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| Dear Friend,
As we race towards the end of the year (only 8 weeks until Christmas, eek!) I am so pleased to be able to reflect on the many positive things we have had happening over the past month.
Notably, there was the National Permanency Conference (NPC) hosted by Adopt Change, which was run as an online event this year. I was very impressed with the high calibre of the presentations and particularly found Terry Cross from the US to be a powerful and passionate speaker, around the five pillars of reconciliation. It was also pleasing to have Reconciliation NSW in the audience to talk about the positive ways non-Indigenous Australians can engage with indigenous issues.
Our SIBLINGS CAMPAIGN is running this month which has focused on the importance of keeping siblings together in care, where possible. Help spread the word. If you know of a family that could help, get them connected to My Forever Family NSW on 1300 782 975. See more about the campaign below.
I want to take a moment and really THANK all carers for your responses to this year’s Carer Survey. We are now analysing all this information and there will be a report of the findings shared with you.
It’s terrific to see some face-to-face training back on the agenda, keep up with our training offerings via the website.
Note that NAIDOC Week commences Sunday 8 November and you can find events and activities occurring here: www.naidoc.org.au
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| Miriam Moloney
Head of Advocacy, Engagement and Operations
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| For carers, taking on a sibling group can seem daunting, however research has shown that when siblings stay together, there are more positive, long-term, outcomes for the children and young people involved.
You may have seen our latest campaign highlighting the importance of siblings staying together in out-of-home care. When siblings stay together, they are more likely to report better outcomes in terms of stability and permanency, educational outcomes and in the case of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and young people, greater connection to identity and culture.
If you want to find out more, or are considering caring for a sibling group, give us a call 1300 782 975.
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We have some great upcoming Online Lounge Rooms, with special guests including Minister Gareth Ward and internationally renowned orphan expert, Dr Jane Aronson.
Minister Ward is hosting some virtual morning teas, in November and December for carers who have not yet attended one of these events before.
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It’s Children’s Week October 24 – 1 November and the theme this year is based on Article 15 of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child: Children have the right to meet together and to join groups and organisations, as long as this does not stop other people from enjoying their rights.
This year is a virtual celebration, visit the website to find out more and see how you can get involved.
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CaringLife keeps memories safe
We encourage you to check out a new online platform and app, CaringLife, that gives children and young people in out-of-home care a secure place to store and access photos, videos and important memories and documents from their time in care.
It won the Minister’s Innovation Award at the Victorian Protecting Children Awards 2019, and was developed by foster carers, Emma Stirling and Anthony Denahy.
If you would like to find out more visit the website or contact Anthony and Emma on 0412 435 431 or email.
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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.
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Daniel Morcombe Foundation
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Changing futures workshops and forum
The Daniel Morcombe Foundation has launched a new project which aims to conduct a series of national face to face forums, training sessions, webinars and practical, helpful resources for educators and the broader community project to increase awareness, confidence and abilities of parents, carers, teachers and front line staff in their identify and respond to child sexual abuse particularly in school aged children (pre-teen specifically).
You can register to access the webinars and find out more about the interactive workshop and free forum.
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Carer Story | Shannon Simshauser
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“With one click of a button and saying yes, you can significantly alter the course of a child’s life.”
That’s the advice Shannon Simshauser would love potential carers to take on board.
And she well knows the difference it can make to a child when they are taken into a home for foster or kinship care.
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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.
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A National Research Project through Monash University aims to increase the understanding of the impact of COVID-19 on foster carers and children of school age in OOHC. If you are a registered foster carer of a child of school age, you’re invited to take part in this 30 min online survey to explore your perceptions of the impact and challenges of COVID-19 on you and the child/ren in your care.
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Face-to-face training is back! We have some great new training opportunities as well as our online offerings.
To find out what’s coming up near you, visit our website and register early to avoid disappointment.
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Lauren | Carer Support Western NSW
What does a normal day at work look like for you? I work in a part-time carer support role 3 days a week, supporting carers across NSW. During these Covid-19 times, I am working from the comfort of my home in Central West NSW, connecting remotely with carers and my carer support and recruitment team colleagues. I spend my days speaking with carers; listening, acknowledging, advocating, and offering support, so they have the support to care for the children in their care.
What do you enjoy most about your role? Children needing foster care have experienced much trauma in their short lives. I always feel honoured to hear, share and support a foster carer’s journey and observe the mammoth effort and care they provide to the children in their care. To watch a child start to recover because of the care and support of their foster carer is a wonderful thing.
What is your favourite location in NSW and why? I am so torn between the outback and the beach. I love the bright, thick red dirt and dry heat of the outback. It is where I grew up and feels like home to me. However, if I was forced to choose, I would pick the beach hands down I think, with lots of sunshine and salty sea air. I crave beach time and love anywhere along the south coast, but I am especially fond of Kiama.
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My Forever Family NSW program is funded by the NSW Government and operated by Adopt Change.
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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
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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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