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Supporting Carers and Kids

Hunter ACS is an Aboriginal NGO funded by DoCS and AGD, active since 1985. They focus on supporting Aboriginal carers and children, with Mr. Steve Larkins as the General Manager since 2000. The organization provides care, training, and support for carers, ensuring the well-being of children in their care. To learn more, visit www.hunteracs.org.au.

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Supporting Carers and Kids

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

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

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

  4. Hunter ACS’s growth since 2000

  5. Our Carers are VERY important

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

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

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

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

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

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

  12. Supporting Kids is VITAL

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

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

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

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

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

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

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