2015 out-of-home care conference€¦ · to the 2015 festival of learning. this is my first...

Government of Western AustraliaDepartment for Child Protection and Family Support

2015PROGRAM

Wednesday 28 and Thursday 29 OctoberTechnology Park Function Centre, Bentley

Out-of-Home Care ConferenceLearning Together, Growing Together

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Learning Together, Growing TogetherOut-of-Home Care Conference

MINISTER’S WELCOME ................................. 3

DIRECTOR GENERAL’S MESSAGE ............... 4

PROGRAM OVERVIEW .................................. 5

KEYNOTE SPEAKERS ................................... 7

SESSION DETAILS ......................................... 9

SESSION ABSTRACTS ................................ 13

FEEDBACK .................................................. 46

Table of Contents

Learning Together, Growing Together

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Out-of-Home Care Conference

Welcome from the Minister for Child Protection

I would like to extend a warm welcome to all delegates to this year’s Festival of Learning.

The focus of this year’s Festival of Learning, out-of-home-care, is very timely. The State Government is currently undertaking a range of important and significant reforms in this area.

The government is committed to providing children in its care with stable nurturing homes that will enable them to have the best possible life outcomes.

The conference program promises a range of innovative and insightful local and international presentations. I encourage all delegates to learn

together and share their experiences as they prepare for the coming reforms within the area of out-of-home care.

The partnership between the State Government and the community services sector is critical as we collaborate on how best to care for our most vulnerable children.

May I take this opportunity to thank each of you for your committed work in the area of child protection.

Hon Helen Morton

Minister for Child Protection

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Foreword from the Department for Child protection and Family Support

Greetings, it is my pleasure on behalf of our partner agencies and the Department for Child Protection and Family Support, to welcome you to the 2015 Festival of Learning.

This is my first Festival of Learning in the role of Director General and I’m thrilled to lead the Department and the important work we are doing, together with the community services sector, in protecting Western Australia’s most vulnerable children and young people.

This year’s Festival of Learning is dedicated specifically to Out-of-Home Care and this inaugural conference is the first of its kind in Australia where the Department, the community services sector and carers can all come together to dig into our practice, learn together and grow the future of out-of-home care together.

Reform of Western Australia’s out-of-home care system is timely and being initiated due to factors many of you will be well aware of, including the over-representation of Aboriginal children who now account for 52% of all children in out-of-home care. Other factors driving the reform include the number of children in care now living with relative carers rather than non-relative carers, the fact that children are now entering care earlier and remaining for longer and have more complex needs. Also driving the reform is the recognition that the Department’s response to providing safe and nurturing out-of-home care is no longer financially sustainable in its current model.

Early indications from the 2015 Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse also support the need for reform to better care for Western Australia’s children in need. The imperative is for us, as a jurisdiction, to be in a position to respond to the Royal Commission and its findings.

The reform will reorientate our out-of-home care system so that it focuses on the needs of the child and provides more permanency for children, with the opportunity of stable and nurturing homes for life. We must all work together to provide the very best life outcomes for WA’s most vulnerable children and young people.

This conference will give us all the opportunity to explore our practice, reflect on what works, what may not, what we are doing well, and what needs to change. My hope is that this Festival of Learning will assist us is seeking to understand what we do well, to strengthen those learnings and to take away learnings that will ultimately be of benefit to the children in our care.

I take this opportunity to thank the staff of the Department and the leadership of Western Australia’s out-of-home care sector for their commitment and investment in leading these reforms, and encourage you all to enjoy the collaboration and learning of the next two days.

Emma WhiteDIRECTOR GENERAL


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Innovation in out-of-home care

Permanency planning

Aboriginal children in out-of-home care

Therapeutic out-of-home care

Parkerville Children and Youth Care


Permanency planning



Advocate for Children in Care

PROGRAM OVERVIEWIntroduction: Steve Glew – MC (Executive Director, Service Standards and Contracting)

Welcome to Country: Dr Richard Walley OAM

Official Opening: Hon Helen Morton MLC (Minister for Child Protection)

Keynote Speech: Dr Bruce Perry (Founder, Child Trauma Academy, Houston, Texas, USA)

Keynote Speech: Dr Bruce Perry

Series One:

Series Two:

8:45 - 10:30

11:00 - 12:30

1:30 - 3:00

3:30 - 4:30

4:40 - 5:00

10:30 - 11:00

12:30 - 1:30

3:00 - 3:30

5:00 - 7:00

4:30 - 4:40

Morning Tea

Lunch

Afternoon Tea

Networking function

Changeover / transit time

Stream 1

Stream 1

Stream 2

Stream 2

Stream 3

Stream 3

Stream 4

Stream 4

Stream 5

Stream 5

Reflections on the day, and wrap up: Steve Glew – MC (Executive Director, Service Standards and Contracting)

WED 28 OCTOBER

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Introduction: Steve Glew – MC (Executive Director, Service Standards and Contracting)

Keynote Speeches:

CREATE Foundation (Young Consultants)

Michael King (Former young person in care)

Series Three:

Series Four:

8:45 - 10:30

11:00 - 12:30

1:30 - 3:00

3:30 - 4:30

10:30 - 11:00

12:30 - 1:30

3:00 - 3:30

Morning Tea

Lunch

Afternoon Tea


Permanency planning




Permanency planning



Stream 1

Stream 1

Stream 2

Stream 2

Stream 3

Stream 3

Stream 4

Stream 4

Learning Together and Growing Together into the Future: Stream owner panel

Conclusion: Emma White (Director General, Department for Child Protection and Family Support)

THURS 29 OCTOBER


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Dr Bruce Perry Dr Perry is the Senior Fellow of The Child Trauma Academy, a not-for-profit organisation based in Houston, Texas, and adjunct Professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at the Feinberg School of Medicine at Northwestern University in Chicago. He serves as the inaugural Senior Fellow of the Berry Street Childhood Institute in Victoria, Australia.

Dr Perry is the author, along with Maia Szalavitz, of The Boy Who Was Raised As A Dog, a bestselling book based on his work with maltreated children, and Born For Love: Why Empathy is Essential and Endangered. His most recent multimedia books, BRIEF: Reflections on Childhood, Trauma, and Society, and RESILIENT: Six Core Strenths for Healthy Development, were released in 2013. Over the last 30 years Dr Perry has been an active teacher, clinician and researcher in children’s mental health and the neurosciences, holding a variety of academic positions.

Dr Perry has conducted both basic neuroscience and clinical research. His experience as a clinician and a researcher with traumatized children has led many community and governmental agencies to consult him following high profile incidents involving traumatized children, such as the Branch Davidian siege in Waco (1993), the Oklahoma City bombing (1995), the Columbine school shootings (1999), the September 11th terrorist attacks (2001), Hurricane Katrina (2005), the FLDS polygamist sect (2008), the earthquake in Haiti (2010), the tsunami in Tohoku Japan (2011), and the Sandy Hook Elementary school shootings (2012).

Dr Perry is the author of over 500 journal articles, book chapters and scientific proceedings and is the recipient of numerous professional awards and honours. He has presented about child maltreatment, children’s mental health, neurodevelopment and youth violence in a variety of venues including policy-making bodies such as the White House Summit on Violence, the California Assembly and U.S. House Committee on Education.

Dr Perry has been featured in a wide range of media including National Public Radio, The Today Show, Good Morning America, Nightline, CNN, MSNBC, NBC, ABC and CBS News, and the Oprah Winfrey Show. His work has been featured in documentaries produced by Dateline NBC, 20/20, the BBC, Nightline, CBC, PBS, as well as international documentaries. Many print media have highlighted the clinical and research activities of Dr Perry, including a Pulitzer Prize winning series in the Chicago Tribune, US News and World Report, Time, Newsweek, Forbes ASAP, Washington Post, the New York Times and Rolling Stone.

KEYNOTE SPEAKERS

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Michael King

Michael was born in August 1962 at Osborne Park. Along with his seven brothers and sisters, he became an open case with the Department for Community Welfare in November 1963. From that date he never lived with his mum and dad again. Over the next 15 years Michael spent more than seven years in eight different government and religious institutions, and was placed with over 12 different foster families.

In 1975 Michael became the youngest child in WA to be placed in locked care, and spent the longest period of time in the reformation centre called Hillstone Boys Home in Stoneville. In 1978 at the age of 15, Michael ran away and went to live in northern Australia. He returned to WA in about

1980 and was once again placed in locked care.

Unfortunately the lessons Michael had learned meant that at the age of 18 he transitioned straight to the adult custodial system and spent the next five years going in and out of WA prisons.

According to Michael, his early adult life was pretty tough and he spent long periods of time being unemployed.

In 1991 Michael decided that he needed an education and worked hard to gain university entrance. In 1993 he commenced an undergraduate degree at Murdoch University and in 1995 started volunteering with the Youth Activities Program run by the then Department of Family and Children Services at the Keith Maine Youth Camp in Whiteman Park.

Since 1995 Michael has worked in the social services. He has held senior positions in both local and non-government organisations, and currently runs a medium sized not-for-profit organisation in Broome. Michael has a good knowledge of support models for an array of service types designed to target a range of client groups, and has worked with at risk youth for over 15 years.

In a previous position, Michael played a key role in securing out-of-home care funding from the then named Department for Child Protection. He believes he has a reasonable understanding of WA’s out-of-home care system, along with its range of services and therapeutic support models.


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SESSION DETAILS

Learning Stream Theme Presenters Format

Stream 1:


Carer Consultation in Practice – Development of a Carer Consultative Committee to involve and include carers in decision making.

Wanslea Family Services

2 x 45 minute

sessionsKey Developmental Assets: Online, evidence based recording of children’s progress in foster care – The online tool that carers use to track children’s progress against 20 developmental assets.

Key Assets WA

Stream 2:

Permanency planning

Enhancing Placement Process – A way of working with children, the whole foster family system and all professionals using the Signs of Safety approach, its principals and disciplines.

Rockingham District

2 x 45 minute

sessionsBe Creative Dig Deep and Connect in Any Way – The journey of a child through residential care and transition to a family placement, demonstrating use of both Signs of Safety and Sanctuary models.

Murchison District

Stream 3:


Building Identity, Self Esteem, Resilience and Empowerment in Aboriginal Children and Young People in Care – The Djooraminda model of working with Aboriginal young people in Family Group Home placements.

Centrecare Djooraminda

2 x 45 minute

sessionsFinding Families for Aboriginal Children in Care – The Kinship Connections model of searching for and finding family placements, including production of a Family History Book for each child.

Kinship Connections WA

Stream 4:


Welcome to Oakford House – How young people are welcomed into the House and introduced to Sanctuary. Oakford House

2 x 45 minute

sessions Safe Places Integrative Practice Framework: Contemporary models of therapeutic care - Incorporating core concepts and practices from a range of internationally regarded, evidence based therapeutic models of care and practice.

• Safe Places for Children.

• Complex Care.

Stream 5:


Learning from Young People in Care – Using their feedback from the Viewpoint computer program to shape service responses.


1 x 90 minute

session

Series 1: Wednesday 28 October 1:30pm – 3:00pm

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Framework Stream Theme Presenters Format

Stream 1:


Preventing Homelessness from Care: The LIFT interagency project – The Living Independently for the First Time (LIFT) Project which has developed interagency processes as well as practice tools while working with care leavers.

• Midland District.

• Professor Mike Clare (Researcher / Consultant). 2 x 30

minute sessionsBest Practice: Achieving outcomes

through learning, an organisational approach - The connection between achieving best practice within out-of-home residential care services and the adoption of a learning culture ethos.

Safe Places for Children

Stream 2:

Permanency planning

The Journey to a Forever Home – The permanency planning process through the eyes of the children, carers, mother and Department workers, where Special Guardianship Orders were granted.

Pilbara District

2 x 30 minute

sessionsPermanency Planning: Getting it right and doing it early – Challenges in permanency planning for a family of children who initially went into general foster care and then were placed with grandparents.

Wheatbelt District

Stream 3:


Connecting Kids to Family and Culture – Techniques and resources used to connect Aboriginal children to family and culture, featuring two foster carers speaking about their experiences.


2 x 30 minute

sessionsCreating Sanctuary – How the implementation of Sanctuary has changed the culture at the Residential Group Home, Babagarra Nyirrwa.

West Kimberley District – Babagarra Nyirrwa

Stream 4:


Sticking With It: Factors that contribute to resilience of carer-givers within Family Group Homes- Understanding what helps carers overcome their challenges and difficulties within Family Group Homes, and their motivation to remain as carers.

UnitingCare West

1 x 60 minute

session

Stream 5:


Achieving Better Outcomes Through a Multi-Disciplinary Approach: A case study – Improved outcomes in the relationships, education and stability of placement for a young man.


1 x 60 minute

session



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Series 3: Thursday 29 October 11:00am – 12:30pm


Stream 1:


What Makes a Good Caseworker?: From the words of children and young people – CREATE’s 2014 consultation, featuring Young Consultants presenting their perspective and a discussion of practice tips.

CREATE Foundation

1 x 60 minute

session

Youth Independent Living Program in Residential Care - Providing a tool that is a measure of a young person’s skill in their progress towards independent living.

Wanneroo House

1 x 30 minute

session

Stream 2:

Permanency planning

Cannington’s Enhanced Contact Centre: How family contact is a key factor linked with reunification – Examples of success stories from the Centre and how opportunities for purposeful, supportive contact have led to positive outcomes for children and their families.

Cannington District 2 x 45

minute sessions

Creating a Safe Place to Come Home: A family’s perspective – Safety planning that a worker conducted with a father for the safe return of his children to the family home permanently.

The Family Inclusion Network of WA (Fin WA)

Stream 3:


Jilya-Balya: ‘Learning how to fly’- The story of a young Bunjima girl’s journey through out-of-home care, and the development of the community that supported her.

Pilbara District2 x 45 minute

sessionsCircle of Security - Working with staff, parents and carers to enhance the social and emotional wellbeing of Aboriginal children in out-of-home care; an attachment based approach.

Psychology Services

Stream 4:


Team Parenting: A model for integrated therapeutic care – How the Team Parenting Model brings the key people in a child’s life together to support each other and work therapeutically with the child.

Key Assets WA

2 x 45 minute

sessionsSecure Therapeutic Care: Oxymoron or opportunity for healing? – The purpose, benefits and functions of the Centre and the ability to overcome barriers to therapeutic care provision.

Kath French Secure Care Centre

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Series 4: Thursday 29 October 1:30pm – 3:00pm


Stream 1:


Sensational Care: A sensory approach to self-regulation - An approach to work with traumatised children in residential care, previously implemented by Occupational Therapists working with children with Sensory Processing Disorders.

Darlington House

2 x 45 minute

sessionsImplementing Outcomes Measurements in an Out-of-Home Care Context (Outcomes Star – My Star) - Implementation of a tool which provides measures against eight domains of wellbeing and explores how the outcomes can be used to support children to become more resilient and improve programs.

UnitingCare West

Stream 2:

Permanency planning

Permanency Planning Toward Legislation - What permanency for children and young people looks like under legislation.

Out-of-Home Care Strategic Plan

1 x 90 minute

session

Stream 3:


Building a Strong Tomorrow: Partnerships in service provision – Development of a culturally appropriate intensive mentoring program for Aboriginal young people in Djooraminda’s Family Group Homes.


2 x 45 minute

sessionsFeel Like Going Back Home – The journey for three children returning home to the remote One Arm Point community after an extended stay in the Residential Group Home, Babagarra Nyirrwa, with an emphasis on permanency planning.

West Kimberley District – Broome Office

Stream 4:


Learning to Love: Building attachment with traumatised children – How trauma sets the developmental pathway, so foster carers can make sense of challenging behaviours and use interventions to reset this pathway.

Anglicare WA

2 x 45 minute

sessions Psycho-education Group Work in Residential Care - How this work helps children and young people understand the effect of trauma, and how the Sanctuary Model can encourage healing and growth

Keith Maine Centre


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Stream 1:


Sensational Care: A sensory approach to self-regulation - An approach to work with traumatised children in residential care, previously implemented by Occupational Therapists working with children with Sensory Processing Disorders.

Darlington House

2 x 45 minute

sessionsImplementing Outcomes Measurements in an Out-of-Home Care Context (Outcomes Star – My Star) - Implementation of a tool which provides measures against eight domains of wellbeing and explores how the outcomes can be used to support children to become more resilient and improve programs.

UnitingCare West

Stream 2:

Permanency planning

Permanency Planning Toward Legislation - What permanency for children and young people looks like under legislation.


1 x 90 minute

session

Stream 3:


Building a Strong Tomorrow: Partnerships in service provision – Development of a culturally appropriate intensive mentoring program for Aboriginal young people in Djooraminda’s Family Group Homes.


2 x 45 minute

sessionsFeel Like Going Back Home – The journey for three children returning home to the remote One Arm Point community after an extended stay in the Residential Group Home, Babagarra Nyirrwa, with an emphasis on permanency planning.


Stream 4:


Learning to Love: Building attachment with traumatised children – How trauma sets the developmental pathway, so foster carers can make sense of challenging behaviours and use interventions to reset this pathway.

Anglicare WA

2 x 45 minute

sessions Psycho-education Group Work in Residential Care - How this work helps children and young people understand the effect of trauma, and how the Sanctuary Model can encourage healing and growth

Keith Maine Centre

SESSION ABSTRACTSSeries 1: Wednesday 28 October 1:30pm – 3:00pm

Stream 1: Innovation in out-of-home care 2 x 45 minute sessions

Carer Consultation in Practice


Presenters:

y Charlotte Cain – Operations Manager. y Jodie Plug – Foster Carer. y Meaghan Heath – Foster Carer.

Abstract:

This presentation focuses on the process of establishing and running a Carer Consultative Committee (CCC).

The CCC provides foster carers with an opportunity to discuss and provide input into policies, and provide feedback on service provision.

Foster carers often report feeling marginalised and powerless in a system which undervalues their opinion and input. To give carers input into program design and improvement ensures that their stake in the sector is beyond the valuable work they do in caring for children. Their opinion is valued and considered important in running the foster care service.

The Wanslea CCC was established in 2012 as a way for foster carers to have more direct input into policy, procedure and planning for Wanslea Foster Care. The first committee came together in November 2012 and met on a monthly basis initially, alternating between evening and day time meetings.

The CCC is a joint foster carer / staff committee which comprises no less than six and no more than eight registered Wanslea foster carers. The term for each CCC is for 12 months. The agenda is determined by the group, although there are standing items; for example recruitment and retention, and carer feedback.

The philosophy of service user participation in decision making has driven the continuation of the CCC. Wanslea Foster Care is committed to continue to champion initiatives that work towards service improvement and innovation.

Series 1: Stream 1

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Key Developmental Assets: Online, evidence based recording of children’s progress in foster care

Key Assets WA

Presenters:

y Judith Wilkinson – State Director, Key Assets WA.

y Liz Langford – Social Work Manager, Key Assets WA.

Abstract:

The Key Developmental Assets (KDA) online recording tool allows carers to record the progress of the child by tracking each of 20 assets; the achievement of which contribute to the young person maturing into a healthy and socially competent adult.

Research shows a correlation between the attainment of specified developmental competencies and achievement of a well-grounded adulthood. The KDA tool enables the tracking of 20 assets (eight internal to the child and 12 external) which each represent one of these competencies.

Primary grounding theory of KDA includes:

y Trauma.

y Resilience and belonging.

y Developmental Care for children and young people.

y Attachment.

y Adult Learning and Transfer of Learning.

y Strength-Based Fostering.

The KDA online system is user friendly and can be accessed by web based portal or smart phone application.

The reporting features of KDA range across a spectrum of functions, from measuring the progress of the individual to potentially evaluating the impact of a service on large population groups.

KDA recording has been in use for some years throughout the Core Assets Group in the UK, USA, Europe and Australasia.

Series 1: Stream 1


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Recently the system has been significantly redeveloped. KDA2 was launched in 2014 with more user friendly features (such as voice activated controls) with the capacity to be tailored to ages and stages, including physical disability and developmental or intellectual disability.

The KDA tool facilitates:

y A shift in recording practice from an issue-led approach to a balanced reflection of the child.

y Better informed care planning.

y Creation of a digital store of developmental memories for children to access when adults.

Series 1: Stream 1

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Stream 2: Permanency planning 2 x 45 minute sessions

Enhancing placement process

Rockingham District

Presenter:

y Clare Stephens – Team Leader, Child Protection.

Abstract:

Inspired by the implementation of Signs of Safety to support carers in Swansea, Wales, our presentation will explore the difference that the Enhancing Placement Process (as we have come to call it) has made to the way we build relationships in troubled times with children in care, foster carers, their families and staff, to achieve the best outcomes for children in care.

Research tells us that children, parents, foster carers and their biological children who are involved with child protection systems throughout the world, often report that they feel unheard and not part of the decision making and planning processes. Our District has implemented the Enhancing Placement Process to deliver better care experiences for children and young people, through a more focused and cohesive provision of support, healing and prevention.

Using the Signs of Safety tools, through a series of meetings in the home between carer, children (both foster and biological), caseworker and placement workers, we were able to encourage all parties to participate and problem solve to support the placement. The process enabled all parties to articulate what was not working well and what needed to happen. The outcome was that the carers and children felt supported and heard and participated in the decision making and planning. Feedback reported that this was a therapeutic process for all.

Our presentation will provide the opportunity for developing a deeper understanding of the Enhancing Placement Process, reflect on our journey so far, and demonstrate our success at using this approach and our learnings from missed opportunities.

Series 1: Stream 2


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Be Creative Dig Deep and Connect in Any Way

Murchison District

Presenters:

y Leonie Plant – Team Leader, Children in Care.

y Tania Williams – Manager, Residential Care.

y Sally Fraser – Senior Child Protection Worker.

y Darren Clarke – Senior Residential Care Officer.

Abstract:

This presentation follows the journey of a child through residential care to transition to a family placement. It demonstrates the partnership between all stakeholders with an emphasis on utilising both the Signs of Safety and Sanctuary Frameworks.

In the Midwest we are unable to access regular psychiatric services, specialised education services for primary school children and specialised family reunification services. As a result we explored ways of forming partnerships both internally and with the services available in Geraldton, with a view to developing creative practice to support this child to reunify with his extended family.

The partnerships and planning were informed by both the Signs of Safety and Sanctuary Frameworks. There was a strong emphasis on the use of mappings, landing grand aspirations in everyday practice, fostering a stance of inquiry, the utilisation of the S.E.L.F model, the Seven Commitments, and community meetings.

The teams met regularly to review progress and to plan the next steps. The child was kept at the centre of our thinking as we attempted to understand his loss whilst keeping a focus on his future.

The combination of the elements of Sanctuary and Signs of Safety Frameworks gave us a focus and helped structure the different area of needs, and enabled us to support the child to achieve his dream of returning home to his family.

Series 1: Stream 2

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Stream 3: Aboriginal children in out-of-home care2 x 45 minute sessions

Building Identity, Self Esteem, Resilience and Empowerment in Aboriginal Children and Young People in Care


Presenter:

y Tony Culbong – Cultural Liaison Officer.

Abstract:

This presentation focuses on Djooraminda’s out-of-home care model with six funded family group homes and two Tier One family group homes. Djooraminda provides a culturally appropriate, culturally secure placement for Aboriginal children and young people.

Often children raised in an out-of-home care setting, especially Aboriginal children, have reduced life outcomes compared to other children raised in Australia. To overcome some of these statistics, Djooraminda provides a holistic approach to working with Aboriginal children and young people that builds their self-esteem, resilience and empowers them.

Djooraminda recognised the limitations in what we could provide to children and young people, and developed effective and suitable partnerships with complementary organisations to deliver workshops, group events and opportunities to connect children and young people to their culture. These have been age appropriate and based on the needs and supports children and young people require at the time.

Additionally, the Djooraminda staff have worked with children and young people to develop their skills, abilities, and to empower them through yarning opportunities and connection to Elders to take control of their lives.

This collaborative, culturally appropriate work ensures the children and young people at Djooraminda have their holistic needs met in order to achieve the best life outcomes in the future.

Series 1: Stream 3


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Finding Families for Aboriginal Children in Care

Kinship Connections WA

Presenters:

y Ann Oakley – Chief Executive Officer, Kinship Connections WA.

y Professor Mike Clare – Honorary Researcher.

Abstract:

The presentation will report on the current pilot project with four Metropolitan Districts to proactively search for and find family placements for Aboriginal children in care.

A central tool in this Kinship Connections practice model is the genogram to achieve an inter-generational assessment of a family’s social geography, history and culture.

The Kinship Connections model and agency were introduced and developed by Ann Oakley. It is a new model of finding and re-connecting Aboriginal children in care with their families.

There are two separate but inter-connected elements to this model:

y Finding a safe and stable family placement for each referred child.

y Mapping the family system and preparing a comprehensive Family History Book which provides information about the child’s family and cultural identity.

There are seven stages to the Kinship Connections process from referral to recommended family placement.

Key findings from the initial pilot project included the identification of on average an additional 151 family members for each referred child.

The practice model requires skilled and sensitive practice to get beyond initial cautious politeness to establish sufficient trust to begin to explore and map a family’s story over a number of generations.

There are child, family, community and agency benefits of this practice model. The presentation will conclude with recommendations for future policy and practice developments for family placements, for leaving care and for youth justice services – for both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal children, young people and families.

Series 1: Stream 3

20


Stream 4: Therapeutic out-of-home care 2 x 45 minute sessions

Welcome to Oakford House

Oakford House

Presenters:

y Heidi Nagel – Senior Manager, Residential Care.

y Hana Mendonca – Senior Residential Care Worker.

y Red Ostle - Senior Residential Care Worker.

y Diane Honey - Senior Residential Care Worker.

Abstract:

This presentation focuses on how the Department’s Residential Group Home, Oakford House welcomes traumatised children placed in the home.

Oakford House currently supports four females aged between 14 and 16 years old.

When a child arrives at a Residential Group Home it’s important that they are welcomed in a way that is trauma informed and increases their feeling of safety in a new environment.

The presentation will outline how the Sanctuary Framework has helped Oakford House build on practice of how traumatised children are welcomed into the home. It will provide practical examples of a Welcome Pack and Welcome Book, developed using the Sanctuary Framework SELF Model (Safety, Emotion, Loss and Future).

The welcome process is a trauma informed approach that assists children placed at Oakford House in starting their healing journey.

Series 1: Stream 4


21


Safe Places Integrative Practice Framework: Contemporary models of therapeutic care

Safe Places for ChildrenComplex Care

Presenters:

y Trent Savill – Director / Consultant Therapist, Complex Care.

y Keith Mason – General Manager, Quality and Systems.

Abstract:

This presentation explores the core principles and practices incorporated into the Safe Places Integrative Practice Framework, and explains how the Framework was developed and embedded into staff practice through the Safe Places framework system.

The Safe Places Integrative Practice Framework is a continuously evolving residential care framework, which incorporates the core concepts and practices from a range of internationally regarded, evidence-based therapeutic models of care and practice. These include the ARC model, Sanctuary model, CARE framework, TCI system, Bruce Perry’s NMT, Dan Hughes Principles for facilitating attachment (PACE model) and Collaborative Problem Solving.

These concepts have been incorporated into practice through the Safe Places framework system, which involves: ongoing competency-based training in trauma, attachment and therapeutic crisis intervention; bi-monthly child-focused reflective case clinics for each young person; daily community meetings involving the young person; and reflective individual supervision for all employees.

This framework was developed by ‘Safe Places for Children’ (a specialist residential care provider for children with extreme care needs) in collaboration with ‘Complex Care’ (a Brisbane based counselling and consultancy service that specialises in providing therapy to children / families who are engaged with the child protection system). Stream 5: Advocate for children in care

Series 1: Stream 4

22


Stream 5: Advocate for children in care1 x 90 minute session

Learning from Young People in Care

Advocate for children in care

Presenters:

y Murray Davies – Managing Director, The Viewpoint Organisation.

y Judith Garsed – Advocate for Children in Care, Department for Child Protection and Family Support.

Abstract:

More than 85% of young people in care in WA report feeling completely safe in their placements, and there is clear evidence that positive carer relationships are predictors of wellbeing.

Drawing on analysis of young people’s self-assessments of the care provided for them, this workshop will explore the major factors contributing to wellbeing and new ways in which carers might help to improve outcomes.

Since 2011 WA’s young people in care have provided self-assessments of their care experiences using the Viewpoint computer-based self-interviewing approach. Individual responses are used to inform care planning, but when aggregated, responses powerfully illustrate areas of strength, particularly the benefits of foster care, and identify where additional help could enhance wellbeing for young people in care.

Viewpoint has been rolled out across WA over the last five years with increasing numbers of young people using the approach to contribute to their individual care plans. Young people are positive about Viewpoint.

Aggregated anonymous responses from young people have been analysed by leading academics in the UK and USA to identify the key factors contributing to wellbeing. WA’s Children in Care Team Leaders have begun reviewing this information regularly to develop services aimed at improving the support provided by care teams.

Young people in WA give very positive reports about the care received from fosters carers. Research indicates other areas where carers could help improve wellbeing and this workshop aims to begin exploring views and ideas from carers for future action.

The regular use of Viewpoint with children in out-of-home care is providing important evidence about the strengths of existing foster care provision and areas where carers may be able to further enhance the wellbeing of young people.

Series 1: Stream 5


23



Stream 1: Innovation in out-of-home care2 x 30 minute sessions

Preventing Homelessness from Care: The LIFT interagency project

Midland District.Professor Mike Clare.

Presenters:

y Becky Anderson – Team Leader, Midland District.

y Professor Mike Clare - Researcher / Consultant.

Abstract:

The Living Independently for the First Time (LIFT) Project was developed and introduced from early 2014 by an interagency partnership in Midland between the Department for Child Protection and Family Support, Department for Housing, and Swan Emergency Accommodation (SEA).

A workshop was sponsored by the Department for Child Protection and Family Support in August 2013 with a focus on homelessness and the needs of young people leaving care. Our thinking was dominated by the sense that we would help young people move forward not by just doing something about it, but by having a new way of thinking about how to do it.

The LIFT Project is innovative and has reflected on interagency processes and developed practice tools while working with care leavers and the next cohort of young people about to leave care.

The presentation will include a summary of recent Australian research evidence of pathways from care, the risks and costs of homelessness and the importance of the three stages of leaving care policy and practice.

The interagency vision and partnership processes will be outlined, including some practice tools as they emerged during the pilot project.

The presentation will reflect on outcomes for the young people and conclude with some recommendations for leaving care practice.

Series 2: Stream 1

24


Best Practice: Achieving outcomes through learning, an organisational approach

Safe Places for Children

Presenters:

y Leland Pasion – Lead Trainer, Safe Places for Children.

y Doug Ivins – General Manager, Seed Skills.

Abstract:

Despite the challenges, we believe that service providers and government agencies can achieve their respective goals of providing high quality care within out-of-home resident care facilities.

Safe Places has developed an Integrative Practice Framework which clearly outlines its vision of what best practice means for its organisation. Through embracing a learning centred approach across its organisation, it has been able to consistently meet its organisational strategic goals as outlined in its Integrative Practice Framework.

A learning centred organisation is one that embraces the ethos that organisations learn when its members are encouraged to share insights, knowledge and concepts collaboratively.

Recognising this, Safe Places for Children partnered with Seed Skills to develop its organisation’s learning capability. This included:

y A commitment from all sectors of the organisation to define what Best Practice meant to them and to continually strive to meet this expectation.

y Embedding a career pathway based on nationally accredited qualifications. This encouraged all staff to engage in a lifelong learning journey.

y A commitment to continually reflect on both current and past practice to learn from our organisation’s past knowledge and experience.

y Embedding a continuous improvement model in every aspect of both operational and corporate services sectors within our organisation.

Our experience has demonstrated that an organisation can achieve ‘best practice’ through embracing a transformational learning ethos, allowing the organisation as a whole to grow together as it learns together.

Series 2: Stream 1


25



The Journey to a Forever Home

Pilbara District

Presenters:

y Team Leader, Children in Care.

y Sarah and Sam Wailu – General Foster Carers.

Abstract:

This presentation is about the Permanency Planning process through the eyes of the children, mother, carers and Departmental workers, where Special Guardianship Orders (SGOs) were granted for two children who were in the care of the CEO in Karratha, Western Australia.

Discussions with parents about permanent long term out-of-home care options for children in care are often a highly emotional and challenging discussion. In Karratha, child protection workers took this challenge and were able to see a successful SGO application for two children to be placed long term with general foster carers.

This presentation will explore how the Department’s Foster Care Partnership Framework and the Permanency Planning policy formed the framework that led to successful SGOs.

The children’s mother was fairly disengaged from the Department, as she was a previous child in care and was worried that her children were now in care and what their future was going to look like. This presentation also explores how, through the work of the General Foster Carer and tenacity of workers, they were able to build a strong relationship between this mum and the foster family.

Through this the children now have two families and the children’s mum is relieved that her children have a forever home.

The presentation also provides an opportunity for the children, carers, parents and workers to share how they feel now that the orders have been granted, and what it means for their future.

Series 2: Stream 2

26


Permanency Planning: Getting it right and doing it early

Wheatbelt District

Presenters:

y Trish O’Neill – Team Leader, Child Centred Family Support Team.

y Phil Collins – Senior Child Protection Worker, Northam Children in Care Team, East.

y Esther Kadawu – Child Protection Worker, District Intake and Assessment Team.

Abstract:

This presentation focuses on how a permanency plan was developed for a group of four siblings shortly after being brought into care, using the stage one planning for assessment of likelihood of reunification process, which has given these children stability and security.

On the first day of the children coming into care the paternal grandparents (PGPs) were identified as a placement for the children, however they lived in Tasmania and had limited contact with the children.

Through meetings with the parents and PGPs a stage one planning for assessment of likelihood of reunification plan was developed within the 30 day timeframe and approved by the District Director. This was for the children to move to Tasmania and be placed with PGPs, which is a long term placement if reunification is not possible. This process included an internal Signs of Safety mapping and meetings with parents and PGPs.

A Section 143 Proposal was developed for the Court that details the placement plan for the children as well as reunification requirements. This proposal was agreed to by the parents quickly and enabled a Protection Order Time Limited to be granted, for placing the children with PGPs.

Relative carer assessment was completed for PGPs, which involved interstate liaison. Supports were also provided to the general carer who had been caring for the children prior to their move to the PGPs’ care.

Having finalised a stage one planning for assessment of likelihood of reunification plan early in the process enabled the children to be placed with their PGPs in Tasmania very quickly. The transition was very positive and seamless due to the extensive work done by the case managers involved. The children now have a permanent plan in place and have stability and security.

Series 2: Stream 2


27



Connecting Kids to Family and Culture


Presenters:

y Stephan Lund – Executive Manager, Wanslea Foster Care.

y Jodie Plug – Foster Carer, Wanslea Foster Care.

Abstract:

Aboriginal children in non-Aboriginal foster families require special attention regarding cultural and family connection. Wanslea Foster Care strives to connect children as much as possible with their cultural networks to ensure that their sense of belonging and identity is maintained and enhanced.

Recruitment of Aboriginal foster families has proven difficult for Wanslea Foster Care. The agency uses a variety of strategies to engage Aboriginal families. More than 50% of children placed with Wanslea are Aboriginal so the service needs to find ways to ensure that the cultural needs of Aboriginal children are met.

Wanslea Foster Care has tried to improve the cultural inclusion of Aboriginal children and families. Staff and foster carers receive cultural awareness training regularly. There is a Cultural Connection Working Group that drives policy and practice across the agency.

This presentation will highlight work being done to improve practice in the agency, and therefore outcomes for children and families.

A film has been made to highlight a strong connection that was made between foster and birth family in one case which resulted in a child being returned to family. The foster carer worked very hard to meet the child’s cultural needs and to engage the birth family. The film will be shown, followed by a discussion circle to speak about how we can better meet the cultural needs of Aboriginal children in care.

It is not acceptable that Aboriginal children are isolated from their culture and family when they are placed in care. Wanslea takes very seriously its responsibility to connect children to family and culture, particularly in the knowledge that the Aboriginal culture has an oral tradition which needs to be passed on from person to person.

Series 2: Stream 3

28


Creating Sanctuary

West Kimberley District – Babagarra Nyirrwa

Presenters:

y Brooke Lowry – Manager, Residential Care.

y Sheree Booth – Residential Care Worker.

Abstract:

This presentation will showcase the journey towards creating sanctuary and culturally secure practice for the Residential Group Home, Babagarra Nyirrwa.

Sanctuary is defined as a place where someone or something is protected. Babagarra Nyirrwa’s commitment to implement Sanctuary highlights the focus on protecting both children and their culture.

Implementing Sanctuary within a Residential Group Home with many young children was a challenge, however the SELF organising framework and tools were used as a compass to guide thinking, conversation and action about complex issues, trauma and recovery. Applying a cultural lens has further deepened the practice and enhanced outcomes for the children and their families.

A joint commitment within the West Kimberley District to Sanctuary and Signs of Safety has enabled the development of a common language. This shared language and understanding has promoted the Sanctuary Seven Commitments including open communication, social learning, and growth and change. It has also enhanced the relationships with children, families and between staff within the District.

In addition, implementing Sanctuary with a cultural lens has enhanced the relationships that have been built and has enabled the Residential Group Home to be creative and to take risks. This has had a significant positive impact on the children’s wellbeing.

Babagarra Nyirrwa Residential Group Home has demonstrated that it is possible to create Sanctuary and to support culturally secure practice, by ensuring the therapeutic care environment honours, respects and promotes children’s connection to country and culture.

Series 2: Stream 3


29


Stream 4: Therapeutic out-of-home care1 x 60 minute session

Sticking With It: Factors that contribute to resilience of carer-givers within Family Group Homes

UnitingCare West

Presenters:

y Tara Seaward – Manager.

y Suranga Amaratunga – Therapeutic Advisor.

Abstract:

This presentation focuses on exploring and understanding psychosocial processes that facilitate the Family Group Home’s (FGH) carers to bounce back from their adverse work experiences, while increasing their motivation to remain as care-givers.

Recruitment and retention of carers has been identified as one of the key issues in the out-of-home care sector in providing high quality services for children. However some carers remain as care-givers despite challenging personal and professional circumstances. Understanding what factors help the carers to be resilient may decrease the attrition rate and increase positive outcomes for children in care.

We conducted semi-structured interviews with 10 FGH primary and respite carers who have been in the organisation over a period of one year. The interviews were recorded and used for initial and comparative data analysis. Based on the constructivist grounded theory approach, we coded and categorised this data to examine factors / processes contributing to their resilience to remain as care-givers.

A comprehensive literature review was conducted throughout the assessment process. Data collection and analysis occurred concurrently. Prior to completing the final process of interpretation of data and categories, feedback was sought from all participants on the initial findings.

A deeper exploration into the perspectives of FGH carers on the factors that assisted them to remain in their professions and maintain their personal wellbeing will provide additional information to guide the development of effective policies and practices within the out-of-home care sector.

Series 2: Stream 4

30


Stream 5: Parkerville Children and Youth Care1 x 60 minute session

Achieving Better Outcomes Through a Multi-Disciplinary Approach: A case study


Presenters: y Jo Collins – Director, Out-of-Home Care Services. y Johnny Rylatt – Program Manager. y Janet Gallagher – Clinical Psychologist. y Kylin Woon – Occupational Therapist. y David and Melissa Lawton – Professional Therapeutic Carers. y Janelle Caro – Case Manager.

Abstract: This presentation will focus on demonstrating how multi-disciplinary teams utilising a Care Team approach provide a forum for regular review and assessment of the individual needs of children which results in improved outcomes across a range of domains.

Children that have experienced complex trauma require comprehensive assessment to determine a treatment plan. This involves a number of different professionals with a focus on a specific area of development. Parkerville uses a Multi-Disciplinary Care Team model to ensure all professionals working with the child have an opportunity to meet regularly to share information, review progress and develop holistic individual therapeutic care plans that focus on the best outcome for the child.

Upon entering care, the sibling group in this case study were assessed by a Paediatrician, Occupational Therapist, Psychologist and Education consultant. Recommendations from the assessments informed the development of individual therapeutic care to address the individual needs of each child.

All professionals engaged with the children attended the care team. The Care Team, chaired by the Case Manager, was held every two weeks to review the recommended interventions of each professional and progress of the children. Any changes were documented in the Individual Therapeutic Care Plan distributed to Care Team members and implemented by the relevant staff member.

The Multi-Disciplinary Care Team model has met regularly since the children entered Parkerville’s care in 2010. It has resulted in improved outcomes across all domains of wellbeing for the children and identified the involvement of the National Disability Insurance Scheme to meet the ongoing care requirements once the children turn 18.

Series 2: Stream 5


31


Series 3: Thursday 29 October 11:00am – 12:30pm

Stream 1: Innovation in out-of-home care1 x 60 minute session and 1 x 30 minute session

What Makes a Good Caseworker?: From the words of children and young people

CREATE Foundation

Presenters:

y Katherine Browne – State Coordinator, CREATE Foundation.

y CREATE Young Consultants.

Abstract:

This interactive session will explore the question ‘what makes a good caseworker?’. You will hear directly from children and young people in care about what they consider best practice in building relationships with, and encouraging the participation of, children and young people in out-of-home care.

Children and young people in care regularly talk to CREATE about the importance of a good relationship with their caseworker and the role that this plays in supporting a positive experience in care, as well as a number of different factors that support a positive relationship with their workers.

CREATE wanted to explore this topic more clearly and hear from children and young people. In 2014 consultation occurred with children and young people about what they thought made a good caseworker, and what they thought were the ‘Top Ten’ things that supported a positive relationship for children and young people in care with their caseworkers.

Children and young people came together to discuss and vote on what they thought were the most important things for caseworkers to consider in their practice with children and young people in care, and to build positive relationships. This has since been used to develop a resource for workers promoting this best practice.

The session will encourage participants to think about their role in building relationships and how their practice can be enhanced to achieve better relationships with, and better outcomes for children and young people in care.

Series 3: Stream 1

32


Youth Independent Living Program in Residential Care

Wanneroo House

Presenters:

y Ngawai Love – Residential Care Worker.

y Bennett Grove – Residential Care Worker.

Abstract:

This presentation focuses on the use of the Youth Independence Living Tool in the Department’s Wanneroo Residential Group Home.

Many children leave the care system without being prepared to live independently; the disruptions and trauma they have experienced may delay or interrupt the development of knowledge and skills they require.

This presentation will outline the benefits and challenges of implementing the Youth Independence Living Tool in a Residential Care setting and demonstrate how it links to the Department’s Residential Care Sanctuary Framework.

This strengths-based tool assists in assessing life skills and setting goals for skills not yet developed. The presentation will conclude with celebrating the successful completion of the program by the young people living in Wanneroo Residential Group Home.

The Youth Independence Living Tool provides a framework to support young people in their transition from residential care to independent living.

Series 3: Stream 1


33



Cannington’s Enhanced Contact Centre: How family contact is a key factor linked with reunification

Cannington District

Presenters:

y Carol Jacobs – Assistant District Director.

y Kristy McDowell – Contact Coordinator.

Abstract:

This presentation focuses on how the Group Contact program is providing the opportunity for purposeful and supportive contact between parents and their children. This has led to positive outcomes for families working towards reunification as part of the Department’s Permanency Planning policy.

Group Contact is child focused and assists parents to increase their parenting skills and capacity. It is weekly for three hours with the parents arriving one hour before their children.

During this time information sessions are held with parents, which are delivered by a variety of presenters. The information from these sessions is used by the parents during group contact sessions with their children.

In Group Contact, a comprehensive program is offered each week during each school term. Parents are very enthusiastic as they attend programs such as Circle of Security, Safe Sleeping, First Aid for Parents, 123 Magic and Emotion, and Play Based Learning.

Parents chat amongst themselves during group and often support each other and share parenting ideas. They are often from different cultural backgrounds and share cultural activities such as cooking.

Parents have the opportunity to use their parenting skills within a safe group environment. Group builds confidence and encourages them to ‘give it a go’. They develop an understanding as to why maintaining positive contact with their children is so important.

The Group Contact Program has highlighted the importance of working alongside parents to build on their parenting skills and capacity and to help them to positively engage with their children in a child focused environment. This has created a teaching opportunity for parents to learn new skills, practice these skills, and receive feedback on their progress on their way to reunification.

Series 3: Stream 2

34


Creating a Safe Place to Come Home: A family’s perspective

The Family Inclusion Network of WA (Fin WA)

Presenters:

y Chris Kelly – Advocate.

y Gail Crockett – Advocate.

y Diana Locke – Advocate.

Abstract:

This presentation will demonstrate the work conducted between a Fin WA Advocate and a family in planning and preparing for a father’s children to be returned to his care permanently. It identifies the rigour, time and commitment it takes to develop a comprehensive safety plan to ensure the safe return of children to the family home.

Planning for permanency with the goal of reunification is a stressful and often anxious time for all parties. We know that sound and inclusive planning is critical to the ongoing and successful return of children.

When families are asked by case managers to participate in a ‘safety planning / mapping’ meeting, parents often don’t know what to expect or how to prepare; and when parents are in an anxious state effective participation is difficult.

The Advocate meets with parents and family members prior to the meeting with the Department, providing an opportunity to explore questions and scenarios regarding safety concerns and strategies, in a safe and supported environment.

This planning for safety consultation involves setting aside two to three hours to consider ‘life at its best and worst’, ‘what I am doing now’, ‘what more I want to achieve’ and ‘how to get there’.

Parents’ work is recorded on butchers paper and sticky notes and provides the family with a tangible piece of work (document / other) they feel proud to have completed and are able to present to the Department.

This presentation will demonstrate the proactive safety planning / mapping conducted with families as part of Fin WA’s regular way of working with parents.

Series 3: Stream 2


35



Jilya-Balya: ‘Learning how to fly’

Pilbara District

Presenters:

y Sarah Edwards – Senior Practice Development Officer.

y Renee Abercrombie – Senior Officer Care Services.

y Kyia Coffin – Former young person in care.

Abstract:

This interactive presentation aims to take the participants on the real life journey of a young Bunjima girl in out-of-home care and her journey through the leaving care process. It will explore how workers were able to keep her participation front and centre of all decision making and planning.

At 17 years of age Kyia had been in the Department’s care for almost 10 years. Due to multiple placement changes, Kyia was not living in a stable living arrangement which made planning her transition from care challenging for all involved. Kyia faced many challenges whilst in care, including finding it difficult to talk to workers, losing her big sister, and learning to navigate life as a teenager.

Case managers needed to use their skill and determination to help Kyia find her voice to have the courage to speak up about her best hopes for the future.

This presentation will explore how developing community both within the Department, community sector and extended family was paramount in supporting Kyia to become a strong, resilient, and courageous young woman who has now become a role model for her siblings.

Fostering good relationships with our children in care is key for child and young person centred planning so they can share their worries, worst fears and best hopes for their future.

The presentation will explore the real practice that sometimes evokes a range of emotions for workers and young people, how we need to find creative solutions when there are limited resources, and the need to listen to our young people in care from an early age.

Series 3: Stream 3

36


Circle of Security

Psychology Services

Presenters:

y Anne-Marie Loney – Chief Psychologist.

y Julia White – Clinical Psychologist, Residential Care Services.

Abstract:

This presentation focuses on a Psychology Services project with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander (ATSI) staff, parents and carers to better understand views on the Circle of Security-Parenting (CoS-P) program and how it fits with ATSI child-rearing practices.

52% of children in care are from ATSI backgrounds. The impact of unresolved trauma and loss continues to impact on ATSI families and have resulting effects on parenting and attachment relationships for children and their caregivers.

CoS-P is an attachment-based parenting program that has been recommended for consideration when working with ATSI families, but little is known about how ATSI parents and carers experience the Program.

Psychology Services facilitated group or individual CoS-P program interventions with ATSI parents and carers. Specific qualitative interviews were developed in liaison with the Aboriginal Engagement and Collaboration Directorate. ATSI parents and carers who had completed CoS-P were interviewed about how suitable they thought the Program was for ATSI families and how well it fitted with ATSI parenting practices.

Eight reflective cultural supervision sessions were facilitated to support the psychologists conducting the CoS-P interventions, and three ATSI CoS-P Working Group meetings were facilitated over a six month period.

This presentation will explore the methodology and findings of this project, with emphasis on the feedback from ATSI parents and carers.

The positive feedback from ATSI caregivers and staff suggests that it is worth considering engaging caregivers of ATSI children in care in CoS-P programs.

Series 3: Stream 3


37



Team Parenting: A model for integrated therapeutic care

Key Assets WA

Presenters:

y Brenda Yelland – Assistant Director.

y Susann Keating – Therapist.

Abstract:

The Team Parenting Model aims to improve placement stability and provide a therapeutic environment for the child to enable them to thrive in all aspects of their physical and emotional wellbeing.

All children in care present with a range of social, cognitive, psychological, physical, emotional and behavioural difficulties. Each child brings with them a personal trauma story, specific to them. For any or all of these areas of functioning to be effectively addressed, a multi-disciplinary approach is required. It is widely recognised that the role of the foster carer is pivotal as an agent of change and healing, due to their role as a possible attachment figure.

Team Parenting is a fluid, flexible and adaptable approach, it is not prescriptive or sequential in nature.

The success of the model relies on a multi-disciplinary team reaching an agreed understanding of the child’s experience, respective roles and responsibilities and reviewing these throughout the placement. Interventions and support include: supervision with a social worker, Team Parenting Meetings, educational support, Individual Educational Plans, consultations with a therapist, support work sessions with the child, carer and child sessions, specialist training, therapeutic carer groups and ‘Key Developmental Assets’ (KDAs).

The effective use of Team Parenting ensures the child in care is surrounded by carers and professionals who provide a ‘therapeutic community’, working within their roles to promote placement stability; combating fragmentation and fracturing in the lives of the children.

Series 3: Stream 4

38


Secure Therapeutic Care: Oxymoron or opportunity for healing?

Kath French Secure Care Centre

Presenters:

y Helen McFarland – Director.

y Kellie Goes – Manager.

Abstract:

Highlighting the use of therapeutic, trauma informed practice can support healing for children in a secure care environment. This presentation will give examples and share evidence that supports the ideal that the two concepts can co-exist.

The Kath French Secure Care Centre is a planned, short-term intensive intervention for children who are at extreme risk and where existing services cannot manage that risk. The secure care service reflects best practice therapeutic services and provides some of Western Australia’s most vulnerable children with the best opportunity to stabilise and begin to address their complex problems and behaviours.

The embedding and development of Therapeutic Care guided by the Sanctuary Model has seen critical incidents decline, while the number of children being admitted to the service has increased. A collaborative multi-disciplinary approach has resulted in holistic practice within a secure environment.

The secure nature of the centre rather than punitive, is presented as safety. Secure care provides the optimum environment for incidental therapeutic interventions with reduced external stressors.

The importance of removing additional stressors from a child’s life in order for them to have the time and space to begin the process of healing cannot be underestimated. Secure therapeutic care can and will continue to provide children in Western Australia with this opportunity.

Series 3: Stream 4


39


Series 4: Thursday 29 October 1:30pm – 3:00pm

Stream 1: Innovation in out-of-home care2 x 45 minute sessions

Sensational Care: A sensory approach to self-regulation

Darlington House

Presenters:

y Travis Mitchell – Manager, Darlington House.

y Kelly Thompson – Clinical Psychologist, Darlington House.

y Amy Nicolson – Child and Family Occupational Therapist, Inside Out Therapy.

Abstract:

This presentation outlines an innovative approach to self-regulation for traumatised children in Residential Group Home Care through utilising a sensory based approach.

For decades, Occupational Therapists have been utilising a sensory based approach when working therapeutically with various populations of clients, particularly those with Autism Spectrum Disorders. Recent research (E.g. Perry, Pollard, Blakley, & Baker) outlines the significant impact of trauma on the development of neurological and arousal systems. Researchers are now beginning to make the link between the arousal and sensory regulation issues suffered by traumatised children, and the benefits of Sensory Processing Work.

Sensory Processing encourages individuals to understand their state of mind according to their sensory systems, which is key in children’s ability to self-regulate.

Darlington House has worked in partnership with an Occupational Therapist to implement Sensory Processing work into their therapeutic program. This process involved formal assessments of the young people, training of Residential Care Workers and development of a sensory program. A Sensory Room was also established to provide a therapeutic space.

In order to heal the symptoms of trauma, we need to go back to basics and meet some of the needs that have not been met in the early developmental years. By providing young people with sensory based activities, we can help them to re-connect with their bodies as well as their emotions. This in turn then provides another avenue of self-regulation strategies, which will ultimately have a positive impact on their capacity for therapy and healing.

Series 4: Stream 1

40


Implementing Outcomes Measurements in an Out-of-Home Care Context (Outcomes Star – My Star)

UnitingCare West

Presenters:

y Kim Brooklyn – Executive Manager, Strengthening Communities.

y Adrian Tilby – Senior Project Officer, Strengthening Communities.

Abstract:

This presentation focuses on implementing an outcomes measurement framework for children in out-of-home care.

UnitingCare West (UCW) implemented an outcomes measurement system that is client-centred, strengths based, and has strong face validity. The focus of the model is to empower consumers to achieve long term change, and to identify how staff can provide support.

UCW Family Group Home service provides therapeutic care for children. Their needs are heavily influenced by their traumatic histories, so the measurement system had to be sympathetic while also being robust. The My Star (Outcomes Star) fulfilled these criteria.

The My Star provides measures across eight domains (which reflect the Department’s dimensions of child wellbeing):

1. Physical health.

2. Where you live.

3. Being safe.

4. Relationships.

20 children completed two My Star measures. The data will demonstrate individual and overall program trends, as well as how the information can assist in improving services. Why has Outcomes Measurement been successful?:

1. UCW is more aware of the needs of children across the eight domains of wellbeing.

2. Individual children’s results have influenced care planning

3. The face validity and versatility of My Star resulted in stronger engagement with children.

UCW also learned that measurement tools need to be flexible enough to meet the wide ranging developmental ages and stages of traumatised children.

5. Feelings and behaviour.

6. Friends.

7. Confidence and Self-esteem.

8. Education and learning.

Series 4: Stream 1


41


Stream 2: Permanency planning 1 x 90 minute session

Permanency Planning Toward Legislation


Presenters:

y Ben Whitehouse – Director, Out-of-Home Care Reform.

y Deborah Gould – Director, Case Practice Unit (Country).

Abstract:

In 2014 the Department embarked on significant reform of the out-of-home care (OOHC) system.

All OOHC reforms, strategies and realignments are being guided by the aim of affirming and reinforcing the Department’s Permanency Planning policy for all children in care, and reducing the over-representation of Aboriginal children and families in the child protection system.

In the current reform environment it is timely to consider how the legislative framework in Western Australia might better support the proposed OOHC reforms, in particular Permanency Planning, while maintaining sufficient flexibility in the statutory child protection system to enable the best outcome to be achieved for every child.

During this session we will focus on elements of legislation that support permanent and timely decisions being made for children and young people in out-of-home care. This will include potential changes in the Western Australian context. Participants will be encouraged to engage in discussion and feedback around possible amendments.

Series 4: Stream 2

42



Building a Strong Tomorrow: Partnerships in service provision


Presenters:

y Cheryl Dunkley – Program Manager, Centrecare Djooraminda.

y Steve Dyson – Team Leader, Save the Children Australia.

Abstract:

This presentation focuses on a joint project to provide culturally appropriate, intensive mentoring for the Aboriginal children and young people in Djooraminda’s care. The presentation will also highlight the challenges and opportunities within joint agency partnerships.

In 2015 Save the Children received funding for a mentoring project to support Aboriginal children and young people in the out-of-home care setting, based on their previous mentoring experience in the South East Corridor. Save the Children and Djooraminda partnered to ensure some of the young people at Djooraminda were able to form an attachment with a significant adult and work through their complex behaviours, including bullying, aggression, property damage and absconding.

Djooraminda and Save the Children developed a Memorandum of Understanding to oversee the operation of the project, which included regular and open communication between the Djooraminda Primary Care Team and the Save the Children Mentoring Team.

The Save the Children mentor utilised the Circle of Courage Response Ability Pathways (RAP) model to ensure young people gain a sense of generosity, independence, belonging and mastery.

This partnership approach ensures the two organisations deliver joint services for children and young people to have the best outcomes.

Series 4: Stream 3


43


Feel Like Going Back Home


Presenters:

y Andrea D’Antoine – Aboriginal Practice Leader.

y Naomi Pigram – Senior Field Worker.

Abstract:

This presentation is an exploration of cultural practice; how it aligns with Departmental policy and meets the legislative requirements for placement of Aboriginal children, and how it can be the catalyst for change when families are stuck or hard to engage.

Engaging with Aboriginal families is a significant part of the work we do. For some it is confronting and difficult, for others it is an opportunity to walk alongside a family; to achieve the best outcome for the children.

The implementation of Permanency Planning provided an opportunity to reflect on our practice through a cultural lens. This led to Aboriginal voices being increasingly heard.

At the core of this collaboration was family participation, consultation and a willingness to shift our thinking, including the way in which contact occurred, which had a significant positive impact on the children’s wellbeing.

Increased involvement of local Aboriginal staff, coupled with building open, respectful and trusting alliances with the psychologist, Babagarra Nyirrwa staff, Education Officers, medical professionals and others, was also key.

An open and transparent discussion about Permanency Planning, using the flowchart to emphasise the seriousness of the process, increased the parent’s understanding. This resulted in their willingness to identify and support a suitable relative care / family placement.

Cultural connectedness to family, community and land contributes to a child’s ability to combat adversity, therefore increasing resilience.

A commitment to return children to country increases the likelihood they will have “safe, continuous and stable care arrangements, lifelong relationships and a sense of belonging”.

Series 4: Stream 3

44



Learning to Love: Building attachment with traumatised children

Anglicare WA

Presenter:

y Joanne Dechief - Manager and Therapeutic Specialist, Great Southern Trauma Counselling Services and Trauma Informed Practice Pilot Project.

Abstract:

This presentation will explore how healthy loving attachments form in infancy from a neurobiological perspective, exploring how attuned parental care influences brain development so children learn how to love and be loved.

We will then explore how early childhood trauma alters the development of attachment, that creates an alternative sense of what love is, and thereby impacts on how traumatised children form relationships, and the challenges that arise.

Two case studies will be introduced. Both look at the various manifestations of attachment issues and the different behaviours that made forming attachments with these children challenging. The presentation will explore the theoretical underpinnings that formed assessment and discuss therapeutic interventions and approaches used, so both of these children could learn to love.

The assessment process involves taking a thorough life history and tracking traumatising events along the developmental pathway to form a therapeutic plan. Interventions are applied starting at where the child is neurologically in their development, as opposed to their biological age.

Carers of foster children are included as part the intervention strategy. Carers are educated in, and encouraged to adopt a therapeutic parenting approach, so the new parental child interactions never replicate the traumatising experiences from the family of origin, and still support the child to build much needed life and relationship skills.

Therapeutic activities revolve around attachment building and co-regulation, eventually moving to the final phase of therapy, making positive meaning of who the child is now.

Understanding how the early nurturing process enables us to have care and compassion for others throughout our lives, also enables us to develop these same skills in children who have not had the opportunity through their early child relationships of learning to love and be loved.

Series 4: Stream 4


45


Psycho-Education Group Work in Residential Care

Keith Maine Centre

Presenter:

y Justine O’Malley – Senior Practice Development Officer, Residential Care.

Abstract:

This presentation focuses on the use of the Sanctuary Tool, Psycho-education Group Work, in the Department’s Residential Group Home settings.

Psycho-education addresses the fundamental problems surrounding exposure to trauma without needing to focus on specific individual events within a group setting. The psycho-educational group curriculum is designed to provide young people and staff with an easy-to-use and coherent cognitive framework that can create a change momentum.

Psycho-education groups are facilitated weekly by Residential Care staff in all Departmental Residential Group Homes.

The four Sanctuary concepts of Safety, Emotions, Loss, and Future represent the four fundamental domains of disruption that occur in a traumatised person’s life and are the focus of psycho-education sessions. This presentation will provide practical examples of how psycho-education activities address:

y Loss of safety. y Inability to manage emotions. y Overwhelming losses. y A paralysed ability to plan for, or even imagine a different future.

Psycho-education sessions can help young people think differently about their problems and provide a roadmap for the process of recovery.

Series 4: Stream 4

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Notes

2015 out-of-home care conference€¦ · to the 2015 festival of learning. this is my first...

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