2021 Spring Newsletter

A life without love is like a year without spring. ~ Octavian Paler NEWSLETTER 2021 SPRING 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 2

Business As Usual It looks like Spring has finally sprung! It is hard to believe that we are in November, the kids are well into the fourth and final term of the year and Christmas is literally around the corner. Over the last few months, we have watched our eastern state counterparts enter into an extensive lockdown period with only recently having returned to some kind of normal. We have been very lucky here in WA! FCAWA have had a busy few months…. there has been a visit to the Midwest Gascoyne (Geraldton) from our director, Fay Alford and Advocacy and Support Officer, Cassie Walton. Our Carer and Family Support Workers have been busy hosting some events, including: a Happy Feet Fitness Morning Tea for carers and kids as well as a couple of St John First Aid Demonstration’s. As a team we continue to discuss and brainstorm ideas about events and learning opportunities for our members, we look forward to providing more of these in 2022, as well as visiting more country districts. FCAWA staff have hosted several fostering information sessions within the metropolitan area throughout 2021. We acknowledge the need for more foster families throughout the state and wish to contribute to the recruitment process. These sessions are in line with the information that is provided by the Department of Communities, Child Protection and Family Support. We plan on hosting more sessions throughout 2022. We are looking forward to celebrating with you all at the upcoming Christmas party. Our wonderful marketing consultant and events co-ordinator, Freddie Povey has once again pulled together what is going to be a fantastic day for everyone! We understand that the Christmas and school holiday period is a very busy (and somewhat stressful) time for everyone, but please know that we are here to support you. On behalf of the FCAWA team I would like to wish everyone a Merry Christmas, a safe and happy New Year. We look forward to seeing you in 2022! Rebecca Mann Acting Team Leader 3

Covid-19 Dear Foster or Family Carer I want to provide a reminder, that all children and young people in the CEO’s care, who are aged between 12 to 17 years of age and eligible for COVID-19 vaccination in WA, are strongly encouraged to have the vaccination. This position is consistent with Health advice recommending Western Australians get the COVID-19 vaccine when they are eligible. A frequently asked questions, has been developed to specifically address issues around the COVID-19 vaccination, relevant to children and young people in care. It is important to note, that all children and young people in the CEO’s care, should undergo a medical consultation, prior to receiving the vaccination. Vaccinations are available free of charge, at COVID-19 vaccination community clinics or via a GP. Currently, foster and family carers are not mandated to get the COVID-19 vaccination. However, while recognising their individual rights, Communities strongly encourages you to also get the COVID-19 vaccination. If you have further questions regarding vaccinations for children and young people in care, please contact your local Metro or Country District Office. Regards Rachael Green Deputy Director General, Community Services Department of Communities 4

Documentaries The Department The Department takes us inside the never- before-seen child protection system at work in NSW. With unprecedented access across the department, this observational documentary follows caseworkers as they navigate the complexities of keeping children safe in families experiencing domestic violence, addiction, mental health issues and intergenerational trauma. The Department is now available to view via SBS On Demand and it is well worth taking the time to watch. The Children in the Pictures FCAWA staff were invited to the premiere of the ground-breaking documentary The Children in the Pictures on 13tj September, hosted by the Australian Childhood Foundation at Luna Cinemas in Leederville. This jolting documentary takes us inside Queensland Police’s Task Force Argos, the world-leading investigative team dedicated to rescuing children from online sexual exploitation. Viewers watch as they go undercover to rescue children from online sexual abuse, from infiltrating global criminal networks to hunting down the world’s worst abusers, the Argos team shines a light on the dark reality of online child sexual abuse and the fight we all face in stopping it. The Children in the Pictures is now available to 5

Geraldton Visit On 9th September 2021, Director Fay Alford and Advocacy and Support Officer Cassie Walton, took a road trip to the coastal town of Geraldton. FCA had the opportunity to meet with foster families, both general and relative, at the Geraldton Regional Library. Carers had the opportunity to debrief and share their experiences in a relaxed and supportive environment, over a beautiful lunch catered by Soul Food Café and Tea House. We handed out a number of hand crafted quilts, which have been kindly made and donated directly for children in foster care. We were touched by carers stories, and their ongoing commitment and dedication to the children in their care. The following day we met with Departmental staff at the district office, where feedback regarding themes and trends within the fostering system was provided. FCAWA discussed the role and services of the association, including that of our Carer and Family Support Workers. FCA maintains its commitment to providing support and advocacy to carers throughout the state, and we look forward to meeting many more carers across regional districts in 2022. Stay tuned for our next destination! 6

Happy Feet Fitness Session On Saturday, 23 October 2021, our Carer and Family Support Workers hosted a morning tea for carers with a one-off special Happy Feet Fitness session for the children. It was a morning of excitement and fun and the children all loved the interactive session full of singing, dancing, games, and MAGIC!!! Happy Feet Fitness is a fun and educational fitness program run in childcare centres across Australia. 7

First Aid Demonstrations Our Carer and Family Support Workers recently hosted two free First Aid Demonstrations that were facilitated by St John for FCA members on Monday 1st November and Friday 5th November. The demonstrations provided an introduction to first aid covering common injuries and illnesses that can occur in everyday life. Attendees were shown practical demonstrations including CPR, recovery position, and fracture management. The demonstration was a great source of vital information and basis for further first aid training. St John First Responder App Help us find you in an emergency. We know that sometimes pinpointing your exact location can be difficult but when a situation is life threatening, every second counts. The St John First Responder App sends your GPS coordinates to the operator when you call Triple 000 for an ambulance, speeding up the time it takes to confirm your location and dispatch an ambulance. Features of the St John First Aid App The St John Ambulance First Responder App is an invaluable tool in an emergency situation. It offers users access to vital information, such as first aid instruction guides, location of the nearest medical centre and emergency department, as well as real time updates on emergency department waiting times and more. Over 200,000 Western Australians have downloaded the app which also contains other resources, including: • First aid instruction guides – helping you to treat a range of injuries and illnesses. • Defibrillator (AED) locator - showing all the defibrillator locations near you. • Upload the location of new defibrillator (AED) locations that aren’t currently appearing on the app. • Locate nearest medical centres and emergency departments - including live ED waiting time information. • Patient transport services information. • Your first aid course information and refresher reminder notices. • First aid tips and special offers - keeping you up to date with handy first aid information. The St John Ambulance First Responder is a free app that is compatible with iPhones, iPads and android devices. It is available on Apple’s App Store and Google Play. 8

St John First Responser App 9

Donation From Charlotte Primary school student, Charlotte organised a bunch of books, board games and some toys to be donated and collected from her local community as part of her citizenship project at school. Charlotte and her mum contacted the Foster Care Association advising that they would like to donate these items so that they can be distributed to children in care. FCAWA gladly accepted this donation and are very grateful. Thank you so much Charlotte! 10

FCAWA Morning Tea - February ~ Date To Be Confirmed We have a special treat for our FCAWA Morning From sheer glosses to wear with your lipsticks Tea scheduled for the beginning of February, to rich high-pigmented colours you can wear just after the kids go back to school. Join us alone, we create custom glosses that glide on for an interactive Self Care session featuring with ease and give you a flawless finish. Pick The Lip Lab, where carers can make their very a shade, add some shimmer, choose your own custom lip gloss. flavour, enjoy! It’s as simple as that. Lip glosses are a must-have for your makeup Full details will be emailed out to all carers bag and are great to apply through the day early in the new year. when your lips need some added hydration. The Lip Lab’s expert mixologists will sit down with you to create the perfect gloss to suit your skin tone. 11

What’s On ... Looking for some school holiday inspiration to keep the kids entertained? The websites listed below have lots of information about activities in Perth throughout the school holidays, including those that are free. There are also a number of Christmas activities throughout the metro area. www.destinationperth.com.au www.schoolholidayactivities.com.au www.buggybuddys.com.au www.kids-around-perth.com www.christmasinaustralia.com.au/christmas-in-perth-events 12

Lights, Camera, Action! Everyone’s favourite Christmas tradition is back! The massive light spectacle returns for 45 nights, beginning on Friday 19 November to ensure your Christmas is brimming with magic. On every Friday and Saturday nights between Friday 19 November to Saturday 18 December, the City will be immersed in the Christmas spirit as the Christmas angels, cheeky elves, friendly fairies, gallant toy soldiers and Christmas carollers visit the City to bring joy and fun to everyone. Santa Claus and his helper elf will be visiting in the lead up to Christmas to ensure every child’s Christmas gift is considered and to provide words of wisdom to ensure they remain on the nice list. Visitors are encouraged to look out for Santa who will be spreading Christmas cheer every Friday night in the Murray Street Mall and every Sunday night outside Council House, before taking a rickshaw tour to Northbridge. Enjoy the sounds of Christmas and visit one of the many scheduled musical spectaculars from groups such as the City of Perth Band, Perth Harmony Chorus, Tuxedo Junction Vocal Ensemble and more. VENUE: - Various locations in Perth City DATES: - Nov 19 2021 | 6:00pm - Jan 2 2022 | 11:00pm OPENING TIMES: - Christmas Projections start at 7:30pm CONTACT DETAILS: https://www.destinationperth.com.au/page/perth-school-holiday-activities-and-events 13

Alinta Energy Christmas Pageant This has to be one of our favourite Christmas events in Perth. The brightest event of the year, the 2020 Alinta Energy Christmas Pageant on Saturday 12 December from 7:30pm will be on the banks of the Swan River at Langley Park this year. The evening will be full of Christmas festivities for the whole family to enjoy – including delicious food trucks and an all new Family Fun Zone. 7NEWS presenters, including Susannah Carr and Rick Ardon, will be there as well as the much-loved Fat Cat, the Sunrise Cash Cow and of course, Santa! As always, the event is free for all attendees, however due to COVID-19 regulations, you will need to register for your free official tickets. Please pay careful attention to which zone you are buying and what gate you will need to enter from. Where: Langley Park When: Saturday 12th December 7:30pm 14

FCAWA Family Christmas Party A whopping 708 carers and kids have registered to attend our FCAWA Family Christmas Party on Sunday, 21st November 2021 at the Keith Maine Centre in Whiteman Park. Spectacular water slides, obstacle courses, face painting, games, photos with Santa, presents and a loads more will be provided free of charge. Parents are required to BYO their family’s picnic lunch and supervise their children around the waterslides. FCAWA’s AGM will commence on site at 11am in the morning session that runs from 9:30am to 11:30am. Ice creams will be provided for all kids and parents and coffees will be provided free of charge to parents on the day. Please remember to pack your own picnic lunch, snacks, drinks (water fountain available) rugs, chairs, towels, hats and sunscreen. Please note, no dogs are allowed at Whiteman Park. All adults will be required to present a current Working With Children’s card upon entry. Please understand that no entry will be permitted without this. Registratons for this event are now closed. The team at FCAWA look forward to sharing this fun-packed day with you. 15

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]