Foster and Kinship Care Conference Programme

2021 Foster & Kinship Care Conference Together Towards Tomorrow The Foster Care Association WA invites you to attend the 2020 National Foster and Kinship Care Conference to be held in Scarborough at the Rendezvous Hotel, from the 11th to 12th March. 2021. The conference is a great opportunity to hear about current research and practice impacting children and is designed to equip and empower carers to enhance their ability to respond to the challenges of fostering. Carers will be provided with the opportunity to explore their current thinking and identify new strategies for care, while at the same time, have the opportunity to mix with likeminded people from all walks of child protection and out of home care. WHEN: Thursday & Friday 11-12th March 2021 FROM: 9:00am to 5:00pm WHERE: Grand Ballroom, Rendezvous Hotel 148 The Esplanade, Scarborough

FCAWA FCAWA Staff Board Members Director Chairperson Fay Alford Larrissa Whiskin Team Leader | Senior Social Worker Vice Chair Advocacy & Support Officer Ann Hawke Rachel Jones Board Member Senior Social Worker Sue House Advocacy &Support Officer Board Member Rebecca Mann Natasha Rainbow Senior Social Worker Board Member Advocacy & Support Officer Beth Harris Cassie Walton Board Member Carer & Family Support Worker John Leone Kim Lee Board Member Carer & Family Support Worker Heidi Bentink Leah Atkinson Board Member Carer & Family Support Worker Dion Gliddon Natalee Payne Office Manager Helen Dale

Agenda - Thursday, 11th March 2021 08:45 Registration | Tea & Coffee On Arrival 09:15 Welcome To Country 09:35 MC Welcome 09:45 Koolongkas Kreate Performance 10:05 FCAWA Welcome Address 10:10 Minister for Child Protection; Women’s Interests; Prevention of Family & 10:30 Domestic Violence, Community Services Address 11:00 Morning Tea 11:45 The Importance Of Cultural Identity For Kids In Care 12:30 What Birth Parents Want Carers To Know 13:30 Lunch 14:15 Strategies to Create Harmony in the Home for Children with Trauma 15:00 ThinkUKnow E-Safety 15:30 Afternoon Tea 16:15 Journey To Independence 17:00 Caring For Our Carers Day 1 Concludes Agenda - Friday, 12th March 2021 08:45 Registration | Tea & Coffee On Arrival 09:00 MC Welcome 09:05 Keynote Presentation - Jade Lewis 09:50 Methamphetamine & The Long Term Effects On Infants & Children 10:35 Morning Tea 11:00 FASD - Challenges, Hopes & How To Guide 12:30 Lunch 13:30 NDIS - What Is It & How To Navigate It 15:00 Afternoon Tea 15:30 Keynote Presentation - Andrew Horabin 16:30 Day 2 Concludes

Foster Care Association WA Fay Alford Biography: With boundless love and vast reserves of energy, Fay Alford puts the welfare and wellbeing of children at the centre of all she does. Fay and her husband David have fostered close to 90 vulnerable children over the last three decades while raising their two biological daughters. They have adopted two foster children, and a third chose to be adopted by the Alfords when she turned 18. Fay and David are still fostering today, raising their now 5 year old granddaughter whom they have cared for from birth. A member of the Foster Care Association from 1987, its President Elect from 2001 and Director from 2009, Fay provides support and advocacy to foster carers throughout the state of Western Australia. Fay is an advisor to the minister of Child Protection and the Assistant Director General of the Department of Communities; she is the public face of fostering in WA; a guest speaker at conferences and community events; and a key figure in the training, panelling and recruitment of new foster carers. Fay has twice been nominated as a finalist in the Australian of the Year in 2016 and 2017 and was the recipient of the prestigious John Curtin Medal in 2018 for her recognised qualities of vision, leadership and significant and ongoing service to the community. In 2020, Fay was awarded the prestigious Order Of Australia Medal for her exemplary service to children over the years.

Master of Ceremonies Clara Kirika Biography: Clara Kirika has been a social worker in the Department of Communities since 1983 and has occupied a wide range of senior positions in service delivery, policy and training. Clara is passionate about children in care work and the immense contribution carers make to the lives of these children. She has been the Director of the Child and Carer Connection Hub since July 2017. Welcome To Country Marie Taylor Biography: Noongar Elder, Marie Taylor is a mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She has been a junior state hockey representative, a course author and Associate Lecturer at Murdoch University, has helped establish an Aboriginal cultural centre and has produced programs that are taught in schools across the city. Marie Taylor is a proud descendant of the Whadjuck/Barlardong Noongar people, the most ancient peoples of the world and is also of Dutch heritage.

Conference Performance Koolangkas Kreate Biography: Koolangakas Kreate, formed six years ago, is an all boys dance group, which occasionally has girls dance with them. The group came together to encourage young boys to embrace their Noongar Culture. The group moved to Perth in June 2018, as two of the dancers successfully gained acting roles with the Black Swan Theatre Company and Yirra Yaakin Theatre Company. The group has stayed in Perth to continue to pursue opportunities. Two of of the boys successfully gained scholarships with Wesley College to continue their educa- tion. Koolangkas Kreate has a strong focus on education, community engagement, reconcili- ation, social inclusiveness and cultural pride. Koolangkas Kreate not only focuses on embracing Aboriginal culture but on inspiring young boys to pursue their dreams and go on to become future leaders. Encouraging the boys to continue their education is vital for their future and embracing other cultural backgrounds is important for all of us to be strong people in this wonderful country in which we live. Jacob who was the boy that started the group has just returned from a UK tour with the Sydney Theatre Company, where he acted with esteemed actors in the play The Secret River. Jacob got to rub shoulders with the likes of Kylie Minogue. His twin brother, Benjamin, has recently finished filming an ABC Iview Series called KGB, filmed right here in Perth in the suburbs of Koondoola, Girrawheen and Balga. The twins have continued their acting in commercials, plays and other productions. We have several boys in the group who are currently studying at elite private schools on scholarships and excelling in sports. We are extremely proud of all of them.

HON Simone McGurk HON Simone McGURK BA (Arts) BA (Comms) MLA Minister for Child Protection; Women’s Interests; Prevention of Family and Domestic Violence; Community Services Biography: Simone is the State Labor Member for Fremantle, and the Minister for Child Protection; Women’s Interests; Prevention of Family and Domestic Violence and Community Services. As a Minister in the McGowan Labor Government, Simone is working to establish a whole-of-government approach to tackling the scourge of family and domestic violence, and is ensuring that our state invests in children during the critical early years to build stronger families and communities. Prior to her election in 2013, Simone worked in the union movement for over 22 years. She was one of the first women elected to be an Organiser for the Australian Manufacturing Workers Union, before being elected the Assistant State Secretary in 1997. She later worked with the union United Voice. From 2007, Simone served as Assistant Secretary, and later Secretary, of Unions WA. Simone holds degrees in History from the University of Melbourne and Media from Murdoch University.

The Importance Of Cultural Identity For Kids In Care Ann Hawke Biography: Ann Hawke founded Kinship Connections Aboriginal Corporation in 2012. She is a descendant of the Yawuru people from Broome and Gooniyandi people from the East Kimberly. Ann is the third generation in her family to have been affected by government removal policies. She was taken away from her family at the age of four and grew up in the foster care system until she was eighteen. Like many others who were taken from their family, Ann knows firsthand of the traumas that disconnection from family and culture brings to our children. Ann is now currently caring for five of her own grandchildren who are in the care of the Department until they are eighteen. Ann knows firsthand how out-of-home care and institutional care can strip people of their identity, Aboriginality, and self-respect. She understands that the loneliness and disconnection from birth families can impact on you into adulthood with potential abandonment issues, low self-esteem and/or identity crises’. Ann holds a double degree in Aboriginal Health and Community Development and a post-graduate in Indigenous Healing Arts. She sits on many councils and committees to certify there are better outcomes for kids in care. Ann sat on the Departmental Centralised Foster Carer Assessment Panel for the past eight years to ensure new carers had the capacity and capability to understand the importance cultural obligations that they would face while caring for Aboriginal children. Ann is currently the Vice Chair of the Foster Care Association Board where she gives cultural advice on all matters. She is an experienced trainer, delivering cultural learning and has presented at many conferences across Australia on the importance of cultural identity and belonging for all children across all ages.

Kinship Connections also manages the Family Carers Support program in the metro regions assisting family carers to understand the importance of their role as a family carer. Ann brings wide-ranging life experience and skills to her work with Kinship Connections and as a result Ann’s knowledge and expertise continues to be sought by Government and Non-Government agencies across WA. Abstract: Is our birth right to know who we are, and where we come from? The people, the land and the stories of our families are all part of our unique DNA of who we are. Understanding our histo- ry and the history of our people will help build your personal growth and self-esteem. It also gives our children self-pride and the courage to stand strong as future leaders in our community. In this session we will cover: • Legislative obligations of what is expected if you are caring for Aboriginal children • Who can assist you to meet these obligations • Why is it Important to keep Aboriginal children connected to their culture • What will happen if you don’t keep them connected • Agencies who will assist you in this journey

What Birth Parents Want Carers To Know Debbie Henderson Biography: Debbie Henderson has been the Executive Officer of the Family Inclusion Network of WA (Fin WA) since its inception in 2008. She is a qualified social worker with nearly 30 years’ experience working across the human service sector with children, young people and families in residential care, outreach and community development to intensive family work. Debbie’s experience provides her a deep understanding of individual struggles of mental health, addictions, violence, trauma and the structural and systems impediments that impact on a parent’s capacity to address issues and provide their children a place of safety and wellbeing. Leading an organisation that addresses these issues at the individual and systems level is key to Debbie’s commitment to social justice and procedural fairness; working toward a child protection system that elevates the voice of families, is respectful, inclusive and fair. Fin WA and the voice of parent’s is represented on key policy and reform committees within and across government and non-government including early intervention, intensive family support, child protection and out of home care. Currently, Debbie sits on the board of the newly formed Child and Family Alliance Network WA and is the Chairperson of FIN Australia.

Abstract: When families have their children removed from their care, they experience significant grief, anger and confusion - very often the reasons or behaviours that lead to the removal of their children, spiral out of control. Alongside of this, they are propelled into a complex, overwhelming and legal system that renders them powerless, unheard and feeling hopeless. This presentation will share with you what parent’s experience when their children are removed, it will challenge our perspectives of who parents are, it will provide insight into what parents say would be helpful for them and their children to have a stable placement, while having meaningful relationships with their children.

Strategies To Create Harmony In The Home Di Wilcox Biography: Di Wilcox is the mother of two daughters and an education and parenting expert who is the CEO and founder of Magic Coat for Kids. She has a BA in Social Science (Women and Children’s Studies) and a Diploma of Education which saw her work as a primary school teacher for over twenty years. Di’s is passionate about helping children to feel socially and emotionally safe and does this by providing a common language for parents, teachers, carers and children through the use of The Magic Coat program. She teaches simple and effective strategies so that parents and carers have the skills to manage a number of everyday childhood issues. Di is often used as the education and parenting expert for Channel 9 and also presents in schools, women’s refuges, prisons and corporate events. She is the author of several books including Beneath You’re Beautiful, Parenting Through The Primary Years, Be The Girl and The Magic Coat.

Abstract: Di Wilcox will be presenting a talk called Strategies to Create Harmony in the Home for Children with Trauma. It can be difficult for any family to establish harmony in the home but even more so for families that are welcoming children who are experiencing trauma into theirs. These children in particular need boundaries, routines and a sense of security. Di Wilcox will provide some simple and effective strategies to help carers; • Create a family routine • Create household rules and expectations • Discipline with Love • Communicate with children about their worries and anxieties.

ThinkUKnow E-Safety Damian Glover Biography: Damian is a Cyber Security Engineering Specialist with a background in the banking and insurance industry building, running and uplifting various security capabilities. This is Damian’s third year volunteering alongside dedicated law enforcement officers as a volunteer with ThinkUKnow as an industry professional. Damian is passionate about online safety awareness education, as he deals with the rapidly changing cyber threat landscape everyday in his role and knows what’s out there. Damian also faces the same online challenges, like all parents do, in this high-tech, social media driven era. Sharon Cumbers Biography: Sharon Cumbers is a mother of three, step-mother of four and grandmother of 11. She grew up in the Kimberley’s , where once the children began school became a full-time volunteer Ambulance Officer for St John ‘s. Later moving to Alice Springs she worked as a Children’s Support Worker establishing a protective behaviour based program in the Alice Springs Women’s Refuge before then moving to Perth for the children’s higher educational needs and becoming a police officer in 2006 for the WA Police Force where she still serves. Her particular interests are in breaking the cycle of family violence and all things child protection, including online safety for children. She currently works as a Family Violence Prosecutor in the specialised Family Violence Court during the day and in between volunteers as a ThinkUKnow presenter.

Abstract: ThinkUKnow is a partnership between the Australia Federal Police (AFP) Commonwealth Bank of Australia, Bankswest, Datacom and Microsoft Australia and is delivered in collaboration with all State and Territory police and Neighbour Watch Australasia. ThinkUKnow is pro-technology and aims to empower every Australian to be safe and respectful online. Our mission is to provide accessible online child safety education and information delivered through a unique partnership between law enforcement and industry. The key focus of ThinkUKnow presentation is to openly communicate with young people about what they do online, the challenges they may face, and how they can be overcome, including where to go for advice and support. Education is the most powerful tool to help children and young people understand the benefits and challenges of technology. Self-protection and empowerment is the key to protecting children against threatening or harmful situations online.

Journey To Independence Sarah Lewis Biography: CREATE Foundation is the national consumer body representing the voices of children and young people with an out-of-home care experience (including kinship care, foster care and residential care). Sarah Lewis, the WA State Coordinator at CREATE, will be speaking with a panel of CREATE Young Consultants. Sarah has 20 years’ experience in the out of home care and youth work sectors. CREATE Young Consultants are young people with a carer experience who are trained and supported by CREATE to be leaders and systemic advocates. Abstract: Turning 18 and moving into independence brings new experiences and challenges for all young people. It can be particularly daunting for young people leaving care. Come and listen to CREATE talk about some of the challenges those young people face and the resources available that can help solve those issues. You will also hear directly from CREATE Young Consultants as they tell you of their stories, challenges and successes.

Caring For Our Carers Glenda Kickett Biography: Glenda Kickett belongs to the Whadjuk and Ballardong peoples of the Nyungah nation from the South West of Western Australia. She is a social worker with over 20 years’ experience, supporting and advocating for Aboriginal children and families in out of home care. Glenda is Manager, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships and Engagement at the Australian Childhood Foundation. Shaun Chandran Biography: Shaun Chandran is Program Manager, Therapeutic Services at the Australian Childhood Foundation in Western Australia. He has worked extensively as a psychologist with vulnerable children, young people and their families in a range of settings, including out of home care, youth homelessness, education and disability services. Abstract: The Australian Childhood Foundation provides specialist therapeutic support and counselling to foster and family carers. This presentation will explore the use of trauma-informed approaches embedded within a cultural framework and will highlight the positive outcomes this way of working has had for foster and family carers and the children they care for.

Keynote Presentation Jade Lewis Biography: Jade Lewis is an award-winning author, speaker and founder of not-for-profit organisation, Yellow Ribbon Project for Second Chances. Her story is personal; Jade overcame a life of drugs, crime and violence after she entered the Teen Challenge program in 1999. She continues to have a strong desire to reach all Australians with her message in the hope to build a better tomorrow for the next generation. Among her awards are Winner Business News 40 Under 40, Inductee into WA Women’s Hall of Fame and Winner of Pride of Australia – Community Service. Jade is happily married with three children. Abstract: Using her own personal story of overcoming a life of drugs, crime and violence, Jade’s key messages includes • Everyone deserves a second chance • The importance of role models • Recognising and resolving trauma • Boundaries • Self Esteem and Confidence • Moving Forward & Dreaming Again

Methamphetamine & The Long Term Effects On Chidren Angela O’Connor Biography: Angela O’Connor is the Clinical Midwifery Consultant, Midwifery Manager of the Women and Newborn Drug and Alcohol Service (WANDAS). Angela has a varied career which spans over 34 years experience in health. Angela holds a Business Degree with a major in Management and leadership and a minor in Psychology. She completed a Post Graduate Degree in Social Science and completed her Masters in Nursing 2011 at Curtin University. She is currently enrolled in University of Western Australia (UWA) undertaking her PHD in the area of Drug and Alcohol. Abstract: This presentation examines the long-term developmental outcomes from methamphetamine use in pregnancy. A mixed methods study into the outcomes was undertaken using interviews and developmental checks over a 12-month period on 110 infants. The findings saw that infants born to women using methamphetamine are at risk of developmental delay. We will also cover what support services are available for families when caring for infants who have had prenatal exposure to Methamphetamine in pregnancy.

FASD: Challenges, Hopes & How To Guide James Fitzpatrick Biography: James Fitzpatrick is a clinical researcher and was a finalist in the 2017 Australian of the Year Awards for his longstanding commitment to rural, remote and Aboriginal health. A consultant paediatrician, researcher and health service innovator, he established Patches Assessment and Therapy Services to harness the creativity of social enterprise and the precision of science to address seemingly intractable health problems such as FASD. James was awarded Young Australian of the Year in 2001 for his work in Aboriginal health, rural health workforce improvement and youth suicide prevention. Having completed his PhD through the University of Sydney, and as a former Infantry soldier, James combines a scientific approach with a reputation for getting things done. Abstract: Patches Assessment and Therapy Services will lead an interactive workshop with the following learning outcomes: • Understanding FASD and how children with FASD may present in Out of Home Care. • How to progress through the process of Assessment, Diagnosis, and entry into Therapy and Support services (NDIS). • What is the process of Assessment and Diagnosis – how to refer, cost of assessments, and timeframes to expect. • What practical strategies can you as a Carer implement to support common behavioural challenges of FASD. • What is the process for applying for NDIS support, and what range of services can you expect if eligible for the NDIS.

NDIS - What Is It & How To Navigate It Coming Soon

Early Intervention ECEI Support Programme Stephanie Jackiewicz B i o g rpa p h y : Stephanie has been a long-term advocate for young children. She began her career as an educator and soon moved into the research stream, at various universities and at the Telethon Institute for Child Health Research. She has been involved in a variety of projects that relate to children’s health, wellbeing and education. She was National Director of Early Childhood Australia and was acknowledged for her advocacy work with an award for Outstanding Professional Service Award from the Professional Teachers Council of WA. Stephanie is currently the General Manager of the Early Years programs at Wanslea. Linda Santangeli Biography: Linda is a Mental Health professional with 30 years experience in the health and community care sector. Linda has worked in both acute and community settings in both strategic and operational roles. Linda is currently the Manager of the Early Childhood Early Intervention Program, Partner in the community with National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) for Wanslea; she is a strong and compassionate leader with a focus on inclusion to truly make a positive difference. Speakers 8-9/11

Early Intervention ECEI Support Programme Abstract: Wanslea’s ECEI program supports children from birth to six years who have a developmental delay or disability. Our team of qualified practitioners will work with families to set goals for their child. Each child is supported to meet their goals through information and referrals to mainstream services, short term intervention or access to the NDIS. This presentation will guide you through the program explaining the process for families and how they are supported. Speakers 8-9/11

Keynote Presentation Andrew Horabin Biography: Andrew Horabin is a professional speaker, facilitator, author, comedian and award winning songwriter. Over 28 years, he has worked with big and small business, government departments, professional associations and NGO’s across Australia and overseas – with audiences totalling hundreds of thousands of people. Andrew has trained state, federal and international police – through WAPOL, VICPOL, the AFP and ASIO – working with undercover officers, surveillance operatives, informant handlers, intel analysts, tactical response teams, detectives and senior managers of serious crime, from over 40 countries. Andrew has worked with 110 schools, five state orchestras, three AFL clubs, 25 local coun- cils and with varied clients such as: Woodside, Bankwest, BHP, Seasol, Royal Flying Doctor Service, Ramsay Healthcare and Coles. He has also won state and national songwriting awards, written and produced a sold-out musical, played the Melbourne International Comedy Festival and toured a one-man show to 45 towns in five states. In Bullshift, he aims to blend all of the above by delivering serious content with comedy. Andrew began his first business at age 18 with no qualifications, experience, equipment or capital. He is now 46 years old and works with clients from around Australia and overseas from Perth. Speakers 8-9/11