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Dear Friend,

Our first ever VIRTUAL version of the Foster and Kinship Care Week PICNIC was a huge success. A big thank you to ALL carers and families who joined us on Sunday September 13 to enjoy a fun afternoon. We had such a great time and enjoyed our special guests – Minister Gareth Ward, Ambassador Luke Carroll and the amazing magician Tim Ellis. It was wonderful to see all the kids dressed up and showing off their dance moves in the competition.

Huge congrats also to our winners in the Carer Recognition Awards! Kate Crossley, Samantha Malpass, Carmen and Nick Gould, Shannon Simshauser, Rebecca Endicott and Andrew Kaye.

At the picnic, the Minister re-affirmed his gratitude to all carers and the amazing job you do - the support you show and the homes and hearts that you open to children. Carer Recognition Awards have a special place in ensuring that the wider community understands and values the work that you do. Thank you!

One last reminder before the holiday break, PLEASE fill in the NSW Carer Survey 2020. It only takes 10-15 minutes and is a valuable opportunity to share your experiences and help improve the sector for all carers. Your views matter and the more representative the survey is of all of you, the more influence and evidence we have for change.

Don't delay, the survey closes Thursday 1st October!

This week I was privileged to sit in on a Restoration training session and to hear how proper transition planning can make a huge difference to a carer’s life and for the child in their care. ‘Disenfranchised grief’ was the term used where carers can be told you have to move on. Sometimes short term or emergency care turned into longer-term care and it takes attachment to heal trauma; hats off to carers who get attached and have helped transition their children back to their homes. We acknowledge your role, your grief and loss and the love you share through care.

Enjoy the school holidays, Kidspot and Raising Children Network have some great ideas to keep children entertained during the break.

Miriam Moloney
Head of Advocacy, Engagement and Operations

Coaching sessions

One-on-one coaching sessions with our partner, Continuum Consulting are still available and have been a huge success with carers from the feeback we have received.

“I would like to thank you very much, your conversation it made a difference in my life. I started some of the nurturing activities and I purchase the recommended book... I hope you will continue to support us in regional areas as resources and knowledge is also vital and lots of kinship carers don’t do well with online courses.” Name withheld

We are pleased to be able to offer more sessions to you. Contact us today to find out more or make a booking 1300 782 975 or email us.

Sector Update

We have had cases lately where carers tell us that the children or young people in their care are not being listened to, or feel excluded from important decisions affecting their lives.

The National Office of Child Safety (NOCS) are developing resources to support these issues, and outlining steps they can take to raise concerns or make complaints within organisations.

Mentorship Program

From time to time, all carers find they could use some support - a sympathetic ear and understanding of the unique issues faced by carers. Our NEW Mentor Program links newly authorised carers to experienced, My Forever Family NSW Volunteers, providing guidance, support and mentorship. Mentors can help foster links with the wider carer community, assisting carers to adapt to, and feel confident in their role.

To find out more and be linked with an experienced Volunteer, just call 1300 782 975 or email to get started.

Seeking volunteers

We’re looking for superstar carer volunteers across NSW to join our volunteer program. Volunteering with My Forever Family NSW can be one of the most rewarding experiences. If you have had experience as a carer or adoptive parent and relevant work experience, we want to hear from you.

Find out more

Teenage Education Payment

Remember to contact your agency caseworker and complete the form for those eligible to receive TEP for next term.

Celebrate your training!

The Department and agencies value the time and effort you put into training. When you get your certificate, send it on to your caseworker so that they know what you have been up to – recognising your resilience and competencies to support the child/ren in your care.

Training opportunities

Training takes a breather during the school holiday break but our webinars are accessible at any time. Please keep an eye on our website for new training sessions and of course our fantastic Online Lounge Room sessions

Find out more

Carer Story | Carmen and Nick Gould

The day that a little boy reached out to hold her hand for the very first time, melted Carmen Gould’s heart. After a tricky start, where he just hadn’t “warmed up” to being in respite care, she and husband Nick had their doubts. But that little breakthrough is one of many highlights in the life of a carer.

Carmen and Nick from Parkes NSW were one of the winners in this year’s Carers Awards, announced at the recent Virtual Picnic hosted by My Forever Family NSW to launch Foster and Kinship Care Week 2020.

Share your Story!

We enjoy sharing Carer stories in our monthly newsletter. Let’s hear from YOU!

Email us and let us know a little bit about you and your experience as a carer. We’ll arrange a time at your convenience to share your story.

Team Member Profile

Amy | Carer Recruitment Lead

What does a normal day at work look like for you?

My role is quite diverse. One moment, I am working with prospective foster carers, guiding them through the process of becoming a carer, then I could be booking people into our comprehensive training programs. I spend a lot of my time working directly with agencies to manage the referral process, and last but certainly not least, I support the amazing carer recruitment team that make my job a breeze!

What do you enjoy most about your role?

I love working with a potential carer at the very beginning of their journey. I get the privilege of following those carers as they navigate through the process and become authorised, providing a much-needed home for a child or young person.

What is your favourite location in NSW and why?

I have an internal battle with myself as to whether I am a country girl or coastal girl at heart! I can’t choose between Mudgee for space and tranquillity (and wonderful wineries) and Port Stephens for a coast break.

SURVEY: Carers who have birth family contact where the mothers are in custody

DCJ want to hear from you. Your firsthand knowledge, and experience will support how family visits for children happen with parents in custody.

They want to hear the challenges that carers and children face when trying to have positive family visits with their mothers when they are in custody.

The survey takes approximately 15 minutes, is anonymous and all information will be treated as confidential.

Take the survey

My Forever Family NSW program is funded by the NSW Government and operated by Adopt Change.

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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