All the latest news for carers, from My Forever Family NSW.
All the latest news for carers, from My Forever Family NSW.
Dear Friend
This week saw the launch of National Reconciliation Week 2020, a time to reflect on how we as an organisation are working towards Reconciliation. We are committed to not only the principles of Reconciliation but also the practical ways in which we all can work to improve services for kinship and foster carers of Aboriginal children and young people who are unable to live at home.
While the sector seeks to reduce the number of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children in out of home care (37% of children and young people in care in Australia are Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander), many children and young people live with relative and kin - who provide both care and connection to family and culture, strengthening and cultivating the roots of identity.
This week, we also marked National Sorry Day on Tuesday 26 May, when Australia commemorates the anniversary of the landmark Bringing Them Home Report and remembers the grief, suffering and injustice experienced by the stolen generations - recognising what is now termed ‘intergenerational trauma’.
At My Forever Family NSW, we are diversifying our Carer Support Team to better connect with Aboriginal foster, relative and kinship carers. We are delivering Cultural Connection and Shared Lives training online and have launched a campaign, featuring South Sydney Rabbitoh Braidon Burns, to engage potential carers for Aboriginal children and young people, to stay connected and strong.”
We are also thrilled to announce that our new Ambassador is an actor, presenter and proud Wiradjuri man, Luke Carroll! Both Braidon and Luke have deeply personal connections to our mission, keep reading to find out why they decided to become involved.
Keep caring and keep in touch
Miriam Moloney
Head of Advocacy, Engagement and Operations  


Ambassador – Luke Carroll

We are thrilled to announce Luke Carroll has joined My Forever Family NSW as an Ambassador.
Luke is an AACTA and AFI nominated film, television and theatre actor, father and much-loved presenter on Play School.
Watch Luke explain why family and keeping kids connected to culture is so important to him.
Watch now


Industry update

Changes to WWCC proof of identity requirements
Due to COVID-19 authorised carers and adult members of carers’ households have the option of providing certified copies of their proof of identity documents to their designated agency as part of the application process, instead of attending a Service NSW Centre in person.
Read more


Aboriginal Carers

South Sydney Rabbitohs star Braidon Burns has joined our campaign to encourage the Aboriginal community to become kinship and foster carers, keeping children connected to country and culture.
Braidon was cared for by his grandmother and another family after his parents were unable to care for him, and now he is the legal guardian of his younger brother.
As Braidon explains, 'you don't have to be perfect to share our community with our kids'.
Read more


Carer Story
Kate & Ryan

Carers for less than a year, Kate and Ryan always knew they wanted to build a family and were open to how that happened.
Knowing that there were kids that needed a home and a family, was the push they needed.
Read more


Carer Support
FAQ’s

We are grateful to have had Gareth Ward, Minister for Families, Communities and Disability Services join us in the Online Lounge Room for a series of chats with Carers.
For those of you who have not been able to attend, we have put together some clips of the Minister answering some of the common questions that have been raised by carers during these sessions.
Watch


Resources 
Personal coaching sessions

Now that the kids are back in school it might be time to take a breath and look at how you can focus on your own needs. To help you do that, we have launched one-on-one, confidential, FREE sessions of intensive carer support with our service partner Continuum Consulting.
Is upcoming family time causing anxiety or are you having to cope with heightened behaviours about going back to school? Are you unsure how to broach a potentially difficult conversation with your agency? These coaching sessions are available to support and assist you with practical guidance.
These sessions are only available for a limited time so contact our Carer Support Team to book your session with a trained social worker by email or call us on 1300 782 975.
Email us


#Make it 21

Do you know a young person with a care experience aged 15 – 18?
CREATE Foundation would like to hear their views on supported placement until 21. This is a 20 minute survey and all participants will receive a $25 gift voucher.
Take the survey
Contact CREATE


Online Trauma Training

My Forever Family is pleased to partner with the Australian Childhood Foundation and present you with the online Trauma Training course, free of charge.
This training has been designed for carers to explore some of the core theories of trauma and its impacts and then translating that knowledge into providing trauma informed care. It could be a starting point or a reinforcement of what you already know and do for the children in your care.
Find out more


Team Member Profile

Name: Mel Jones  
Position: Carer Support Team Manager   

What does a normal day at My Forever Family NSW look like for you?

No two days are ever the same, and calling any day normal, might be a bit of a stretch 😊 I am privileged to work alongside one of the most passionate, caring, empathetic, hardworking teams I have ever come across in my career. Our team manages carer support and recruitment enquiries, and my role involves advocacy for carers, and improvement for sector wide process.

What do you enjoy most about your role?

Hearing stories from my team on the wins we have had, whether that be support for a carer, or a newly authorised carer we have supported through the process of becoming a carer. I also really love engaging with agency staff and hearing how beneficial our services are to their carers. 

What is your favourite location in NSW and why? 

I am a girl from the bush at heart, and I am passionate about rural parts of NSW, especially Western NSW. Somehow, I have landed in Sydney for the last 4 years, although Western NSW tugs on my heart strings because of the challenges they face with services available to them. The community spirit in small country towns across NSW is inspiring. 
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 
Contact us
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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