video to explain how it worked.
I’m here to tell you about the benefits ... that you’re entitled to … to make sure that your kids are getting the proper money they should be.
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| snap-video-transcript.docx | 46.45 KB |
Introduced in 1990, the Support Network for Aboriginal Parents (SNAP) Program helped Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander parents access government payments and programs. As well as explaining payments, SNAP Officers set up services, such as playgroups, food programs and craft groups, to help people care for their children.
The Department of Social Security (DSS) made this video to promote the program.
In the video, SNAP Officer Paul Brandy visits a family in their home. He explains the government payments available and answers some of the family’s questions. Brandy shows the family how to fill in a form and lets them know about other ways that SNAP Officers can help.
Brandy explains that there are 14 SNAP Officers around the country and encourages viewers to speak to an officer in their area.
The video is an example of how DSS communicated with Aboriginal customers in the 1990s. Featuring Aboriginal staff in role plays helped connect their messages with real-life scenarios.
A DSS review of SNAP published in 1995 highlighted many strengths of the program.
The original name for the SNAP program was Support Network for Aboriginal Parents, though it was also called the Support Network for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Parents. There was a SNAP officer based on Thursday Island in the Torres Strait as part of the program. Numbers of SNAP officer positions increased from 14 to 25 in 1992.
This is an excerpt from the full video showing only scenes of people who were able to give permission. The original VHS is held in the Department of Social Services Library.
Permissions
Permissions to use this excerpt were granted by Paul Brandy, and by Rayleen Booth and her daughter Deanne.
Citation
Department of Social Security (1990) Support Network for Aboriginal and Islander Parents: SNAP [video], National Film & Video Productions for Department of Social Security, Canberra.