July 2013
Foster care – time for a policy discussion
Foster care – time for a policy discussionThroughout my consultations this month it is becoming clear that our sector faces a number of important challenges.
These meetings have led us to assemble a panel of national foster care experts to lead a policy discussion with agency staff and key stakeholders.
The policy breakfast will be held during Foster Care Week in early September. Look out for invitations in the coming days.
This month we were also delighted to welcome Andrew Jackomos to the role of Commissioner for Aboriginal Children and Young People. This appointment is an important step in improving the lives of Victoria’s Aboriginal children and families, and we look forward to working closely with him.
I was also excited to attend the launch of the Foundation to Prevent Violence Against Women and Children. I would like to congratulate the Hon Mary Wooldridge – Minister for Community Services, and the Hon Julie Collins – Federal Minister for Women’s Affairs, on their work establishing the Foundation.
Deb Tsorbaris
National Children’s Commissioner
In early July the Centre hosted Megan Mitchell – the National Children’s Commissioner – and 40 sector representatives to consult on key issues impacting vulnerable children. More →
3rd Annual Sector Research Forum
Places are still available to attend the Centre’s Sector Research Forum, “Capacity building through partnerships in research”.
The program and abstracts are available here, along with a registration form. Please RSVP as soon as possible to if you would like to attend.
Learning & Development
The Centre is now taking EOIs for its Certificate IV in Child, Youth & Family Interventions. A form is available here if you want to secure a place.
We still have places available for the upcoming Responding to Challenging Behaviours training. Details and registration information can be found here.
Adoption & Permanent Care
The Centre – together with the Foster Care Association of Victoria and Post Placement Support Service – recently hosted a consultation forum to discuss issues in adoption and permanent care. More →
RCLDS
Children and young people in all living situations may be at risk of being sexually exploited, however those living in residential care are particularly vulnerable.
RCLDS is offering training to help understand what constitutes sexual exploitation, what to look for, how to respond and more.
More information is available here.
Media Update
During July a wide range of issues impacting vulnerable Victorian children and families have been reported. Some key coverage can be found here.
Victorian Service Sector Reform leader Professor Peter Shergold also appeared on ABC Breakfast to discuss the delivery of welfare and social services. Watch the video here.
Lighthouse Institute – Journey to Recovery
On August 13 and 14 the Lighthouse Institute are hosting a conference to bring practitioners, policy makers, researchers, carers and survivors of trauma together to look at recovery-oriented approaches to practice and research, from an attachment and trauma informed perspective. More →
New Foundation
The Victorian and Commonwealth governments have launched a new Foundation to Prevent Violence Against Women and Children.
The Foundation will drive cultural and attitudinal chance to prevent violence against women and their children from the ground up through community engagement and advocacy. More →
VICSEG – Video Resources
VICSEG New Futures deliver support and training to newly arrived and recently settled migrant communities through Melbourne’s northern and western regions.
In addition to their New Futures Training, VICSEG offer a range of video resources addressing key issues impacting migrant and refugee children and families. More →
Upcoming Conferences
1. RMIT – Outrage! Critical Conversations on Social Issues. August 16.
2. Care With Me – Many Cultures, Many Celebrations. August 30.
3. Catholic Social Services Victoria. Listening, Learning and Leading. October 9-10.
4. Berry Street. The Good Childhood Conference. October 10-11.
5. FRSA – Investing in Families and Communities. November 5-7.
6. Australasian Conference on Child Abuse and Neglect. November 10-13.
7. CREATE – Strength to Strength November 22-24.
NAICD 2013
National Aboriginal and Islander Children’s Day (NAICD) is coming up on 4 August 2013. NAICD seeks to raise awareness about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children’s rights through the theme ‘Right Here, Right Now. Our Rights Matter!’
The national launch will be hosted by the Victorian Aboriginal Child Care Agency (VACCA) in Melbourne.
For more information see the NAICD flyer.
AGM – October 23
The Centre for Excellence in Child and Family Welfare Annual General Meeting will take place on 23 October 2013 at 3.30pm.
Save the date.
The AGM will showcase the incredible work done within our sector, and celebrate some particularly significant achievements made over the past year.
