FCAWA Autumn Newsletter

NEWSLETTER AUTUMN EDITION

FCAWA FCAWA Staff Board 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 Advocacy Natasha Rainbow & Support Officer Rebecca Mann Board Member Sue House Senior Social Worker Advocacy & Support Officer Board Member Cassie Walton Beth Harris Carer & Family Support Worker Board Member Kim Lee John Leone Carer & Family Support Worker Board Member Leah Atkinson Heidi Bentink Carer & Family Support Worker Board Member Natalee Payne Dion Gliddon Office Manager Helen Dale Marketing & Communications Consultant Freddie Povey

Business As Usual It is not very Australian of me I know, but I love I am grateful that in March of this year the rain and plummeting temperatures that FCAWA was able to proceed with our Foster signal the end of summer and that niggling & Kinship Care Conference at The Rendezvous feeling that I need to get the doonas out of in Scarborough. With over 160 WA family and storage. Something else that it is hard to ignore general carers, and nearly 100 professionals in our everyday, is the ongoing devastating from both government and non-government effects of COVID19, particularly in countries carer agencies in attendance, this event like India. It is hard to take in and make sense offered two days of learning and fun. MC’d by of the scale of the horror and grief people the funny and fabulous Clara Kirika, Welcomed there are facing currently. To Country by the wise and respected Aboriginal Elder Marie Taylor, entertained by Less traumatic and urgent but closer to home, the rhythmic and talented Aboriginal dance WA sits with the rest of our bordering states group Koolangkas Kreate, and informed by in a space of natural community-level anxiety the Hon Simone McGurk, attendees made the over the unknowns. Matters around our trust most of this two-day extravaganza. in the COVID19 vaccinations, what this means for our family, safe contact arrangements, and Conference presenters covered topics the inconvenience of the reality of a possible relevant to everyday family and general interim cycle of unpredictable short, sharp fostering realities from understanding the lockdowns play havoc on our minds. Focussing significance of cultural connection to a child’s on the bigger picture and being grateful for sense of self and belonging, from insightful what we do have, helps us to see that our and moving firsthand experiences, to walking current situation in Australia still leaves most a mile in the shoes of the birth parent and of us with a lot to be thankful for. increasing our awareness and understanding 1

of their experience of navigating the fostering Childhood Foundation), Jade Lewis (Keynote system. Carers heard about new strategies Presentation), Angela O’Connor (WANDAS), to create harmony in the home to support a James Fitzpatrick (Paediatrician), Shauna Van child’s social and emotional safety, and the Steensel (NDIS), Joy Norton (Mission Australia), importance of carers extending their skills set and Stephanie Jackiewicz & Linda Santangeli and those of their children to make the most (Wanslea). Carers can refresh or utilise a self- of the benefits of online technology, whilst learning opportunity by viewing slides from protecting children from the challenges and the Conference Presentations from our FCA risks that go hand in hand in the cyber world. Website. Simply click on our ‘Events’ page and A panel of young people bravely shared tag ‘Conference’. their own fostering journey, providing an opportunity for carers and workers alike to Watch this space, our FaceBook page Foster reflect on the lifelong impact of the roles they Care Association of Western Australia Inc, and play in shaping the lives of young people in Website www.fcawa.com.au for upcoming out of home care. Therapeutic professionals FCAWA carer social and training events. And highlighted the positive outcomes gleamed just a friendly reminder, if you have a fostering when caring and working within trauma- query or need advocacy or support, please informed approaches. A harrowing personal give a call on 9242 4222 or email us directly at journey through addiction and out the other [email protected]. side to good health, personal growth, and success, was followed by current research into Snuggle up and reconnect with loved ones prenatal exposure to methamphetamine and during the cooler months! the subsequent long-term effects including developmental delay for these infants. Rachel Jones Understanding the presentation of FASD in our Team Leader children and navigating the NDIS to address FCAWA special needs and disability via assessment, diagnosis and entry into therapy and support services was explained and unpacked. The Conference was closed in appreciation and self-reflection of the significant role carers play in the fostering system, under a clever cloak of laugh-out-loud comedy, thanks to the witty self- made one man show that is Andrew Horabin. FCA would like to again thank all those wonderful family and general carers and young people who gave their precious time to share in, learn from and inform the fostering experience. And to the gracious professionals who donated their professional and personal insights we would also like to acknowledge and thank Ann Hawke (Kinship Connections), Debbie Henderson (Fin WA), Di Wilcox (The Magic Coat), Damian Glover & Sharon Cumbers (ThinkUKnow E-Safety), Sarah Lewis (CREATE Foundation), Glenda Kickett & Shaun Chandran (Australian 2

2021 Foster & Kinship Care Conference Together Towards Tomorrow The 2021 Foster and Kinship Care Conference was held at the Rendezvous Hotel in Scarborough on the 11th & 12th March. The conference provided a great opportunity for carers to hear about current research and practice impacting children and was designed to equip and empower carers and enhance their ability to respond to the challenges of fostering. Carers were 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. To view and download copies of the presentations, please head to www.fcawa.com.au/conference. 3

Foster Family Movie Night A whopping 308 carers and kids attended our Foster Family Movie Night held at Telethon Community Cinemas in Burswood at the end of March. The event was a huge success with a five star rating from carers who kindly completed the feedback form. Telethon Community Cinema’s volunteers were amazing. Carers thoroughly enjoyed being able to sit back and relax before the movie knowing their kids were safe within the grounds. And the kids had an absolute ball running around. All kids who attended received a Bertie Beatle Show Bag and the Easter Bunny’s visit with chocolate bunnies for carers and kids alike was a big hit. We will definitely be running this event again next year but will choose a day in the school holidays to allow more carers and kids to attend. 4

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Foster Care Information Sessions FCA will be holding Fostering Information Cannington Sessions in 2021 throughout the metro area. These will be in addition to the Date: Monday 24th May 2021 information sessions held by the Department Time: 10-12pm of Communities and Community Sector Venue: Corner Wharf Street & Organisations. We are committed to the Sevenoaks Street, Cannington recruitment of foster carers throughout Western Australia and hope, that with your Fremantle help, we will be successful in doing so. Dates are to be confirmed and will be announced on Date: Thursday 10th June 2021 the Events page of our website. Time: 11am-1pm Venue: AH Bracks Library Corner Stock Road & Canning Hwy, Melville (Entry off Stock Rd) 6

Membership Programme FCAWA is just about to launch its brand new Information regarding our new Membership Membership Management Programme where Programme and who are Member Partners members will be able to update their details, are will be emailed out over the next couple of pay their membership fees online and register weeks with the new membership card to follow for all of our events including our very popular shortly afterwards so please watch this space. Family Christmas Party. Please be advised that FCAWA’s annual Over the last couple of months, we have membership fees have increased as follows: been liaising with many family attraction venues to see if FCAWA members can obtain • $15.00 for a single parent foster family. discounted pricing for entry. So many venues have expressed awe in the phenomenal job • $30.00 for two adult foster parents in a our carers do and were very keen to jump on foster family. board to offer discounts. • $15.00 per person, for foster care FCAWA members will soon be issued with professionals. a membership card that they will need to present along with photo ID to take advantage This represents the first increase in fees since of the discounts. This same membership card the Association was established 40 years ago can be used to access Foodbank. and is necessary due to the increasing costs associated with running our Membership Programme. 7

NOFASD Support Groups NOFASD Australia is coordinating support Participation in the Families Linking with groups to facilitate information sharing among Families support group is free, but participants parents/caregivers who are living in Australia are asked to participate in all seven of the and supporting someone with diagnosed or weekly sessions to gain full value from the suspected Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder discussions and training. This is a no blame, no (FASD). shame course run by professionally qualified parents who have experience of FASD. Applications are now open for support groups commencing in the second week of May. One To express your interest in participating and group will be held in the daytime on a Tuesday find out more please register your interest and the other group will meet in the evening online at https://www.nofasd.org.au/contact- on a Wednesday. us or call their Helpline on 1800 860 613. There are limited places available in each group, so if you are interested, please act soon to secure your place. 8

Learning & Development Learning and Development – Foster Carer Learning Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) is an umbrella term for the diagnosed conditions resulting from prenatal alcohol exposure. This workshop aims to develop an understanding of FASD, its effects on children, and strategies for management of children experiencing FASD. Participants will learn: • About FASD and the effects on the foetus. • What are the behavioural challenges for children and families. • What are prevention and intervention strategies for parents and carers. Presenter: Telethon Institute Venue: Perth CPFS Office 190 Stirling Street, Perth Date / Time: Wednesday 30th June 10.00am – 1.00pm ❖ Morning tea is provided. ❖ Child-minding is available. Please advise when enrolling if you require this service. To enrol please contact the Foster Carer Learning team on 08 9218 5500 or email [email protected] Learning and Development 000079 Level 6, 8 Bennett St, East Perth WA 6003 9

Learning and Development – Foster Carer Learning Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) is an umbrella term for the diagnosed conditions resulting from prenatal alcohol exposure. This workshop aims to develop an understanding of FASD, its effects on children, and strategies for management of children experiencing FASD. Participants will learn: • About FASD and the effects on the foetus. • What are the behavioural challenges for children and families. • What are prevention and intervention strategies for parents and carers. Presenter: Telethon Institute Venue: Perth CPFS Office 190 Stirling Street, Perth Date / Time: Wednesday 30th June 10.00am – 1.00pm ❖ Morning tea is provided. ❖ Child-minding is available. Please advise when enrolling if you require this service. To enrol please contact the Foster Carer Learning team on 08 9218 5500 or email [email protected] Learning and Development 000079 Level 6, 8 Bennett St, East Perth WA 6003 Learning and Development – Foster Carer Learning Stability and connection planning is the case management practice used to provide children in care with safe, continuous and stable living arrangements, lifetime relationships and a sense of belonging. This workshop will explore the planning process and provide an opportunity to explore how this relates to your child. Presenter: Child Protection Unit Venue: Central location (TBA) Date / Time: Thursday 10th June 10.00am-1.00pm To enrol please contact the Foster Carer Learning team on 08 9218-5500 or email [email protected] Learning and Development 000432 Level 6, 8 Bennett St, East Perth WA 6003 10

Joining Up The Stars – A New Therapeutic Tool For Children & Adults Matching experiences of fun can be a powerful therapeutic tool. That’s why we have developed this wonderful little activity for children and important adults. You need two torches, a darkened room and some imagination. It has so much to offer children as they find ways to have safety returned into their lives after trauma. Would you like to go on an adventure into the night sky? We can be stars together shining bright. Let’s make the room feel like night-time. Here is your torch to make star light, and here is mine. We can be next to each other and shine our torches up onto the ceiling of our inside sky. Twinkle twinkle little star, How I wonder what you are. Can you make your star twinkle by pointing your torch at the ceiling and switching it on and off? I will try to match your star’s twinkling by switching my torch on and off. Can you make a shooting star? I will try to follow your star with my star light. Can you make your starlight dance around the room? Our stars could dance together? Can you make your starlight move fast and slow? My light will try to stay with yours. Up above the world so high, like a diamond in the sky. Twinkle twinkle little star. childhood.org.au 11

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. 12

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 November 2021. 13

The Power of Relationships Every foster and family carer will know from experience the strong feelings, hopes, and dreams we hold for our children. Children who have experienced traumatic stress might express themselves through strong emotions, challenging behaviours or by withdrawing from others. They might not respond as expected to the loving actions of their carers. This can evoke strong emotional responses in their carers too. When we interact with other people, it is impossible not to react to their emotions and behaviours and this goes both ways. Our brains are wired to connect, interact and respond to each other. Building safe and secure relationships with children in care is a very powerful strategy and overarches all other parenting strategies. Foster and family carers can help children recover from traumatic stress and relationships that have hurt them, made them feel unimportant and to blame. With patience and persistence carers can help children to gradually trust again. Why are relationships so important? Children learn about themselves and others through the eyes of the adults who care for them. Adult’s responses determine whether they feel worthy, loved, a sense of belonging and confident within themselves… or not. Adult’s responses shape a child’s ability to trust. Children need safe relationships to develop social-emotional skills, which in turn will help them to lead connected and fulfilling lives. For Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children it is of vital importance to be connected with family, culture and country. They need family and extended family to teach them about their place in the kinship system, help them understand how to relate to and behave towards others and learn about obligations and cultural and social responsibilities to grow up healthy and strong. How can family and foster carers develop and strengthen relationships with their children? PLACE is a relationship and attachment building approach developed by Dr Dan Hughes. PLACE describes qualities of a safe relationship and ways to respond to children’s feelings, needs and behaviours; which are Playfulness, Love, Acceptance, Curiousity and Empathy. Playfulness brings a sense of lightness and humour to relationships. It shows your child you enjoy their company and creates moments of relaxation. Things you can do: o Use a light, matter of fact tone of voice, like telling a story OurSPACE WA is run by the Australian Childhood Foundation. // ABN 28 057 044 514 PO Box 3485, East Perth WA 6892 // Phone 1300 381 581 // [email protected] // childhood.org.au 14

o Respond in a playful way to divert a power struggle or behavioural outburst. This can be very effective when used sparingly and the start of changing unhelpful patterns of responding to each other Love your child for who they are, no matter their feelings, needs or behaviour; to create a sense of stability, continuity and belonging. A carer’s loving attitude is an invitation for the child to start liking and loving you back. Things you can do: o Tell your child you are thinking of them while they are at school o Pack their favourite treat for recess o Be involved in your child’s favourite sport or activity as much as you can o Use inclusive language, such as: “In our family we help each other/do things together”. “This is your home. What can I do to help you feel safe and happy here?” o Highlight a quality in your child, rather than an achievement; “I like how you kept on trying” Acceptance of children’s feelings, needs and behaviour as a starting point. Teaching children to express feelings in an appropriate way and to help them change behaviour starts with acceptance. When children feel listened to and understood they will be more open to change. Things you can do: o Accept your child’s need for all your attention, to be in control, to cover up and deny o Accept your child experiencing you as being mean or unfair. Say you are sorry they feel that way. Tell them you love them o Talk about what else they could have done, when they are calm Curiosity helps carers develop a deep understanding of the inner world of their child. Curiosity is about exploring without judging and shows children their experiences matter. Things you can do: o Ask gentle questions without expecting an answer o Unconditionally accept any response from your child o Help your child learn about their feelings, needs and experiences. “Can you tell me what happened?” “What were you feeling or thinking or trying to do?” Empathy is about a child experiencing their carer’s compassion for them. Children need to know they don’t have to deal with their hurt, fears and experiences on their own. Things you can do: o You don’t have to say much. Just be present o Sit close to your child at their eye level or below o A gentle touch if your child feels comfortable with touch o Reassure your child you will stay as long as it takes and you will support them If you are a Foster or Family Carer with the Department of Communities and would like to learn more about the PLACE approach or are requiring additional support and assistance, OurSPACE WA can provide telephone or video counselling and support. OurSPACE WA operates Monday to Friday between 9am – 5pm (excluding public holidays). OThurisSPaArtCicEleWwAasis aruunthboyrethde bAyusWtraillmiana CBhroildkhaoaordfrFoomuntdhaetioAnu. s//trAalBiaNn2C8h0i5ld7h0o4o4d5F14oundation. PO Box 3485, East Perth WA 6892 // Phone 1300 381 581 // [email protected] // childhood.org.au 15

MOBILE FOODBANK Foodbank WA works with charities in the Perth metropolitan area to provide individuals and families with easy and affordable access to food in times of crisis. THE FOLLOWING HAMPERS ARE AVAILABLE WHILE STOCKS LAST: $15 FROZEN HAMPERS including meat and frozen items $10 DRY HAMPERS including canned meat or tuna $5 FRUIT & VEG HAMPERS with seasonal items Payment is via EFTPOS or your Emergency Relief Voucher. No cash payments for security reasons. To access Mobile Foodbank you will need a referral from our partner charities. Please call the Emergency Relief and Food Access Service on 1800 979 777 for referrals. FOLLOW US ONLINE FOR REFERRALS: Proudly supported by: P: 1800 979 777 W: FOODBANK.ORG.AU 16

MOBILE FOODBANK LOCATIONS WILLAGEE COMMUNITY CENTRE 55 CENTRAL Archibald St Willagee (cnr Winnacott St) 55 Central Ave Maylands Wednesday 11.30am-12.00pm Monday 9:30-10:15am CHAMPION CENTRE ST PATRICK’S COMMUNITY SUPPORT CENTRE 76 Champion Drive, Seville Grove 12 Queen Victoria Street, Fremantle Monday 10:30-11:15am Thursday 10:30-11:45am FOUNDATION HOUSING ARMADALE ARENA CARPARK 100 Hampton Road, Fremantle 4 Townley Street, Armadale Monday 11:30am-12pm Thursday 12-12:30pm DAVIS PARK PRECINCT MISSION AUSTRALIA Davis Park in Beaconsfield 40 Orr Street, Maddington Monday 12:15-1pm Thursday 12:45-1:15pm SALVATION ARMY BALGA SOUTH LAKE OTTEY FAMILY CENTRE 10-18 Lavant Way, Balga 2A South Lake Drive, South Lake Tuesday 9.30-10.15am Friday 9:30-10:15am INTEGRATION & EMPOWERMENT SERVICES ROCKINGHAM SALVOS 38 Main Street Ellenbrook Read St Rockingham WA 6168 Tuesday 10:45-11:30am Friday 11-11:45am KARNANY RESOURCE CENTRE INDIGO JUNCTION 25 Spring Park Road, Midland FRANK KONECNY COMMUNITY CENTRE Tuesday 12:45-1:30pm 2 Skottowe Parkway, Parmelia Friday 12-12:45pm SALVATION ARMY 565 Walter Rd E, Morley WE LOOK FORWARD TO Wednesday 10.15-11am SEEING YOU THERE! FOLLOW US ONLINE FOR REFERRALS: Proudly supported by: P: 1800 979 777 W: FOODBANK.ORG.AU 17

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]

MOBILE FOODBANK LOCATIONS WILLAGEE COMMUNITY CENTRE 55 CENTRAL Archibald St Willagee (cnr Winnacott St) 55 Central Ave Maylands Wednesday 11.30am-12.00pm Monday 9:30-10:15am CHAMPION CENTRE ST PATRICK’S COMMUNITY SUPPORT CENTRE 76 Champion Drive, Seville Grove 12 Queen Victoria Street, Fremantle Monday 10:30-11:15am Thursday 10:30-11:45am FOUNDATION HOUSING ARMADALE ARENA CARPARK 100 Hampton Road, Fremantle 4 Townley Street, Armadale Monday 11:30am-12pm Thursday 12-12:30pm DAVIS PARK PRECINCT MISSION AUSTRALIA Davis Park in Beaconsfield 40 Orr Street, Maddington Monday 12:15-1pm Thursday 12:45-1:15pm SALVATION ARMY BALGA SOUTH LAKE OTTEY FAMILY CENTRE 10-18 Lavant Way, Balga 2A South Lake Drive, South Lake Tuesday 9.30-10.15am Friday 9:30-10:15am INTEGRATION & EMPOWERMENT SERVICES ROCKINGHAM SALVOS 38 Main Street Ellenbrook Read St Rockingham WA 6168 Tuesday 10:45-11:30am Friday 11-11:45am KARNANY RESOURCE CENTRE INDIGO JUNCTION 25 Spring Park Road, Midland FRANK KONECNY COMMUNITY CENTRE Tuesday 12:45-1:30pm 2 Skottowe Parkway, Parmelia Friday 12-12:45pm SALVATION ARMY 565 Walter Rd E, Morley WE LOOK FORWARD TO Wednesday 10.15-11am SEEING YOU THERE! FOLLOW US ONLINE FOR REFERRALS: Proudly supported by: P: 1800 979 777 W: FOODBANK.ORG.AU 21

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]