2023 Autumn Newsetter

NEWSLETTER 2023 AUTUMN EDITION

Acknowledgement of Country 2

FCAWA FCAWA Staff Board Director Chairperson Fay Alford Dion Humphries Team Leader | Senior Social Worker Board Member Advocacy & Support Officer Bronwyn Entriken Rebecca Mann Board Member Senior Social Worker Advocacy Janene Heron & Support Officer Rachel Jones Board Member John Leone Senior Social Worker Advocacy & Support Officer Board Member Cassie Walton Kate McAuslane Carer & Family Support Worker Board Member Kim Lee Natasha Rainbow Carer & Family Support Worker Board Member Natalee Payne Nigel Wood Office Manager Board Member Julie Williams Stacey Gliddon Marketing & Communications Consultant Freddie Povey 3

Business As Usual Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world ~ Nelson Mandela On March 15-16, FCAWA held its biennial State Foster & Kinship Care Conference at Optus Stadium. The Conference was a great opportunity for learning, sharing and networking in the company of like-minded family and foster carers and industry professionals. The Conference saw 264 attendees in total made up of professionals, kinship and foster carers. 100 attendees were departmental carers and 47 were agency carers. Eight foster families were from regional WA, and 18 of the total number of attendees identified as being Aboriginal or from the Torres Strait Islands. The Conference represented a wonderful turnout and was played out against the hypnotic, soothing background of the Swan River. Guest speakers to the Conference included: • Dr Stacey Blythe - Baby Steps: Caring For infants and young people with Prenatal Substance Exposure. • Kerri Chard – Trust Based Relational Intervention. • Sharon Wood- Kenny Welcome to Country & Cultural Learning. • Ben Whitehouse, Armadale District - The power of practical and direct support for carers. • Kara Edwards - Health Navigator Pilot Program. • Dr Cayla Bellagarda - Understanding ADHD Symptoms, Strategies and Supports for Children in Care. • Toni Allen – Understand the Child Protection Court Process and Carers Rights. I walked away from the conference feeling very knowledgeable and confident. I also meeet some amazing carers who made me feel like I wasn’t alone. (Anonymous Carer) “I was really impressed with the presentations and found them to be very helpful in my role in carer support. I felt my time spent at the conference was worthwhile and valued”. (Anonymous Professional) All learning opportunities should involve good people, a soothing, flexible space, access to nourishment and dynamic teachers! I think all those who attended the FCA conference contributed to its many moments of greatness! Rachel Jones Senior Social Worker 4

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FCAWA Inter-Agency Meetings February 2023 • FCAWA team met with the Australian Childhood Foundation (ACF) team for their quarterly catch up. Hosted by ACF, this meeting provides an opportunity for mutual learning and sharing of fostering realities. ACF advised that just over 50% of the carers they have provided a service to via OurSPACE are Family Carers. This a wonderful achievement given the complex and sensitive nature of caring for family within the fostering context. • FCAWA team met with the Parkerville Chidren and Youth Care team. Hosted by FCAWA, the purpose of this meeting was to meet the new team at Parkerville including Program Manager Paul Hogan, and Team Leader’s Zana, Jess, and Michelle. Parkerville have general carers in Perth metro and regional placements in Geraldton. They run nine cottages in Perth metro, four Family Group Homes for sibling groups, Belmont Youth House, three cottages in Geraldton and cottage in Carnarvon. FCAWA looks forward to an ongoing working partnership with Parkerville. • FCAWA Director, Fay Alford and Senior Social Worker Advocacy & Support Officer Advocacy Support Officer and Team Leader, Rebecca Mann, met with the new State Coordinator at CREATE who advised each of their community facilitators who co-ordinate events, Youth Advisory and the Speak Up program. The new team is looking to have a stronger focus on community engagement and working alongside other agencies, with the view to raising the voice of the child/young people through the planning stage of the OOHC Reform. FCAWA & CREATE will continue to explore ways they can run a joint event for both carers and young people in late 2023. FCAWA invited CREATE to have a presence at our Foster Family Movie Night which was held in April. March 2023 • FCAWA team met with Grandparent, Foster & Kinship Carer Advisor, Natalie Heighway, in her role to providing telephone information and support to non-biological carers. The Advisor can assist the carer to access and understand the payments and services they are entitled to, in respect of children in their care. There is also access to other specialist staff such as Multicultural Service Officers (new migrants and refugees), Indigenous Service Officers and Social Workers they can refer to for specialist knowledge and support in the relevant area. Carers can call Natalie on 1800 245 965. • FCAWA team met with MyPlace staff Co-Ordinator, Training & Development, Anna Posselt, and team members, Jody and Will, for an update. MyPlace is providing placements for 20 children in care, mainly those with very high medical needs. They are a NDIS provider and can transition children into adult care. Carers are referred to as ‘specialised’ and often are required to give up employment to meet the needs of the child. 6

Regional Carer Distict Meet & Greets March 2023 • FCAWA Director, Fay Alford and Senior Social Worker Advocacy & Support Officer, Rachel Jones were invited to join Joondalup District in the celebration and send off for long time foster carers, Pat & Rhyce Hill. This was a thank you for their significant contribution to the lives of many children, and to wish them a happy, well-deserved retirement! Pat was also a loved and valued member of the FCAWA Board for many years. • Senior Social Worker Advocacy & Support Officer Advocacy Support Officer and Team Leader, Rebecca Mann, Senior Social Worker Advocacy & Support Officer, Rachel Jones and Carer Family Support Worker Kim Lee hosted a dinner event for family and foster carers, attended by both district and agency carers. The group of carers that attended were mostly positive about their fostering experience, with the main issues around high staff turnover and lack of respite options available, especially regular, and consistent respite. As with metro carers, regional carers are also reluctant to leave their children with respite carers unknown to the child/carer. It was evident that some of the carers who attended often support each other with babysitting and respite. 7

Regional Carer Distict Meet & Greets March 2023 FCAWA visited Geraldton District Office where Senior Social Worker Advocacy & Support Officer Advocacy Support Officer and Team Leader, Rebecca Mann, Senior Social Worker Advocacy & Support Officer, Rachel Jones and Carer Family Support Worker Kim Lee, met with several of the leadership team including Assistant District Director, Brenda Bassett, Team Leader, Kate Sweet, Team Leader, Esme, SOCS Worker, Cleo Kereone and Ana, and Carer Support , Leanne Mitchell. The district shared their creative and successful staff facilitated kids respite camp 2022 which was held in Kalbarri - a District strategy to address the gap in regional respite options for their carer community. The District are exploring the reality of running these camps as regularly as needed. Geraldton has approximately 350 children in carer and 50-60 foster families. April 2023 FCAWA visited Bunbury District where FCAWA Team were invited to present at the Southwest Induction Team Meeting. FCAWA Director, Fay Alfiord, Senior Social Worker Advocacy & Support Officer, Rachel Jones, and Carer Family Support Workers, Kim Lee and Natalee Payne, opened the meeting with a PowerPoint of the Associations history, role, current events, and actions. Attended by over 100 district staff from their Bunbury, Busselton, Collie, and Manjimup Officers this was an important gathering within the context of partnership building betweenbtw FCA & district workers, for better outcomes for carers and children in care, by working collaboratively to support placements. 8

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Carer Family Support Update The start to the year was busy with lots of events, including our State Foster & Kinship Care Conference and Easter Family Movie Night. We have now settled into a more regular routine of supporting our carers and their families with home visits, help and support over the phone and of course our Morning Teas. We have hosted four morning tea events since our last newsletter capturing all corners of the outskirts of Perth – Jindalee, Armadale, Mandurah and Northam. Water views seemed to be theme for the recent events, as three out of the four were overlooking some of our beautiful waterways, be it the ocean, the estuary or the river! Our Mandurah Morning Tea saw lots of carers making the trip from surrounding regional areas. It was a lovely morning, meeting lots of new faces whilst enjoying some delicious food. Northam was a smaller group, but we were able to make the most of it by giving the carers who attended more one-on-one time. Jindalee and Armadale saw lots of new faces with new stories to learn about but also familiar faces who we always enjoy catching up with. We are in the process of planning our next round of morning teas and would like to hear from our carers about where to go next. If you feel we have missed your area, please let us know via email at [email protected] and we will endeavour to include it in the coming months. These Morning Teas really are a great opportunity, not only to have a well deserved break and a little treat, but to meet with other carers, share information and reflect on the many “ups and downs” of being a foster carer. We look forward to catching up with you soon. 10

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Foster Family Movie Night This year’s Foster Family Movie Night was held at Burswood Outdoor Cinema on Wednesday, 12th April and a whopping 300 carers and kids registered to attend. Unfortunately, the weather was a little touch and go but thankfully the rain stayed away and a fab night was had by all. 12

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International Womens Day The team at FCAWA came together to celebrate International Womens Day on Wednesday, 8th March by enjoying a breakfast by the beach in North Beach. 14

2023 Carer’s Week Brunch 15

NAIDOC Week Poster Bobbi Lockyer, a proud Ngarluma, Kariyarra, Nyulnyul and Yawuru artist born and based on Kariyarra Country in Port Hedland, is the winner of the prestigious National NAIDOC Week Poster Competition for 2023 with her entry, For Our Elders. “Where there is knowledge there are our Elders. Our Elders paved the pathways for us, taught us our knowledge, our history, they passed down their art, stories and wisdom. Our Elders are the foundation of our communities and role models for our children. With this poster I wanted to showcase how important our Elders are in passing down traditions and culture to our children and future.” said Bobbi. Bobbi is a colour-obsessed, queer feminist pink-haired mermaid queen, spearheading change in social spaces through art. Influenced by the stories of the past, the colours of country and the waves of the ocean, along with her deep-rooted passion for community and dream of a better world, Bobbi’s art refuses to be defined by conventional means - instead, providing an insight into her creative heart and soul through an array of different mediums, including Aboriginal art, fine art paintings, photography, illustration and digital design. Bobbi also a solo mother to four amazing boys, striving to create a better, more colourful world for them and everyone else. Her art also gives a platform to fight the good fight as an activist for social justice and Indigenous rights, women’s rights - including Birthing on Country - and as an advocate for her grassroots Aboriginal community in my beloved hometown, Marrapikarinya (Port Hedland), as well as on a national level. Most of the time, you’ll find Bobbi living out her own colourful Mermaid queen dreams at the beach, or behind her camera or her canvas, dreaming up my next creative endeavour. 16

2-9 JULY 2023 For Our Elders, Bobbi Lockyer #NAIDOC2023 #ForOurElders Where there is knowledge there are our Elders. Our Elders paved the naidoc.org.au pathways for us, taught us our knowledge, our history, they passed @naidocweek @naidocweek facebook.com/NAIDOC down their art, stories and wisdom. Our Elders are the foundation of our communities and role models for our children. With this poster I wanted to showcase how important our Elders are in passing down traditions and culture to our children and future. Aboriginal Flag designed by Mr Harold Thomas. Torres Strait Islander Flag reproduced by kind permission of the Torres Strait Island Regional Council, designed by the late Mr Bernard Namok. 17

Noongar Seasons Djeran—Season of Adulthood Autumn: April-May Djeran season at last sees a break in the really hot weather. A key indicator of the change of season is the cool nights that once again bring a dewy presence for us to discover in the early mornings. The winds have also changed, especially in their intensity, with light breezes being the go and generally swinging from southerly directions (i.e. southeast to southwest). Many flying ants can be seen cruising around in the light winds. Djeran is a time of red flowers especially from the Red flowering gum (Corimbia Ficifolia), as well as the smaller and more petite flowers of the Summer Flame (Beaufortia Aestiva). As you travel around the Perth area, you may also notice the red ‘rust’ and seed cones forming on the male and female Sheoaks (Allocasuarina Fraseriana). Banksias start to display their flowers, ensuring that there are nectar food sources for the many small mammals and birds that rely upon them. Traditionally, foods at this time of year included the seeds that had been collected and stored for treatment from the Zamia last season along with the root bulbs of the Yanget (Bullrushes), fresh water fish, frogs and turtles. As the season progresses, the nights will become cooler and damper along with some cool and rainy days which also means that traditionally mia mias (houses or shelters) were now repaired and updated to make sure they were waterproofed and facing in the right direction in readiness for the deep wintery months to come. 18

Makuru—Season of Fertility Winter: June-July Makaru sees the coldest and wettest time of the year come into full swing. Traditionally, this was a good time of the year to move back inland from the coast as the winds turned to the west and south bringing the cold weather, rains and occasionally snow on the peaks of the Stirling and Porongurup Ranges. As the waterways and catchments started to fill, people were able to move about their country with ease and thus their food sources changed from sea, estuarine and lake foods to those of the lands in particular the grazing animals such as the kangaroo. As well as a food source, animals provided people with many other things. For example, ‘Yongar’ or kangaroos not only provided meat but also ‘bookas’ (animal skin cloaks that were used as the nights became much cooler). Nothing was left; even the bones and sinews were used in the manufacturing of bookas and for hunting tools such as spears. Makuru is also a time for a lot of animals to be pairing up in preparation for breeding in the coming season. If you look carefully, you might now see pairs of ‘Wardongs’ (ravens) flying together. You also notice these pairs not making the usual ‘ark ark arrrrrk’ that these birds are well known for when flying solo. Upon the lakes and rivers of the Southwest, you’ll also start to see a large influx of the Black Swan or ‘Mali’ as they too prepare to nest and breed. Flowers that will start to emerge include the blues and purples of the Blueberry Lilly (Dianella Revoluta) and the Purple Flags (Patersonia Occidentalis). As the season comes to a close, you should also start to notice the white flowers of the weeping peppermint (Agonis Flexuosa) as the blues start to make way for the white and cream flowers of Djilba. 19

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Learning & Development Foster and family care development workshops are held in the metropolitan area and provided to country areas via webinar. The aim of the workshops is to support carers and Communities staff to build on their strengths, their areas of interest and their knowledge and skills to provide better support for children in care. Workshop topics are chosen in consultation with FCAWA, carers and staff based on feedback of current needs. These interactive workshops are presented by professionals in their field and encourage participants to actively engage. The Department is now catering for these different styles of learning by providing learning materials and opportunities in a range of different modes. The mode of delivery is outlined in Foster and Family Carer Development Workshop Calendar (please click on the button below). To register to attend participants will need to complete an enrolment form by clicking on the button below. 22

Learning & Development FOSTER CARE LEARNING & DEVELOPMENT FACE TO FACE WORKSHOP FOETAL ALCOHOL SPECTRUM DISORDER (FASD) Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) is an umbrella term for the diagnosed conditions resulting from prenatal alcohol exposure eg: Foetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS). Learn about FASD, the effects of alcohol on the fetus, behavioural challenges for children and families and prevention and intervention strategies for parents and carers. Thursday, 29th June 2023 10:00am to 1:00pm Location: Central Presenter: Neil Reynolds To enrol, please contact the Foster Carer Learning Team on 08 6277 4600 or email [email protected] 23

Learning & Development FOSTER CARE LEARNING & DEVELOPMENT FACE TO FACE WORKSHOP P.A.C.E – A DANIEL HUGHES APPROACH PACE is a way of thinking, feeling, communicating and behaving that aims to make the child feel safe. It isbased upon how parents connect with their very young infants. As with young toddlers, with safety the childcan begin to explore. For adults, using PACE most of the time, they can reduce the level of conflict, defensiveness and withdrawal that tends to be ever present in the lives of troubled children. Using PACE enables the adult to see the strengths and positive features that lie underneath more negative and challenging behaviour. Tuesday, 25th July 2023 9:30am to 1:00pm Location: Central Presenter: Isabell Georgiou Tuesday, 25th July 2023 9:30am to 1:00pm Location: Central Presenter: Isabell Georgiou To enrol, please contact the Foster Carer Learning Team on 08 6277 4600 or email [email protected] 24

Learning & Development FOSTER CARE LEARNING & DEVELOPMENT FACE TO FACE WORKSHOP THERAPEUTIC CRISIS INTERVENTION FOR FAMILIES (TCIF) This four-day training program presents a crisis prevention and intervention model designed to teach carershow to help children learn constructive ways to handle crisis. This includes preventing, de-escalating and managing crises, learning how to handle stressful situations, and developing a learning circle. Must attend all three sessions to complete this course Monday, 7th, 14th, 21st & 28th August 9:30am to 2:30pm Location: Midland Presenter: Carolyn Aylmore / Zoie Caporn To enrol, please contact the Foster Carer Learning Team on 08 6277 4600 or email [email protected] 25

Learning & Development FOSTER CARE LEARNING & DEVELOPMENT ONLINE TRAINING MOORDITJ FAMILY YARNS Come and spend some time yarning with Abby about a range of topics that are important to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children. These sessions will provide an overview of the topic, and then participants will be encouraged to share their thoughts, and experience, and ask questions, lots of questions. For the best experience, please link into these sessions with your camera and microphone on. Enrol now and attend the three sessions in this series. April - Explore holistic ways of caring for Aboriginal children. August - Supporting Solid Kids, the importance of relationship and cultural understanding. November – Let’s just yarn! Create an understanding how to share yarns (stories). Wednesday, 30th August 2023 10;00am to 11:30am Location: Online Presenter: Abigail Ware To enrol, please contact the Foster Carer Learning Team on 08 6277 4600 or email [email protected] 26

Learning & Development FOSTER CARE LEARNING & DEVELOPMENT ONLINE TRAINING THE ADOLESCENT BRAIN – PLEASE EXPLAIN! Adolescence is a transitional phase between childhood and adulthood, a period of complex growth, change and development. It can be a challenging time for both the adolescent and the adults in their lives. It can also be an exciting and rewarding time for both. Come join this webinar to explore the amazing workings of the adolescent brain and see how we can use our relationships to support its growth. This webinar will explore: The adolescent brain is under construction. How these changes impact relationships, learning, functioning etc. What you can do to support adolescents’ brain growth and development. How to stay sane and remain connected with your adolescent during the tricky times. Friday, 11th August 2023 10;00am to 11:30am Location: Online Presenter: Isabell Georgiou To enrol, please contact the Foster Carer Learning Team on 08 6277 4600 or email [email protected] 27

Learning & Development FOSTER CARE LEARNING & DEVELOPMENT ONLINE TRAINING UNDERSTANDING CHILD TRAUMA This webinar will introduce participants to current understandings about trauma and adversity in childhood and how it can impact children’s growth, development and functioning. We will also explore ways in which we can respond with a trauma-sensitive lens, to help children grow and thrive. This webinar will include: Defining what childhood trauma is. Possible impacts that childhood trauma can have on infants, children and adolescents. Trauma-sensitive approaches and strategies to support children’s development and healing. Recommended resources and services. Tuesday, 20th June 2023 10;00am to 11:30am Location: Online Presenter: Isabell Georgiou To enrol, please contact the Foster Carer Learning Team on 08 6277 4600 or email [email protected] 28

ADHD WA MEMBERSHIP 29

FASD FACTS FASD Toolkit fo Parents, Caregive The ‘spectrum’ of birth defects is in part due to the quantity of alcohol consumed, how Available for free www.nofasd.org.au/pa frequently it was consumed and the timing (when during the gestation of the pregnancy) it families/res Further Info was consumed. A full reference list is availab (May et al., 2011). Produced by the National Orga Spectrum Disorders (N FASD is recognised as the leading preventable Contact us to book your Infor cause of birth defects, and developmental and Forward wo learning disabilities, Worldwide. Email us: admin@ (Mather et al., 2015). or call us on: 18 83% of individuals living with FASD do not display NOFASD Australia is funded by characteristic facial features. through the Depart (Kuehn et al., 2012). 30 81% of individuals living with FASD will have a language disorder. (Popova et al., 2016). Without intervention, individuals living with FASD risk developing secondary effects, such as school failure, addictions, mental health disorders, dependent living, unemployment, homelessness and incarceration. (Popova et al., 2016).

or Australian FASD ers and Families Behavioural Support A comprehensive guide Strategies with links to many resources to help families navigate FASD in Australia. e download at arents-carers-and- sources ormation ble at www.nofasd.org.au anisation for Fetal Alcohol NOFASD) Australia. rmation Session or Train it orkshop. @nofasd.org.au For more information, 800 860 613 visit www.nofasd.org.au y the Australian Government or call 1800 860 613 tment of Health. 31

OurSPACE WA Foster and Family Care Support Service What is OurSPACE WA? OurSPACE WA is a free state-wide counselling, therapeutic consultation and support service for Department of Communities foster and family carers who are feeling under stress or requiring some extra support. The program provides culturally responsive, trauma-informed support to empower you to understand and meet the needs of the children in your care. OurSPACE WA also provides confidential counselling to carers around their own personal issues and stress. We know that children and young people living in foster and family care have often experienced significant trauma in their young lives. As a result, they can sometimes behave in ways that are challenging or difficult to understand and this can be stressful for you, as their carer. These behaviours can often feel overwhelming for both you and your children. It is not easy for children to change these behaviours. We can offer specialist support to help you understand how trauma has affected your children’s thinking, feelings and behaviour and provide you with strategies that will help. We can also provide you with reassurance and support to know you’re on the right track. Difficulties dealing with other people involved in your child’s life can add extra stress. OurSPACE WA can help you and your children by communicating with others involved in their lives, to support a shared understanding and consistency across services and settings. COVID-19 has added a range of worries, uncertainty and pressures to our lives. We understand that this may be causing additional stress and challenges for your family. This is where OurSPACE WA can help. How do we help? OurSPACE WA can provide you with telephone or videocall counselling and support. This easy to access support can help you to understand more about your children’s needs as well as receive specific strategies that may help strengthen the relationship between you and your children over time. OurSPACE WA staff can attend case meetings as well as meetings with other professionals who are involved in supporting you and your child. OurSPACE WA also provides counselling for personal issues which can help you to process experiences of loss or change, reduce stress, gain confidence, and improve your quality of life and sense of wellbeing. This service is completely confidential. 32

OurSPACE WA The program has a Senior Aboriginal Counsellor who can provide culturally safe and responsive support for Aboriginal children and families. Our counsellors can provide one off or up to 8 sessions over the phone or by videocall with you. Some face to face sessions can be negotiated in the Perth metropolitan area, depending on your needs and the capacity of the service. OurSPACE WA seeks to support carers to provide Safe, Predictable, Adaptive, Connected and Empowered placements. How can you get in touch? You can phone OurSPACE WA Monday to Friday between 9am – 5pm (excluding public holidays). Please call us on 1300 381 581 Or email us at [email protected] Who is the Australian Childhood Foundation? The Australian Childhood Foundation is a not for profit organisation that has been providing trauma responsive counselling services for children, young people, their carers and families for over 30 years. OurSPACE WA is a pilot program that has been made possible through the support of the Department of Communities and will run until June 2022. 33

www.fcawa.com.au Foster Care Association WA Level 1/20 Gibberd Road Balcatta WA 6021 Ph: 08 9242 4222 | 1 800 497 101 [email protected]