Foster Children have an audience with MP Bill Shorten
February 18, 2009 at 10:30 am | Posted in Around the Nation, Articles, Issues for Fostering, Links, Media | Leave a commentFollowing the recent Youth Summit a number of young people in and formerly in foster care from around Australia had a meeting with Parliamentary Secretary for Disabilities and Children’s Services, Bill Shorten. One of those who attended was Ivan from Tasmania who spoke to Life Matters this morning.
His main points of concern were a lack of case-planning consultation with children and young people themselves, and the difficulties faced by young people upon turning 18 who find their entire network (foster carers, case workers etc) are no longer available to them. He talked about needing more life-skills in preparation for leaving care.
These points were backed up by Jacqui Reed, CEO of the CREATE Foundation, a strong advocate and support network for children and young people in and recently in care. Jacqui also spoke of the need to nationalise some of the systems and supports for foster care, especially looking at the rate of reimbursement which she suggested should be modelled on economic terms such as the cost to raise a child, and the age at which a young person leaves care.
Apart from legislation changes which may be needed to support such needs, I am aware that many agencies in Victoria are working towards meeting some of the needs for young people to feel prepared to live independently once they turn 18. One example is the Adolescent Community Placement program (ACP) which focuses on transfering life skills such as budgeting, cooking, education, employment, housing and many others. I know there are many other programs also achieving this through a variety of ways, whether its through supporting carers to teach these skills, or through specific camps and other activities.
Ivan also mentioned difficulties in getting his drivers licence, which is another major challenge for us, not just because of lack of documents but also due to legislation requirements of 120 Learner hours to be able to sit the test. This is difficult to achieve given that carers are not allowed to supervise learner drivers, although I believe there are some solutions currently being worked on.
Congratulations and all our support goes out to all those who are participating in the consultations with Bill Shorten, let hope there are some positive results from the efforts of all those involved.
Anglicare Victoria’s Bushfire Response
February 17, 2009 at 1:01 pm | Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a commentTags: victorian bushfires
Anglicare Victoria is the state’s largest provider of foster care. In addition, it’s other programs working towards supporting families and building communities are diverse and varied. Anglicare Victoria is active in the emergency response and recovery efforts resulting from the Victorian bushfire tragedy. For updates keep an eye on the Anglicare Victoria blog.
Labour of Love
February 17, 2009 at 12:52 pm | Posted in Articles, Links, Media | Leave a commentThe article referred to in yesterday’s post has made it’s way onto the Australian newspaper’s website. Again, it’s well worth the read.
Friends on Facebook
February 13, 2009 at 11:56 am | Posted in Links, Media, Resources | Leave a commentThe new Friends of Foster Care program is now on facebook. You can become a fan to receive updates on the program and up and coming events. You can also join the cause to “support Friends of Foster Care” and spread the word among you friends and family and other people who might be interested in getting involved.
Healing Trauma: Therapeutic foster care
February 11, 2009 at 3:46 pm | Posted in Articles, Links, Resources | 1 CommentThere is a wealth of articles from Dr Bruce Perry on the Child Trauma Academy website. In particular there is a sectiondevoted to carers which is definitely well worth reading including this document, Helping Traumatized Children.
This is especially relevant at this time not just for children in care but, given the terror we have all witnessed in our state with the bushfires, it could be an important resource for discussing issues with children from affected regions.
This article reports up-to-date expert advice for parents and professionals who are speaking to children about the bushfires.
Information sessions: Last minute reminder!
February 11, 2009 at 10:14 am | Posted in Coming Events, Events | Leave a commentA reminder that an information evening is being held tonight in Mount Waverly a tomorrow (12th) in Blackburn South. Experienced staff will be available to answer all your questions and current carers will also be present to give insight to what it’s like to be a foster carer.
Obesity and Child Protection
February 6, 2009 at 11:56 am | Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a commentThe Medical Journal of Australia has posed the question: When does severe childhood obesity become a child protection issue?
Obviously childhood obesity is of growing concern but this is the first I’ve heard of obesity being linked to neglect and therefore a child protection issue.
Neglect in Victoria is a failure to provide the child or young person with an adequate standard of nutrition, medical care, clothing, shelter or supervision to the extent that the health and development of the child or young person are significantly impaired or placed at risk.
An interesting discussion on this topic was aired on Life Matters, Radio National. (Mp3 is also available for download from the RN site)
I’d be very interested to hear what you think on this issue so please feel free to leave comments and thoughts.
State care ‘failing children’
February 5, 2009 at 9:02 am | Posted in Articles, Media | Leave a commentTags: bernie geary, carol nader, child safety commissioner, foster care, resi care, residential care, state care, The Age, therapeutic care
The Age has run a large article which tells of some of the downsides of residential care for children and young people, particularly those with an intellectual disability.
Bernie Geary, the Victorian Child Safety Commissioner, is quote throughout the article, as are a number of leading Victorian practitioners from the not-for-profit sector. You can read the full article here .
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