FOSTER CARE REPORTER : : F
Transcription
FOSTER CARE REPORTER : : F
Foster Care Queensl and FOSTER CARE REPORTER : : issue 365 april 2009 OUR VISION Leave no child in foster care behind. OUR MISSION Represent. Advocate. Inform. Support. Excel. OUR GOAL To contribute to the development of an inclusive, responsive and fair foster care system. WHO ARE WE? Foster Care Queensland Inc is the nongovernment peak body for all Foster, Kinship and Provisionally Approved Carers. The organisation was founded in 1976 and today exists to support, advise and advocate for carers throughout the State. FCQ Office Ph: (07) 3268 5955 Fax: (07) 3268 5970 FCQ Office Hours are 9am - 5pm MON-FRI 5/921 Kingsford Smith Drive : Eagle Farm : Qld 4009 Email: fcq@fcq.com.au OFFICIAL NEWSLETTER - FOSTER CARE QUEENSLAND INC. ABN: 16 454 122 649 PUBLISHED MONTHLY Print post approved - PP400939/00007 North Queensland FCQ Townsville Office Ph: (07) 4723 8066 Fax: (07) 4723 8066 2/11 Castlemaine Street : Kirwan : Q 4817 PO Box 1104 : Thuringowa : Q 4815 Mail Address and “Letters to the Editor” Foster Care Queensland Inc. : PO Box 1179 : Eagle Farm BC Q 4009 foster care reporter : : issue 365 : : APRIL 2009 Foster Care Reporter april 2009.indd 1-2 16/4/09 3:37:36 PM FCQ MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE PHONE FAX PRESIDENT Trevor Harrington 5476 0517 VICE PRESIDENT Hazel Little 3851 0867 3351 7867 SECRETARY John Dow 4163 3238 4163 3847 TREASURER Saskia Smith 4691 2924 MEMBERS Cheryl Gill 3204 2145 MEMBERS Linda Smith 0414 681 059 MEMBERS Cassandra Ella 4057 7983 3204 2145 FCQ COMMITTEE MEMBERS EMAIL ADRESSES Trevor Harrington presidentfcq@ Caloundra.net Hazel Little little_hm@bigpond.com Saskia Smith saskiasmith@bigpond.com John Dow john.dow@fcq.com.au Cheryl Gill gill2000@froggy.com.au Linda Smith l.dsmith@bigpond.net.au Cassandra Ella micella@bigpond.net.au FCQ SUB COMMITTEES AND COORDINATORS PHONE FAX Training & Conferences Hazel Little 3851 0867 3351 7867 Fundraising Andy Vestey 3389 7255 FCQ STAFF POSITION Bryan Smith Executive Director bryan.smith@fcq.com.au Carissa Hall Team Leader / FAST Co-ordinator Rachael Hodgen Accounts Officer Toni Sparrey Administration Officer Anna Ibrahim Case Officer Karen Webel Case Officer Jodie Baird F.A.S.T / Case Officer Townsville - 0400 647 664 FROM THE EDITOR’S DESK Hello to one and all, We have finally got our Foster Care Conference website up and running with Rydges Resort - Caloundra. The website address: www.rydges.com/cwp/fostercare. All you need to do is follow the prompts and make your accommodation booking online. If you haven’t a computer you can also call on (07) 5491 0336 and advise the receptionist that you are making a booking under the Foster Care Qld Conference. There is also a Holiday Park in Caloundra called Hibiscus Holiday Park. The website address: www. hibiscusholidaypark.com.au or phone number (07) 5491 1564 – Toll Free: 1800 550 138. I have also some tickets to attend the annual Special Children Razz-Ma-Tazz being held at on 25th April 2009 (SaturdayAnzac Day) at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre. There are 2 sessions – 12.00pm and 3.00pm. If you would like some tickets please call the office and I will post that day for you. We are still looking for stories or accolades regarding anything about fostering you might want to share with us. Remember this is your Reporter so send us an email or even fax it through. Email address: fcq@fcq.com.au Fax number: 3268 5970 Toni DISCLAIMER: Information in this Reporter has been obtained from sources deemed reliable. However, we cannot guarantee its accuracy and interested persons should rely on their own enquiries. All material submitted for publication herein are the expressed views of the author, and do not necessarily reflect the views of the editor or Foster Care Queensland Inc. .1. Foster Care Reporter april 2009.indd 3-4 TABLE OF CONTENTS Contact List ............................................................................................. 1 Table of Contents ................................................................................ 2 President’s Report .............................................................................. 2 A few words from the Executive Director ................................. 3 New Autism Website .......................................................................... 3 F.A.S.T. Report ...................................................................................... 4 North Queensland Report ................................................................ 5 Kinship Carer Excellence Awards 2009 ......................................7-10 Helping Kids Understand Traumatic Events ................................... 11 Asperger Services Australia ............................................................. 12 Foster and Kinship Carer Week Celebration ................................ 12 Child Safety Forums ........................................................................13-14 “You Raise Me Up” a Conference 2009 ...................................... 15 WA Conference Workshop Information .................................... 16 Child Related Costs Polcy...............................................................17-20 Kids Science Questions ....................................................................... 21 F.A.S.T Contact List ............................................................................... 22 PRESIDENT’S REPORT G’day Members, As you would be aware, Premier Anna Bligh has selected the former Parliamentary Secretary to the Premier, the Honourable Phil Reeves MP, as Minister for Child Safety and Minister for Sport. I welcome the Minister to the portfolio, and considering correspondence already exchanged, look forward to a mutually beneficial relationship….primarily as Minister for Child Safety, but along with our sponsorship by the Broncos, also as Minister for Sport. I particularly thank the Honourable Margaret Keech MP for the recognition she afforded FCQ as peak body for foster and kinship carers in Queensland. Her enthusiasm in attending many foster care functions, often travelling long distances, and the time taken at each to sit down and talk informally to carers was much appreciated. The National Foster Care Conference in historic Fremantle was an event that the Foster Care Association of Western Australia and its sponsors deserve sincere congratulations. The Western Australian Department of Child Protection was fully supportive as conference partners, and Lottery West provided funding for carers from even the most remote areas of the Kimberleys to attend. At a session titled “What is the vision for Fostering in Australia”, I found it most interesting that partnership and support featured heavily in the visions of carers from all States and Territories. FCQ funded management committee members and staff, and the Dept Child Safety funded a delegate from each Zone, to benefit from the two full days and one half day training by presenters highly experienced in their particular fields. The Western Australian Department of Child Protection used the conference to launch their recruitment drive, and the Foster Care Partnership model. The Foster care Partnership model has the child at the centre with the carer family providing the most pronounced impact on the child’s well being. The third element of the partnership is the surrounding, encompassing and supporting role of the DCP team. It is a remarkable approach that commits to sustaining stable foster placements. Further information is available from links to the department’s web page at http://www.community.wa.gov.au/DCP/. The Australian Foster and Kinship Carer Partnership met during the conference time. This partnership, consisting of foster carer peaks from 6 Australian States and territories, focuses on foster and kinship carer matters on a National level. This partnership is now recognised by the Department of Families, Housing, Communities and Indigenous Affairs….with Minister Jenny Macklin supportive of the partnership. This Department has agreed to co-sponsor the National Foster Carer Conference, 28th – 29th August, 2010 in Hobart, Tasmania. This is very good news for Foster Carers Association of Tasmania, given that organisation’s size and the minimal funding provided to them. At this stage, Foster Care Queensland is scheduled to host the 2011 National Conference. Please ensure you have started to plan for our 2009 Queensland Foster and Kinship Care Conference at Caloundra on the first weekend of August. As always, Take care of yourself in caring for others, Trevor Harrington President .2. foster care reporter : : issue 365 : : APRIL 2009 16/4/09 3:37:38 PM A few words from the Executive Director... Hello Everyone, By the time you read this article Easter will have passed for another year and like all good chocolate loving humans I will have had enough. Our children were excited as usual at the thought of the Easter Bunny making his/her annual visit to our home. One of my beautiful boys is a very practical soul who never wants for a word or suggestion as to how things may work. When trying to figure out how the Easter Bunny was going to get in without the dog barking and scaring the Easter Bunny away he came up with the suggestion that the dog should go on respite for Easter. When I stated that the dog may like to have an Easter egg too he stated, “That’s okay; we will give him a call on Easter and let him know we have eaten his eggs because he wasn’t here”. On that I must write a book on what our children say. Carers may be aware that the Department of Child Safety has a new Minister. He is Phil Reeves who takes over the portfolio of Child Safety and Sport. Carers may also be aware that Child Safety now comes under a super portfolio being the Department of Communities. It will take time to get used to the new structure however there should not be any real changes at the Service Centre level. Time will tell us how the new system works and we will work closely with the Ministers office and the Department of Child Safety to ensure Foster and Kinship carer families and the children and young people they care for continue to focus on enhancing support systems for your and your children’s benefit. During 2009 FCQ staff, Jodie (Townsville) and Anna (Brisbane) will undertake a project which will focus on the needs of Kinship Carers through out the state. 2 Zones, New Autism website for parents and carers North Queensland and Logan and Brisbane West have been chosen as pilots for the project and we will soon be asking Kinship Carers to meet as a working party to get your thoughts on how to best meet your support needs now and in the future. It is hoped that the working parties in both zones will develop a Kinship Carer survey that will go to all Kinship Carers in the state, which will help us to prioritise ideas from which we can advocate on your behalf with the Department of Child Safety and other government agencies. FCQ would then keep the working parties active so that we continue to change as your needs change and provide you with a continuous active voice. Watch this space for further developments. Feedback on our new look Reporter has been very positive and every ones suggestion for improving the content is being well considered. The sponsorship provided by the Brisbane Bronco’s is allowing us to bring you such a professional and up to date publication, which is something that we could not do ourselves. In the next edition I hope to be able to bring you yet another exiting sponsorship in North Queensland that Jodie Baird has been working on that will provide carers and children and young people with an activity that I am sure everyone will enjoy. More to come next month. Have a great month every one. Bryan Smith Executive Director A NEW source of information has been made available to parents and carers of children with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD), with the launch of a new website from the Australian Government. sourced information from “The Petrie Post” The website was launched by the Parliamentary Secretary for Disabilities and Children’s Services, Bill Shorten, in February and I was happy to be able to attend. The ASD website was created as part of the Rudd Government’s $190 million Helping Children with Austism package which aims to help an estimated 9,000 children diagnosed with ASD. The new site provides information, online resources and interactive functions to help support parents, carers and professionals. Raising and caring for children and ASD can put enormous pressure on families and carers and this website will provide valuable information in one convenient location. If you have a child six years and younger who has been diagnosed with an ASD and hasn’t started full time school, you may be eligible for funding of up to $12,000 in early intervention services. The ASD website can be found at www.raisingchildren.net. au/autism For more information visit www.fahcsia.gov.au .3. Foster Care Reporter april 2009.indd 5-6 F.A.S.T. REPORT Hi all, well I’m looking back over the last month and trying to figure out where it went. Settling into this acting role has been a very enjoyable experience but Carissa has left some big shoes to fill so please bear with me. Early March I was fortunate enough to attend the launch of the Foster and Kinship Care Week in the Brisbane North and Sunshine Coast Zone. It was so great seeing the kids go nuts in the Chipmunks play centre and the carers enjoying a well deserved coffee break, if only for a brief moment between toilet runs and screams of “watch me mum!” We have also had some great reviews of other events that were held around the state get back to us here in the office. I hope you all had a great week. So as you have heard we all made it back safe and in one piece from the Western Australia National Conference, I have to say though after the 12am redeye return flight I am not a morning person! But that’s all part of the fun. One of the workshops I attended during the conference was Permanency Planning in the UK- Lessons for Australian Practice; with the fairly recent introduction of our own One Chance at Childhood here in Queensland I was very interested in seeing different practice frameworks both interstate and international. This was presented by Renee Gioffre a Senior Policy Officer for the Department for Child Protection WA. Renee had returned to work for the WA Department following an 8year period working in the UK Child Protection system. This workshop was not what I had anticipated but I still found the group activities and discussions very insightful. Due to the differing state legislations and types of orders, there were several interpretations of permanency and the UK definition differed again. This workshop explored what Permanent care is, issues for children, foster carers and birth families associated with permanent care and the role of contact and involvement of birth family for children in permanent care. One of the main activities for this workshop was a case study. The room was divided into for groups and each group asked to take the position of the foster carer, the child, the Department or the birth family. Armed with the case study each group was asked to develop a contact plan for the child and family members. This was a cleaver exercise that opened up conversations and got all the participants thinking out of their own position, this also created healthy debate as expected. Back in Queensland myself and Karen Webel will be heading up to Rockhampton this month. We will be spending the 21st -23rd facilitating training with carers, agency and Departmental staff. The carer training will include Matters of Concern, Third Party Guardianship and The Children’s Service Tribunal. If you are in the area I encourage you to get onto your local office and find out details to attend as they are really worthwhile sessions and unfortunately FCQ does not get out that way all that often. Now we are only a few sleeps away from the Easter break and school holidays begin, that’s where the real fun starts! Finally the kids get their hands on those blasted eggs that have been sitting on the Woolies shelves taunting them since the week after new years! I wish you all a very happy and safe Easter with lots and lots of chocolate Anna Ibrahim Foster Care Queensland DATE CLAIMER 2009 QUEENSLAND FOSTER CARE CONFERENCE 1ST – 2ND AUGUST 2009 SUNSHINE COAST FUNCTION CENTRE, CALOUNDRA Details are currently being finalised for Workshop Presenters and activities for this year’s conference and we are confident that there will be something for everybody in the program. Some of the workshop topics confirmed to date include: - Learning together about Safety & sexuality - Anxiety in Children - Managing Difficult Behaviours - The MOC Process - Tackling Difficult Teens - Living & Working with Traumatised Children - Supporting Children Struggling with Literacy - Practical & Supportive Care for Indigenous Kids To name just a few. There will also be some fun options to lighten the learning process! THE CONFERENCE BROCHURE WILL BE DISTRIBUTED WITH THE MAY REPORTER TO ALLOW PLENTY OF TIME FOR YOU TO ARRANGE REGISTRATION & BOOKINGS. GREAT DEALS WILL ALSO BE AVAILABLE FOR ACCOMMODATION CLOSE TO THE VENUE. The Annual Recognition Dinner will be held on Saturday 1st August also at the SCFC and promises to be a memorable celebration! Contact the FCQ office for more details (3268 5955) and watch out for your brochure in the next Reporter. .4. foster care reporter : : issue 365 : : APRIL 2009 16/4/09 3:37:38 PM NORTH QLD REPORT such as good and bad secrets and having a network of trusted adults. Other topics covered are Ok to say No, Cyber Safety, Persistence, Early Warning Signs, Safety Continuum, just to name a few. There are many resources that go along with the training to help assist when teaching this to children. Fantastic! Firstly big congratulations to one of our FAST Delegates Cath Watts and her partner Trish Loveday for receiving this year Foster Carer Excellence Awards for the Northern Zone. Both Cath and Trish continue to work with both Departmental and Agency staff to assist with events such and Foster & Kinship Care Week, Child Protection Week and many other activities during the year. They also compile a carer Newsletter that goes to all carers in the zone. I recently had the opportunity to travel with management committee, other staff and carers from across Queensland to attend the National Foster Carers’ Conference in Western Australia. It was a great opportunity to network with people working and volunteering in the child protection system from other states. The theme name of the conference was “You Raise Me Up”. I was then able to spend the rest of the weekend singing ‘You Raise Me Up’. I might try out for ‘Australia’s Got Talent’ next year! One of the sessions I attended was with a lady by the name of Holly-Ann Martin. Holly-Ann is the director of Protecting Kids is Our Game. This is a program specialising in Protective Behaviours which is very child-centred. Holly-Ann travels all over the country visiting main stream schools, schools with high numbers of indigenous populations, education support centres and language development centres. This training is very interactive and is a proactive approach to preventing child abuse. It gives practical ideas for teachers and parents who work with children to teach protective behaviours. Holly-Ann also works with the children teaching songs, signs, concepts REDCLIFFE FOSTER CARE SUPPORT GROUP MEETING Where: Mud cafe - DECEPTION BAY When: Thursday 28th may 2009 Bryan came and spent a couple of days here in Townsville just recently which was great. He was able to present some training for both Department and Agency staff around writing and critiquing Foster Carer Assessments. We also had the opportunity to meet with Terry Cronin (Zonal Director) and Jennifer Blackshaw (Acting PSU Director). This was a very successful meeting as we were able to discuss FCQ’s plans for our Kinship Care Project. It’s with much excitement that I am able to confirm that we have the support of both Terry and Jennifer to begin this project. Letters will be going out to all Kinship carers in the next week or so. I will be travelling to both Cairns and Innisfail to attend the Carer Forum just after the school holiday then up to Atherton at the end of the month. These will be the first forums of the year for each of these areas. If you are able to attend it is a great opportunity to relax and have a coffee and chat with other carers and staff and catch upon the latest that is happening for your Zone. By the time you will have read this the Easter Bunny will have been and gone and hopefully not left too much mess behind. I hope that the long weekend brings you and your family the time to just relax, regroup and enjoy each others company. For those of you who are travelling away I hope you have a holiday that is full of fun and exciting things and your journey is a safe one. Happy Holidays Jodie Baird FAST Coordinator Northern Zone Carers Learning Circle These get together’s are held approximately every 6 weeks at the Alderley Child Safety Service Centre & usually include a guest speaker. The next meeting will be held 21st May at 10.00am Time: 10AM ALL WELCOME .5. Foster Care Reporter april 2009.indd 7-8 INVITATION Chermside, Alderley, Pine Rivers and Fortitude Valley Carers Logan Region Foster & Kinship Carers Friendship Circle All Foster and Kinship Carers - Departmental, Agency & Provisionally Approved Carers alike - attached to Chermside, Alderley, Pine Rivers and Fortitude Valley Child Safety Service Centres are invited to attend our monthly get togethers. Come meet and make new friends, have a coffee, chat and a laugh. SUPPORT GROUP These meetings are held on the 1st Tuesday of each month at the Meeting Rooms at the Chermside Library, 375 Hamilton Road, Chermside at 10.00am. Bring the kids and let them play! Where: McDonalds Woodridge Wembley Road, Woodridge When: 4th Wednesday of each month These informal get togethers are a great way for Carers, new and old, to exchange thoughts, experiences and ideas and share a cuppa at the same time! Time: About 9 ish (after school drop off) The next meeting will be held Tuesday 5th May 2009 More Info: Karen 3411 0146/0418 191 681 mcclary@optusnet.com.au The Zonal Director, Brisbane North and Sunshine Coast Zone, wishes to invite you to participate in the NEW MEMBERS Brisbane North and Sunshine Coast Zonal Foster & Kinship Carer Forum LISA MAREE THORPE GOWRIE JUNCTION VERNON & DEBRA MILLS BUNDABERG ARNOLD & SHIRLEY SHERRARD COOLOOLA COVE TONY & SAMANTHA MOODY Date - Friday 8 May 2009 THORNLANDS Venue - Maroochy Baptist Centre 186 Wises Road, North Buderim JANE McMILLAN NARANGBA Time - 9.30am – 2.15pm LEN CROFT WARNER Cost - Free MICHAEL & JANETTE LAWSON Morning Tea and Lunch will be provided. Childcare will be provided by Active Childcare Solutions. Bookings for childcare are essential. STRATHPINE ERICH & TONI BERGEMANN BOLLIER Please see over for the forum agenda, concurrent session options and registration form. REGINALD & SANDRA EGAN RSVP - Date 28 April 2009 , Phone 5490 1081 (Mon/Tues) Email: katie.thornton@childsafety.qld.gov.au VANESSA DREWERY BUNDABERG BURPENGARY .6. foster care reporter : : issue 365 : : APRIL 2009 16/4/09 3:37:39 PM Kinship Carer Excellence Awards Foster and Kinship Carer Excellence Awards 2009 was held on Thursday, 12 March 2009, Premier’s Hall, Parliament House, Brisbane. The Foster and Kinship Carer Excellence awards provide an opportunity for the Department of Child Safety to recognise the valuable contribution that foster and kinship carers make to the lives of vulnerable children and their families in Queensland. Foster and kinship carers are the Department’s vital partners. These awards acknowledge the important role they play in their local community and in Queensland’s child protection system. One outstanding foster or kinship carer family from each of the Department’s seven zones is selected from nominations made by departmental child safety service centres and nongovernment fostering services in the zones. The foster and Kinship Carer Excellence Awards were established in 2000 and continue to recognise the outstanding efforts of foster and kinship carers throughout the state. Far North Zone Tod & Petra Bathe of Innisfail Tod and Petra Bathe are carers for two young children with DiGeorge syndrome, a disorder which requires constant medical attention, including heart surgery. The couple spent last Christmas Day apart after one of the children required unexpected heart surgery. Tod stayed in Innisfail while Petra travelled Brisbane for the surgery. After spending weeks apart during this time, Tod surprised Petra by arriving in Brisbane on New Year’s Day so the family could spend some time together. The couple has worked hand-in-hand with the Department, attending all scheduled meetings to discuss the needs of the children, actively participating in case planning, and making regular contact to give updates on the children in their care. Northern Zone Trish Loveday & Cath Watts of Idalia Trish Loveday and Cath Watts provide long-term care for a sibling group of three, along with regular respite to two siblings and a teenage girl. Trish and Cath accept emergency and other placements as long as they believe the child or young person will fit in with the children currently in their care. Trish and Cath advocate for the best interests of the children, attending all departmental meetings and occasional initiating meetings when they have concerns. They play an active role in the children’s lives, encourage them to participate in many different recreational activities and to develop a strong social circle. Elizabeth is an ex-president of Foster Care Queensland, has held various positions on the Foster Care Queensland committee and continues to be a FAST delegate for the Pine Rivers Child Safety Service Centre. Glenda and Clint have provided consistent, high-quality foster care in a loving and caring environment for six years. Over the years Elizabeth’s commitment to working in partnership has been evident in her ability to support other carers in working with the Department, including mediation on their behalf when necessary. Glenda and Clint encourage and support young people in their care to participate in sports, and tirelessly attend the many training and sporting events. One young person will be competing in the World BMX Championships – a feat that was made possible by Glenda and Clint giving up their time for regular practice and competitions. The couple works diligently, instilling in each child a sense of confidence and belief to follow their dreams. One young person in their care has obtained an OP score and will be able to fulfil their dream to attend university thanks to Glenda and Clint going above and beyond to assist this person with transportation, resources and time. Glenda and Clint have demonstrated that, through unconditional love and support, positive outcomes can be achieved for these children and young people. Elizabeth has also had a long-term and extensive relationship with Adoption Services, having cared for multiple preadopt babies and successfully transitioned them to their new families. Brisbane South & Gold Coast Zone Jim and Cheryl Williams of Tingalpa Jim and Cheryl Williams have been fosters carers for nearly 30 years and in that time have provided care for more than 60 children and young people. Jim and Cheryl continue to be motivated to provide a safe and stable home through their love for children and their need to help when they are able. At this time, Jim and Cheryl have three young people in their care. Two of the children have Asperger Syndrome, Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder and intellectual impairment. They go above and beyond by facilitating family contact and attend all medical appointments. Brisbane North & Sunshine Coast Zone Trish and Cath have demonstrated their creative flair by creating the STUFF carer newsletter which is distributed to the carers in Townsville. The newsletter is also distributed in Cairns with minor amendments to the local events calendar. Elizabeth has been a carer with the Department since 1981 and during those years 27 years has cared for in excess of a hundred child and young people. Jim and Cheryl manage this by being open-hearted, patient and consistent with clear boundaries and consequences. They always demonstrate a very loving and affectionate relationship with all of the children, and have found a good balance between parenting and discipline within their home. Elizabeth has two “foster sons” who, although now adults, still remain part of Elizabeth’s family, as well as two other young people on long-term guardianship orders. She also carers for a young girl with severe disabilities who requires intensive care to meet her needs. Jim and Cheryl regard each child as unique and as a valued member of their family. The children are treated equally and encouraged to have self confidence and to talk about their feelings. The family’s motto is “I can do it… I am going to do it…and I will do it”. Elizabeth has an extraordinary ability to communicate with children and their families and has provided exemplary care to the children placed with her. She is tenacious in seeking out supports and ensuring that the children in her care are provided with any additional treatment or therapy required. Over the years, Jim and Cheryl have maintained strong relationships with their former foster children and have been present at their weddings and other important occasions. Trish and Cath are actively involved in the fostering community. Cath is one of Townsville’s FAST delegates and both Trish and Cath act as mentors for other carers. The ladies assist in the Department’s recruitment campaigns by positively promoting foster and kinship care to people they know. The devotion that Tod and Petra have to the children in their care has been described as inspirational, especially given that the road ahead will not be an easy one, particularly for the children. Elizabeth Anderson of Strathpine At times, Elizabeth travelled to the hospital on a daily basis and when one of the children in her care had a difficult operation, Elizabeth remained at the hospital with her until she had fully recovered. Tod and Petra have demonstrated a firm commitment to facilitating family contact. The children in their care have five siblings and Tod and Petra are keen for them to maintain a relationship with their family where possible. .7. Foster Care Reporter april 2009.indd 9-10 Central Zone Glenda Pfunder and Clint Marstella of Maryborough Jim has played Father Christmas for the TRACC Foster Children’s Christmas Party for many years. Jim and Cheryl have been proactive in working closely with the children’s school to help with the children’s high needs. They are committed to working with any agency that enhances the quality of life of the two high needs children in their care. .8. foster care reporter : : issue 365 : : APRIL 2009 16/4/09 3:37:39 PM Logan and Brisbane West Zone Peter and Christine Cuthbert of Oxley Ipswich and Western Zone Marleen Nugent Peter and Christine are tow of the few carers focussed on caring for challenging male teenagers. They are currently completing a TAFE course to become qualified youth workers so they can apply this knowledge and skill to their daily care of teenagers. Marleen has been a foster carer since 2002. During that time she has cared for approximately 40 children. She has demonstrated exceptional commitment to fostering, providing a high standard of care to meet the needs of children. They recently funded their own travel to Sydney to support a young man who was in intensive care before returning with him to Queensland. Peter and Christine encourage all young people in their care to participate in extra-curricular activities such as sports, volunteer work and community work, and link young people with trades to secure a future. The couple prioritises the young people in their care so much that Peter has changed employment to meet the needs of young people with challenging behaviours where suspension from school is a regular occurrence. They recognise the difficult backgrounds children and young people in care come from and treat these young people as their family and include them in all family activities. Each year, Peter and Christine fund an annual family holiday as they recognise these types of family holidays are something that a lot of young people in care have not had the option of experiencing. Peter and Christine work very hard to ensure their home provides a sense of family and belonging. This includes renovating their house to provide the older teenagers with a bedroom and study area private to themselves, along with a gym to assist high energy teenagers and the health and fitness of young people. She gladly facilitates contact visits and ensures children receive the therapeutic and counselling services they require, despite the distance she travels. Marleen is a firm advocate for the recognition of children’s needs and liaises with Queensland Education and Queensland Health and other agencies when necessary to meet these needs. tts of Idalia Trish Loveday & Cath Wa The challenging behaviours displayed by children in her care are managed by Marleen in consultation with her support worker and other appropriate service providers. Marleen has assisted children in the reunification process by providing detailed scrapbooks for the children and their families. Peter and Christine C uthbert o f Oxley Of significant note is Marleen’s willingness and ability to care for young children with complex medical needs. Marleen accepted placement of a baby with uncertain life expectancy. The baby required oxygen and tube feeding so Marleen spent time in hospital providing early nurturing and comfort and learning the procedures required to care for this child. Marleen then assisted with the funeral providing photos and information to support the child’s mother. Elizabeth Anderson of Strathpine Congratulations to one and all Glenda Pfunder and Clint Marstella of Maryborough Jim and C heryl Willia ms of Ting alpa .9. Foster Care Reporter april 2009.indd 11-12 . 10 . foster care reporter : : issue 365 : : APRIL 2009 16/4/09 3:37:43 PM Helping Kids Understand Traumatic Events “It is always important to think about what your children are being exposed to on the TV news,” she says. “At the moment there has been a real focus on the bushfires in Victoria. The longer children sit in front of the television watching the fires scenes, the more it could impact them. When kids are seven or eight they can certainly image themselves in the same situation, and this can really add to their anxiety.” The terrible bushfires which devastated rural Victoria have confronted all of us over the past few weeks, reinforcing just how fragile human life is. Widespread media coverage of such traumatic events can have a profound effect on children, as they struggle to process the issues they see and hear in the news. Chris says the key is to acknowledge that bad things happen and treat kids’ concerns realistically. ‘IT’S IMPORTANT TO FOLLOW YOUR CHILD’S LEAD IF THEY BRING UP SUBJECTS THAT FRIGHTEN THEM. BUT DON’T OVERLOAS THEM WITH DETAILS AND STORIES THAT THEY MIGHT FIND CONFRONTING.” SHE EXPALINS sourced information from: Act for Kids Christine Hodges is an experienced therapist who works in our Intensive therapist Programme with children who are suffering serious trauma. Many have been continuously exposed to shocking domestic violence. While the distressing ordeals these kids deal with happen in their own homes, Chris say parents need to be equally aware of how their children deal with the bad things they see and hear through the media – whether its terrorism, natural disasters, or any other alarming incidents. “For example, my own children wanted to talk about fire safety plans like where we would meet id we were separated by a fire and how to escape from the house, so it was useful for our family to discuss the practicalities of such a situation over dinner.” Chris says one of the worst things parents can do is reassure their children without actually addressing their fears. “If your child is anxious you need to fins out what part of the situation is scary for them and acknowledge their feelings. After this you can then try to reassure them, and talk about the best way for them to prevent whatever it is they’re concerned about from happening to them”. “BUT IF YOU SAY SOMETHING LIKE ‘DON’T WORRY IT WILL NEVER HAPPEN TO US’ THEN YOU’RE NOT SHOWING THEM THAT YOU UNDERSTAND. THIS WILL OFTEN JUST PROLONG A CHILD’S ANXIETY.” ASPERGER SERVICES AUSTRALIA Asperger’s Syndrome falls within the Autism Spectrum. It is a disability which affects the way a person communicates and relates to others. Asperger Services Australia provides support to parents, families, carers, and siblings as well as to children, adolescents and adults with Asperger’s Syndrome. Aims of Asperger Services Australia The association’s aims are to: • Give mutual support to people with Asperger’s Syndrome and their carers • Provide relevant up to date information on Asperger’s Syndrome • Encourage research into Asperger’s Syndrome • Promote awareness and engage in community education • Campaign for improved educational services and equal opportunity • • • • • • A monthly newsletter Family outings and camps Carers respite weekends Support Groups - Young Adult Support Group - 40+ Adult Support Group A large resource library (members only) Links with other organisations Contact Us ASPERGER SERVICES AUSTRALIA (Asperger’s Syndrome Support Network (Qld) Inc) Shop 4 & 5, 235 Zillmere Road, Zillmere Qld 4014 (at roundabout, shops are facing Beckman Street) All correspondence to: P O Box 159 VIRGINIA QLD 4014 Head Office and Support Groups are usually closed during school holidays. • Office Phone: (07) 3865 2911 • Office Fax: (07) 3865 2838 • After Hours: 0439 769 500 Office Hours: 9:30AM till 12:30PM or by appointment. The offices and Support Groups are staffed by Volunteers Asperger Services Australia provides: • Confidential support • Information and referral services • Information available to parents, education staff, professionals, service providers and government bodies • Educational conferences, seminars and workshops for parents, education staff & professionals • Monthly meetings at various locations Should you wish to pay us a visit, please phone ahead to be sure someone is in the office. • Office Email: office@asperger.asn.au • Secretary: stef@asperger.asn.au • Website Queries: web@asperger.asn.au FOSTER & KINSHIP CARER WEEK CELEBRATION BRISBANE NORTH & SUNSHINE COAST CLUSTER Special thanks go to all involved including Families Plus, Mercy Family Services, Life Without Barriers, Murriajabree Aboriginal Dance Group, The Lions Club of Petrie, Qld Fire Brigade, CREATE Foundation, IFACS and the Organising Committee. The FKCW Organising Committee held a great “Celebration Day in the Park” on Saturday 14th March at the Pine Rivers Park. Approximately 100 Foster and Kinship Carers from Chermside, Pine Rivers, Alderley and Fortitude Valley (The Cluster) attended. The activities included kid’s painting, an aboriginal dance display, children’s craft activities, the local fire brigade and of course the great playground facilities to wear everyone out! The Lions Club supplied and cooked a wonderful sausage sizzle that helped to restore our energy levels. Lots of goodies were also given away and luckily the rain held off till the cake came out but then it really pored! . 11 . Foster Care Reporter april 2009.indd 13-14 . 12 . foster care reporter : : issue 365 : : APRIL 2009 16/4/09 3:37:43 PM . 13 . Foster Care Reporter april 2009.indd 15-16 . 14 . foster care reporter : : issue 365 : : APRIL 2009 16/4/09 3:37:44 PM A CONFERENCE 2009 - “YOU RAISE ME UP” By Cheryl Gill Fremantle: The City. What a great choice for the conference. The township is like stepping into the past. Stone building surround the streets, beautiful parks, a harbor of beautiful ships, boats, restaurants etc. are top class. Conference: Like our own conferences major effort was taken to organize this fantastic event. Work shop: “Bringing Fun Home”. This workshop was presented by Erica Thompson with great enthusiasm and the five hours in this workshop just flew by. In the workshop we were taught games to play with our children in care to encourage and develop the children’s individual strengths. These fun activities used inexpensive and practical ideas to gain the children’s cooperation and build good relationships with the children we care for. Erica’s skills and experience as a carer and counselor were evident through her work. Saturday brought the opening ceremony with Fay Alford president of FCA of WA. The welcome was done by Uncle Neviel and his 4 grandsons, who entertained us with an aboriginal dance from his tribe. The Key note speaker was Dr Larry Brendtro and the official opening was done by Hon. Robyn McSweeney. Workshop: “How do carers make children feel secure and stable” and “Impact of Fostering on the children of Indigenous Foster Carers” and “Strengthening and Maintaining Children who Foster”. I found the issues explored in these workshops were applicable to situations in Foster Care Australia wide. University studies and statistics were presented with up to data, historical data was also reflected upon. We also heard from the Wanslea ‘Sons and Daughter’s program that provide support to the children of foster families. This program considers the needs of these children and provides them with regular activities such as camping trips. Workshop: “Mirror Families” Creating Extended Families for life. This workshop was presented by Clair Brunner and Cass O’Neil. Their work was exploring how placements can build long term supports and attachments for the child in their extended community. This work also recognised the importance of belonging for a child. Sunday work shops & closing ceremony Dare To Be Different Workshops. Choices were made by selection. Put you’re had up if you can’t sing? Singing for non singers is for you. Hand up if you can’t paint? Artybrellas is for you. Hand up if you’re stressed? Drumming to de-stress is for you. This was a really great way to wind down after a hectic weekend of workshops. I did complete my umbrella. Lots of photos were taken in this work shop and I am told the presenter (Tricia Stedman) will be at the SAILS event at Redcliffe. I recommend you try to join in on a really fun hour. Karen Webel – Case Worker - FCQ On 27-29 March 15 Queensland “delegates” were fortunate to head over to beautiful Freemantle for the National Foster Care Conference. As usual there was some exciting information to gather – with WA currently going through some major reforms to their Child Protection System. Although I was fortunate to hear 2 Keynote speakers and attend 8 workshop sessions – the following 2 were the ones I considered to be most exciting and provide the most “food for thought”. (i) “Understanding Sleep” – I have attached the handout on Ngala’s Secrets of Good Sleepers. Ngala provide support to primarily birth parents in parenting skills – with them being able to stay “in house” for intensive support. They also offer assistance to carers to help manage young children and their sleep patterns/behaviours. Their approach is very child focused – acknowledging that sometimes you just have to pick your battles and work out is it really such an issue for a child to fall asleep on the lounge?? It provided the balance to allow carers to “go with the child’s flow” and that society’s normal expectations are often only and issue if you let it be. The other main piece of advice – which I’m sure many of you are already well aware of – is not to develop a “get to sleep” routine that is not sustainable, and to try to assist the child to develop their own capacity to get themselves to sleep. (ii) Wanslea’s VIKs Program . Wanslea is a fostering agency for emergency and specialist carers. They adopt a “whole carer family” approach and as such have developed a program for the “children who foster”. Very Important Kids is a day of activities for the natural children of foster carers – where they can get together and discuss their experiences of fostering. One teenager came and spoke – it was great to have the child’s perspective!!! Wanslea also discussed the inclusion of the carers’ children in case planning, where appropriate, acknowledging that often have crucial information that others more than likely don’t. It is an acknowledgment of the special relationship they form with the children that enter their home – as well as the many sacrifices they also make. This is something that some of you have raised in the past and it was great to see how one agency has chosen to address it. I only hope we can have some programs like VIKs throughout Queensland to support all your natural children. Donna Meehan One other guest speaker that impressed me was Donna Meehan, an aboriginal woman who spoke on the stolen generation. Donna spoke passionately when talking of her German foster carers and how hard they worked to bring her to her culture. Thanks My sincere thanks DCSSC & FCQ for sponsoring me to go, I was very proud to say we were from Foster Care Queensland. To Trevor Harrington also, for getting us where we were meant to be on time and booking boats and restaurants etc, so our wait till midnight passed with out any hassles. . 15 . Foster Care Reporter april 2009.indd 17-18 WA Conference Workshop Information . 16 . foster care reporter : : issue 365 : : APRIL 2009 16/4/09 3:37:45 PM Procedure/s Purpose: To inform child safety officers (CSOs), team leaders and Child Safety Service Centre (CSSC) managers of the eligibility criteria for use of the child related costs accounts detailed in this policy to support decision making and case planning. The term “carer” within this document is inclusive of foster carers, kinship carers and provisionally approval carers. Process: As part of the case planning process, the pre-approval of the financial delegate is required for any child related cost reimbursement or expenditure to proceed. Only these delegated officers, or above, where specified, can authorise the provision of child related costs for children and young people. This is obtained by submitting a Child Related Costs (CRC) form to the CSSC manager or the relevant financial delegate who can approve the child related costs. The processing of approved child related costs expenditure or reimbursement is made by submitting the approved CRC form with required payment documentation (receipts, invoice, etc), to a CSSC administration officer who will process the payment or reimbursement according to the Financial Management Practice Manual (FMPM). Once processed the CRC form is placed on the client file. CHILD RELATED COSTS - OUTFITTING & ESTABLISHMENT Policies and procedures Title: Child Related Costs - Outfitting Policy no.: 600-1 Records file no.: CHS/12105 Date of EMT endorsement: 16 September 2008 Date of implementation: 16 September 2008 Date to be reviewed: 01 September 2010 Division: Policy and Program Division Contact: Children in Care Team Authority: Child Protection Act 1999, Section 159 Financial Administration and Audit Act 1977 Financial Management Standard 1997 Policy statement: The Department of Child Safety may provide financial support to children and young people, subject to statutory intervention, in accordance with an approved case plan. In addition, financial support will be in accordance with the following criteria: • Carers are entitled to the Establishment and/or Start-up/ Outfitting Allowance when they provide direct care for a child or young person placed in out-of-home care, if they meet the eligibility detailed below. • Child related cost (CRC) reimbursement is approved for costs that are specific to the child or young person’s individual needs over and above the financial support provided in the Fortnightly Caring Allowance. However, all other avenues of financial support must be explored first, for example, other government allowances and benefits. • Decisions regarding access to CRC must be in accordance with section 36 of the Financial Administration and Audit Act 1977 and all goods and services purchased must be considered reasonable by the relevant financial delegate. • All CRC expenditure is in accordance with the appropriate financial delegations and standards. • All transactions are to be substantiated (ie. receipts) and all reimbursement documentation is to be maintained to ensure an adequate audit trail. • All items purchased under this category belong to the child or young person. Principles: • The welfare and best interests, safety and well-being of the child or young person are paramount. • Carers have the right to receive support that will contribute towards ensuring a safe and caring environment in which the needs of children and young people are met. • The child or young person has a right to be placed in a care environment that best meets their needs. . 17 . Foster Care Reporter april 2009.indd 19-20 Wherever practical, reimbursement of CRC expenses should be processed when the accumulated total of the receipts is $50 in value or higher. Carers must be advised by their CSO that receipts for CRC reimbursement should be submitted during the current financial year and therefore be less than 12 months old. For young people on dual orders (both child protection and youth justice), please refer to the relevant procedures in the Child Safety Practice Manual. where a child or young person returns into the care of the Chief Executive after an unsuccessful reunification and where the original order has expired. The payment is to be used for items that will assist the carer establish the long-term placement. It is envisaged that the Establishment Allowance will be provided as soon the longterm placement is deemed suitable and stable. As a guide the time frame for a long-term placement is one month or more (for short-term placements/interim orders, ie. less than one month, please refer to the Additional Outfitting category below). A child or young person subject to a Temporary Assessment Order (TAO) or Court Assessment Order (CAO) is not eligible for this payment (please refer to the Additional Outfitting below). If however, the child on the TAO or CAO is subsequently placed on an order, the Establishment Allowance is to be provided as soon as practicable once a long-term placement is arranged. Guardians under section 61 (f) (i) and (ii), of the Child Protection Act 1999 are not eligible for financial support under this category. This allowance is not conditional on a case plan and receipts are not required, but it should be noted in the case plan that the payment has been made. If a sibling group or multiple children or young people are simultaneously placed with the same carer for the first time, and all are subject to the custody or guardianship of the Chief Executive, each child or young person is eligible for this payment. This payment is processed through completion of a Purchase Order. The following categories will be covered in this policy: Carer Allowance - Establishment Allowance Carer Allowance - Start-up/Outfitting Allowance Client Support - Additional outfitting As a general rule items purchased for the child or young person with the Establishment Allowance remain the property of the child when changing placements or returning home and should therefore go with the child. 1. Carer Allowance - Establishment Allowance The Establishment Allowance is provided the first time a child or young person is subject to: • A Child Protection Order granting custody or guardianship to the Chief Executive under the Child Protection Act 1999; or • Entering guardianship under the Adoption of Children Act 1964. 2. Carer Allowance - Start-up/Outfitting Allowance The Start-up/Outfitting Allowance is provided to carers in receipt of the Fortnightly Caring Allowance. The Establishment Allowance is a one-off payment made to a carer for a child or young person when they come into care for the first time. However, this payment can also be used The purpose of this allowance is to provide financial support to carers for initial set up costs to establish appropriate accommodation and resources for a new placement greater than 5 night’s duration. At the discretion of the CSSC manager, the Start-up/Outfitting Allowance can be provided for placements less than 5 nights . 18 . foster care reporter : : issue 365 : : APRIL 2009 16/4/09 3:37:46 PM in duration depending on child need and the individual circumstances of the carer. This allowance is not paid in relation to dual placements, that is, for dual placements greater than 5 nights only the support carer who provides respite and support, receives the Start-up/ Outfitting Allowance. Guardians under section 61 (f) (i) and (ii), of the Child Protection Act 1999 are not eligible for financial support under this category. This allowance is processed through the Carepay System and payment forms are to be noted accordingly. Receipts are not required to substantiate expenses covered by this allowance. 3. Client Support - Additional outfitting Predictive day to day or reasonable outfitting expenses, including school uniforms, are included in the Fortnightly Caring Allowance. For the purchase of school uniforms or school related clothing under extraordinary or emergent circumstances please refer to the Child Related Costs - Education Support policy. The purpose of this category is to provide financial support for a child or young person to enable the purchase of non-school related clothing in extraordinary or emergent circumstances. Examples may include, but are not limited to: • a child or young person arriving at, or returning to, a placement with little or no clothing/belongings; • maternity clothing for a young woman in out-of-home care who is pregnant; • a child or young person suffering from a medical condition causing extreme weight gain or loss (where the High Support Needs Allowance is not provided); • loss of clothing, ie theft; • a period of rapid growth; • a young person is living independently and: • they possess insufficient income to adequately outfit themselves; or • they are ineligible for the Youth Allowance. (Young persons living independently aged 15 and above should be accessing the Youth Allowance through Centrelink.) Provision of support under this category is paid at the discretion of the delegated officer. This payment is based on the needs of the child or young person at the time and must be noted or included in a case plan. As a guide, payments should generally not exceed $250.00. To be eligible for payments under this category, a child or young person must be subject to: • a signed assessment or child protection care agreement; • a signed voluntary care agreement or adoption consent; or • a child protection order granting custody or guardianship to the chief executive. Guardians under section 61 (f) (i) and (ii), of the Child Protection Act 1999 are not eligible for financial support under this category. The only exception is guardians under section 61 (f) (i) and (ii) of the Act, granted guardianship prior to the approval of this policy and in receipt of pre-approved child related costs for outfitting expenses, may be subject to transitional arrangements. A young person who is subject to a guardianship order under section 61 (f) (i) and (ii), of the Child Protection Act 1999 may be eligible for support under this category, when they are no longer residing with and being supported by the guardian. In these circumstances, a review of the young person’s protective needs must be undertaken to determine the appropriateness of the order. Personal Assets: When a child or young person leaves a placement: As a general rule all clothing, gifts and personal items purchased for the child or young person should go with the child or young person to their next placement, when they transition from care, or return home to their family. However, in cases where a carer purchases shared items or gifts for the carer family, these items need to be detailed in the child’s case plan and their status agreed on with the CSO as these items will stay with the carer. Such items may include, but are not limited to: • bedding/towels; • bunk beds; • book shelves; and • swing sets. In order to facilitate this, carers should be encouraged to maintain a personal assets list in order to assist them with managing items purchased for the children and young people in their care. Delegations: The following officers are able to approve the case decision to provide carer payments. Deputy Director-General Executive Director, Child Safety Services Division Executive Director, Policy and Programs Division Director, Statewide Services Zonal Director Manager, Child Safety Service Centre Manager, After Hours Service Centre . 19 . Foster Care Reporter april 2009.indd 21-22 Links Related legislation or standards: Financial Administration and Audit Act 1977 Financial Management Standard 1997 Child Protection Act 1999 Family Services Act 1987 Related Government guidelines: Related departmental policy: Child Related Costs – Medical Child Related Costs – Carer Support Child Related Costs – Client Support Child Related Costs – Travel Child Related Costs – Education Support Fortnightly Caring Allowance and interstate foster payments Regional and Remote Loading for Carers Dual Fostering Allowance High Support Needs Allowance Complex Support Needs Allowance Ex-gratia – special payments – compensation for property loss, damage or personal injury caused by clients of the Department Placement in alternative care: contingency placements using commercial accommodation Placement and Support Packages (PASPs) for children and young people in alternative care Expenses – General Policy Expenses – Payment Methods Financial Delegations Operation of the Case Management protocol between Commonwealth agencies and State/Territory welfare authorities for unsupported young people and the provision of youth support payment Statement of Commitment between Department of Child Safety and the Foster Carers of Queensland, 2006 Forms: Request for Reimbursement of Child Related Costs Foster Care Placement – Addition and Deletion Advice Care Agreement Rescinded policies: Reference Guide to Child Related and Program Related Costs 230-2 Expenses – Child Related Costs - Outfitting Norelle Deeth Director-General CHILDREN’S RAZZ-MA-TAZZ BEING HELD AT BRISBANE CONVENTION & EXHIBITION CENTRE THERE ARE ONLY 2 SESSIONS: 25th APRIL 12.00pm 25th APRIL 3.00pm PLEASE CALL THE OFFICE 3268 5955 FOR TICKETS 7TH ANNUAL CHILDREN’S CIRCUS EXTRAVAGANZA BEING HELD AT YIMBEN PARK, PADSTOW ROAD, SUNNYBANK SESSION TIMES AS FOLLOWS: SATURDAY 16th MAY 11.ooam, 2.oopm, 5.00pm SUNDAY 17th MAY 10.00am, 1.00pm PLEASE CALL THE OFFICE 3268 5955 FOR TICKETS . 20 . foster care reporter : : issue 365 : : APRIL 2009 16/4/09 3:37:47 PM KIDS SCIENCE QUESTIONS... Q:Explain one of the processes by which water can be made safe to drink. A: Flirtation makes water safe to drink because it removes large pollutants like grit, sand, dead sheep and canoeists. Q:What happens to a boy when he reaches puberty? A: He says good-bye to his boyhood and looks forward to his adultery. Q:Name a major disease associated with cigarettes. A: Death Q:How is dew formed? A: The sun shines down on the leaves and makes them perspire. Q:How are the main parts of the body Q:How can you delay milk turning sour? categorized? (e.g. abdomen) A: The body is consisted into three A: Keep it in the cow. parts -- the brainium, the borax and the abdominal cavity contains Q:What causes the tides in the oceans? the five bowels, A, E, I, O and U. A: The tides are a fight between the Earth and the Moon. All water Q:What is the fibula? tends to flow towards the moon, A: A small lie. because there is no water on the moon, and nature hates a vacuum. Q:What does ‘vaircose’ mean? I forget where the sun joins in A: Nearby. this fight. Q:What are steroids? A: Things for keeping carpets still on the stairs. Q:What happens to your body as you age? A: When you get old, so do your bowels and you get intercontinental. Q:Give the meaning of the term ‘Caesarean Section’. A: The Caesarean Section is a district in rome. Q:What does the word ‘benign’ mean? A: Benign is what you will be after you be eight. . 21 . Foster Care Reporter april 2009.indd 23-24 CONTACT LIST F.A.S.T AREAS DELEGATES Phone mobile email ALDERLEY Hazel Little 3851 0867 0412 457 705 little_hm@bigpond.com ALDERLEY Trude Mykkeltvedt 3366 5085 0421 342 076 trude.mykkeltvedt@gmail.com BEENLEIGH Naomi Willys 3200 5468 0402 451 580 naomij66@optusnet.com.au BROWNS PLAINS BEAUDESERT Vivien O’Mullane BROWNS PLAINS BEAUDESERT Janice Cormick 3805 3667 0414 684 657 jbcormick@optusnet.com.au BUNDABERG Nico & Cressida Toorenburg Cressida 0417 634 167 Nico 0417 634 167 ntoorenb@bigpond.net.au CABOOLTURE David Davidson 5497 6645 0438 720 116 davidd1@bigpond.net.au CABOOLTURE Jane McMillan 3385 5853 0422 584 080 camelot1956@optusnet.com.au CAIRNS/ATHERTON Cassandra Ella 4057 7983 0409 405 778 micella@bigpond.net.au CAIRNS Elizabeth Thaiday 4041 3582 0434 105 531 CHERMSIDE Lori Davidson 3312 4472 0419 753 735 loridavidson@optusnet.com.au GOLD COAST Lisa Reid 5502 7598 0422 720 881 lisareid@tpg.com.au GOLD COAST Rebecca Taylor 5563 3304 0438 792 951 beck_taylor@bigpond.com GYMPIE Shirley Sherrard 5488 0806 0439 677 696 shirleysherrard@hotmail.com INALA Cheryal Pates 3372 4134 IPSWICH NORTH Lorri Roll 5465 6927 0412 180 058 lorriroll@hotmail.com IPSWICH SOUTH Andy Vestey 3389 7255 0417 927 824 darrea@optusnet.com.au LOGAN lyn Wolfe 3808 1835 0416 759 397 lfwolfe@bigpond.net.au LOGAN Karen McClary 3411 0146 0418 191 681 mcclary@optusnet.com.au MACKAY Cherelle Brown 0417 909 924 garcamdan@bigpond.com MARYBOROUGH Barbara Harris 4122 3027 PALM ISLAND Ili Dabea 4770 1171 0488 528 243 i.dabea@hotmail.com PINE RIVERS Elizabeth Anderson 3205 1754 0488 074 585 lizand58@yahoo.com.au REDCLIFFE Cheryl Gill 3204 2145 0419 738 871 gill2000@froggy.com.au REDLANDS/WYNNUM Carol Cock 3134 0427 0421 252 268 carolcock@optusnet.com.au SOUTH BURNETT John Dow 4163 3238 STONES CORNER Rosemary Pearse 3848 8160 0407 384 603 rosepearse@optusnet.com.au SUNSHINE COAST Joan Sullivan 5443 9686 0412 120 176 jopetsul@tadaust.org.au sunshine coast Georgia Fraser 5444 4546 0401 522 152 georgia@solutions.org.au TOOWOOMBA Mary Lavers 4696 2135 TOOWOOMBA Saskia Smith 4691 2924 TOWNSVILLE Catherine Watts 4778 3778 trishtrish35@hotmail.com TOWNSVILLE John O’Leary 4724 1593 deb.john1@bigpond.com 0407 180 747 . 22 . cheryl1@msn.com bha13055@bigpond.net.au john.dow@fcq.com marylav@primus.com.au 0428 912 924 saskiasmith@bigpond.com foster care reporter : : issue 365 : : APRIL 2009 16/4/09 3:37:48 PM