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Supporting Carers and Kids

Supporting Carers and Kids. An Aboriginal Agencies Attempts Hunter Aboriginal Children’s Services. Incorporated since 1985 Aboriginal NGO funded by DoCS - OOHC, CSGP AGD - Prevention and Diversion Active in the sector and the community Have been using LAC since 2005. Mr. Steve Larkins.

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Supporting Carers and Kids

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  1. Supporting Carers and Kids An Aboriginal Agencies Attempts Hunter Aboriginal Children’s Services

  2. Incorporated since 1985 • Aboriginal NGO funded by • DoCS - OOHC, CSGP • AGD - Prevention and Diversion • Active in the sector and the community • Have been using LAC since 2005

  3. Mr. Steve Larkins • General Manager since 2000. • Board Member of AbSec. • Board Member of ACWA/CCWT. • Formerly • Member - National Executive for SNAICC. • SNAICC Representative on CAFWAA. • Trainer for ACWA/CCWT

  4. Hunter ACS’s growth since 2000

  5. Our Carers are VERY important

  6. Research done in 2001 • Most Aboriginal Carers are authorised by Aboriginal Services • Today we might find an increase for other NGO’s.

  7. How do we keep Carers ? • Carers must be trained properly. • Carers must be supported. • Regular Visits by Case Workers. • Available After Hours Contact. • Free to give feedback. • Meet regularly to support each other.

  8. Services Responsibility • To recruit, train and assess Aboriginal Carers. • Maintain and Support Aboriginal Carers.

  9. Our Website opens up our service to the wider communitywww.hunteracs.org.au

  10. Steps taken by Hunter ACS • Employed a worker specifically for the Carers • “Case Worker - Carers Support” • Made available a 24 hour phone service. • For help when times get tough • Carer Support Group Meetings • A safe place where Carers can vent their issues and receive further training

  11. Role of Carer Support Worker • Contact ALL Carers fortnightly • Organise Carer Support Meetings • Be a point of contact for ALL Carers • Raise issues with Case Workers OOHC • Support Carers where necessary • Seek out training requests from Carers • Assist in running training for Carers

  12. Supporting Kids is VITAL

  13. Steps we have taken • Kids Activity Days • each school holidays • Regular contact with Case Worker • Life Story Work • Budget for Case Worker to do activities with their cases • Listen and act on what kids ask

  14. Specialised Support Worker • Employed through funding with AGD • Acts as support person for Police • Supports kids in JJ system • Attends local Children’s Court • Part of “Aboriginal Community and Local Area Command Network Group” • Supports young people “post release”

  15. Reduction in placement changes • New staff had an effect from 2001 • Policy change occurred in 2001 • Most changes occurred for children 12-15

  16. Other effects • Putting in an effort with kids meant • Kids more prepared to talk to Carers • Be more open with Case Worker • Have taken active roles in Care Plans • Less After Hours Callouts • More interest in Life Story Work • Happier placements • MORE CARERS - through Word of Mouth

  17. Finally • We don’t think we have all the answers • Not everything has worked • Takes a lot of perseverance • Staff changes have slowed progress • Financial Resources have slowed process • Community has been important in making it work

  18. Thank you for your attention For Further Information Go To Our Web Site www.hunteracs.org.au

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