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Family Inclusion Network

Family Inclusion Network. FIN-NSW - Information, Advice and Advocacy. Dr Frank Ainsworth. Senior Principal Research Fellow (Adjunct) School of Social Work and Community Welfare, James Cook University, Townsville President, FIN-NSW frankainsworth@hotmail.com.

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Family Inclusion Network

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  1. Family Inclusion Network FIN-NSW - Information, Advice and Advocacy

  2. Dr Frank Ainsworth • Senior Principal Research Fellow (Adjunct) School of Social Work and Community Welfare, James Cook University, Townsville • President, FIN-NSW frankainsworth@hotmail.com

  3. Firstly and uniquivocaly FIN is opposed to all forms of child abuse and neglect

  4. How did FIN start? • Simultaneosly in Queensland (Townsville and Brisbane) and in Perth • CAPACT in Canberra renamed FIN-ACT • Now in NSW as FIN-NSW • FIN-Australia is currently being formed • SA is also active

  5. Why did FIN start? • Concerns about the way parents are treated by child protection personnel • The absence of respect for parents • Parents being labelled ‘dead beat parents’ by a Minister responsible for child protection services • Parents not being kept properly informed

  6. The aims of FIN • To give parents of children in care a voice • Parents of children in care can make a useful contribution to their children’s life • Parents of children in care have a useful contribution to make to the child protection debate • To promote best child protection practice - family inclusive child protection practice

  7. FIN - Activities 1 • Provide local support groups for parents and family members of children in care • Provide information about how best to work with child protection authorities • Share information about how best to work with foster carers

  8. FIN - Activities 2 • Share information about contact visits and their importance • Support parents and family members though all the stages of the legal process • Advise parents and family members how to obtain Legal Aid and the services of a lawyer • Provide mutual support in a confidential setting

  9. FIN - Activities 3 • Make submissions in response to Inquiries i.e. Wood Commission in NSW

  10. FIN - Membership • Currently includes health professionals including social workers, lawyers, foster carers and parents - but anyone can join • Membership is $25 pa - professionals • Parents who cannot afford this fee can join for $1pa

  11. FIN - Governance • Membership and leadership will be shared by parent and family members of children in care and professionals • Branches will depend on pro-bono professional and unpaid parent labour

  12. What FIN will not do • FIN will not be acting for parents in individual cases • FIN will not be providing therapy or counselling services • FIN will not be providing legal advice

  13. FIN Advice line The FIN - NSW information and advice line number is 045 0521 610 (Monday – Friday, 8am to 8 pm)

  14. Forthcoming event First National Conference ‘Building a Culture of Respect. Family Inclusion in Child Protection Practice’ Perth, October 30 - 31 2008 (Details from erica@finwa.org.au)

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