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Happy New Year from My Forever Family NSW

At the start of each new year we are normally filled with a sense of renewal and hope as to what the year may bring. This year was very unusual in that many of us were affected, as never before, by the bushfires and the devastation and displacement they brought to our communities and environment.

Our thoughts go out to all those in the carer community who have had to dig deep, caring for themselves, family and friends during this extreme weather period. The importance of listening, caring and displaying empathy during this time cannot be underestimated and as carers you have a natural affinity and experience with these qualities that are so important to all of us right now.

Even those not directly affected may be impacted by watching and listening to media reports. This can be distressing to not only carers but the children in your care. We have some resources which may help during this time:

Bushfire recovery assistance community information
Supporting children after natural and human-induced disasters
How to talk to your children about bushfires
Kids Helpline, a great resource for kids to call anytime

With the summer holidays at an end, it’s back-to-school time, which can bring a sigh of relief but also a flurry of preparation. Your membership benefits can help the back-to-school shop, with discounts at many major retailers. Just login to the website to take advantage of these offers.

We also have educational resources to assist children of all ages and a new opportunity for high school students to access tutors, specifically for children in out of home care – Foster the Future.

Thank you for all that you do and best wishes for the start of the 2020 year.

Miriam Moloney
Head of Advocacy, Engagement and Operations

Industry update

NSW Reportable Conduct Scheme - helping to keep kids safe

From 1 March 2020, the Reportable Conduct Scheme will be transferred to the Office of the Children’s Guardian from the NSW Ombudsman under the new Children's Guardian Act 2019.

The scheme oversights how organisations investigate and report on certain conduct (known as 'reportable allegations' and 'reportable convictions') made against their employees, volunteers or certain contractors who provide services to children. The scheme will also cover religious bodies, in line with recommendations of the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse.

Find out more

Campbelltown Roadshow

The first My Forever Family Roadshow for the year kicks off on the 26th of February in Campbelltown. Join us for a unique training opportunity facilitated by our partners, Continuum Consulting.

Sessions include how we talk to and about children in our care, trauma responsive parenting, facilitating family visits and a peer support session.

For more information and to RSVP visit our website.

If you know someone who is interested in becoming a carer, invite them to our evening information session.

Carer Case Study

In our arms

Kylie and Darren Pitt consider themselves blessed, with two foster children placed with them within less than a week of their births. However, they say they still face challenges with being the non-biological parents of two girls.

Resources

New year, new training opportunities! We have a packed schedule of events and webinars in our calendar starting in February. Some of these are already booked out, so make sure that you register for any you’re interested in.

See the full schedule on our website.

Free tutoring for high school students in care

Do you know a high school student in care that needs some extra help with their studies?
Foster the Future offers free tutoring across Greater Sydney to high schoolers living in out-of-home care.

What is Foster the Future?
Foster the Future is a charity run by students, for students. The organisation aims to connect high school youths with university student tutors so that those who want to succeed, can.

Who can apply?
The program is open to high school students in years 9-12 that want to improve academically. Currently Foster the Future operates across the Greater Sydney area, wherever a tutor is available.

How does it work?
Foster the Future matches each student with one of their trained tutors for weekly one-on-one tutoring in a public location such as a local library or cafe. All tutors have a valid working with children check and are required to participate in training to ensure they are equipped to tutor effectively.

Find out more

Carer Support FAQ’s

There is a new funding package that you should be aware of.

The department has recently introduced an Additional Carer Support Package to better support children and young people, with a range of diagnosed needs and behaviours that require additional carer capacity and case responsiveness.

About the Additional Carer Support Package
To find out if you are eligible for this package, review the guidelines here
To apply, please download and complete this form

Existing packages
The Complex Needs Package is a one-off, time limited payment in extraordinary circumstances for children and young people in out-of-home care.

Don’t forget about the Teenage Education Payment, if you have a 16 or 17 year old, in your care, you may be eligible.

There is also a Post Education Support Package for young people 18-24, still living with their carer and undertaking study full time.

If you have any questions about any of this, please call one of our team to discuss.

Restoration: Cautionary Tales From the Children’s Court of NSW

This article from the Children’s Court of NSW provides information in relation to requirements before restoration is sought. The Children’s Court has observed an increasing number of cases where FSPs/DCJ have taken substantial steps towards a restoration, which have involved the child, before an application has been filed with the Children’s Court to vary or rescind the care order.

Spotlight on Carer Support Groups

One of the best ways we can provide support is by helping you support each other! Members of Carer Support Groups get together on a monthly basis to have a cuppa and catch up, taking the time to get to know and support each other, through shared experience and learned knowledge.

We’d love to hear from you if you would like to set up a Carer Support Group in your area, if you would like to join one, or if you are part of a group and would like to add it to our website.

You can view a list of groups on our website or contact us to find one in your area or to start a local group.

Seeking volunteers  

We’re looking for superstar volunteers for the Western region of NSW. Volunteering can be one of the most rewarding experiences you can partake in. If you have had experience as a carer or adoptive parent and relevant work experience, we want to hear from you.

Find out more

Team Member Profile

Name: Gayle Slater
Position: Carer Recruitment

How did you come to work here?

I started at My Forever Family NSW just over three months ago. I had heard Renee Carter (CEO Adopt Change) speak over the years about the work she was involved in. I thought to myself, ‘that is such a worthwhile cause’ so when an opportunity arose, I jumped at the chance, as my heart has always been for the welfare and protection of children.

What do you enjoy most about your role?
What I enjoy most is playing a tiny part in a big process that connects carers with children/young people and giving them a safe loving home, even if it’s only for a short time. I also feel quite humbled to be working with a team that are so passionate about their work, and so kind as well, I feel quite privileged.

What is your most memorable moment?
There have been a few memorable moments, and I know I’ve only been here a short time, but just hearing the stories of why people are interested in fostering, their backgrounds, their highs and lows. One young father said to me “I have so much room left in my heart for more children.”

I love that I get to come to work every day and hopefully make a carers journey that much less stressful and add a bit of joy to their day as well.

The My Forever Family NSW newsletter is produced by the Communications team.

If you would like to contribute, have your say or simply ask a question, please

Disclaimer: The information and advice provided in this document/website is general information. It may not apply to a particular case, and as such, must not be taken as legal advice.

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Dulwich Hill, | 2203 Australia

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