Your monthly update from My Forever Family NSW
Your monthly update from My Forever Family NSW
Dear Friend,
How quickly we’ve come to the end of the year and what a year it’s been. 2020 has been a time of change for everyone, new ways of working, educating our children and ourselves and keeping that connection to our loved ones.
We have learned new ways of communicating, training and supporting. Thank you for coming on that journey with us. For those of you who have joined us for training or in the Online Lounge Room, we hope you have gained value from the sessions and we look forward to offering more opportunities to learn, connect and share in 2021 - both online and face-to-face.
Thank you for your important roles in supporting the children in your care through the challenges of 2020. During this time, we were able to support thousands of carer families across the state through our support line, resources and training, including our new online services. We have also worked with thousands of potential new carers as they explore starting the carer journey to open their homes to children. And we have heard from over 2,300 of you in our Carer Survey. We look forward to sharing the results soon 
A big year for My Forever Family NSW, a big year for our valued carers.
Amidst all the activity and celebrations, this holiday season we hope you get the chance to rest and recover and spend time doing the things that fill your cup. Have a wonderful Christmas and we look forward to seeing you in 2021, recharged and continuing to make a difference in the lives of children and young people in your care.
From our Forever Family to yours, Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Miriam Moloney
Head of Advocacy, Engagement and Operations  


Office Closure

My Forever Family NSW will be closed for the festive season from Wednesday 23rd December and Carer Support will reopen from Thursday 7th January 2021. Please contact your agency ‘on-call' number if you require urgent support during this period, or for an urgent child protection matter, please call the Helpline on 132 111.
During our open hours, we can be contacted on  1300 782 975 or Email us

Sector Updates

The Clinical Healthcare Manager Program:
The Clinical Healthcare Manager (CHM) program is being delivered across Hunter New England and South Western Sydney local health districts. Its aim is to support children and young people in OOHC with complex health needs to access the support they require. To access this program referrals are made directly from the Health Pathway Program by DCJ or the OOHC funded service provider. Please talk to your agency to find out more. 
Active Kids vouchers 
NSW Government currently has an initiative to provide 2 x $100 vouchers for parents, guardians and carers of school-enrolled children to use towards sport and active recreation costs per year. These vouchers are valid from January to June 2021 and July to December 2021. 
Apply for an Active Kids Voucher
Teenage Education Payments (TEP) 
Eligible carers and guardians of young people ages 16-18 years in out-of-home care can be paid TEP to help support in uniforms, driving lessons or school holiday programs, for more information on these payments, please visit the website. 
Application Form

Resources

One-on-one coaching
We are still offering FREE, CONFIDENTIAL one-on-one personalised coaching online for all carers. This can be helpful for anyone struggling to cope with challenging behaviours or increasing anxiety around care. If you’d like to take advantage of this service, get in touch with our Carer Support team to book a session with a trained professional by email or call us on 1300 782 975.
Caring for kids with additional needs 
As we close off another school year, parents start thinking about preparing their kids for return to school in January 2021. We wanted to share some resources for caring for children with additional needs to make it an easy transition for them and for you too. The NSW Government Education website has a guide covering educational options, available supports and steps to enrol the child in your care at school. 
Budget announcements
After the announcement of the NSW budget in November this year, schools will be able to provide more for children through educational and mental health support. Check these following services for more information:
Research: Trauma in children’s sports 
Dr Stacy Blythe will be conducting a research project aiming to provide coaches a broad understanding of trauma and how the experience of trauma can influence a child’s behaviour. Dr Stacy Blythe is currently looking for children’s sport coaches of any sport, who has a basic understanding of trauma and would be interested in providing some insights.
If you are a coach, and would like to know more about the project, please contact Dr Stacy Blythe via email.
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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