This year's conference recognised the invaluable contributions of carers to the lives of children and young people in their care.
Image: Life Without Barriers carers and support staff at the Life Without Barriers booth.
The National Kinship, Permanent and Foster Care Conference 2024 (NCC) successfully brought together carers, staff, and presenters from across the country, culminating in a meaningful event held from 9-11 August at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre. This year's conference recognised the invaluable contributions of carers to the lives of children and young people in their care.
The annual event served as a platform to explore both current and emerging ideas on various important topics, such as education, kinship care, cultural care, and support for children and young people with disabilities.
Life Without Barriers staff and carers attended all three days and lead three key sessions aimed at engaging policy-makers, community leaders, researchers, advocates, practitioners, and carers.
Image: Anthony, Paulleen, and Shannon on stage before their presentation.
Life Without Barriers Sessions
Shannon Mackie, State Director Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Practice and Partnerships, and Anthony Raitman, Executive Director, Strategic Initiatives, Child, Youth and Family, led a session on Friday, 9 August, where they discussed the Life Without Barriers' Transformation Project with SNAICC.
They shared insights from the Life Without Barriers journey as the only community services organisation in Australia with an Elevate Reconciliation Action Plan, emphasising Life Without Barriers' commitment to stepping away from out-of-home care services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children.
Those in the session were also the first members of the public to see the Transition Roadmap to restore the cultural rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children to grow up connected to family, community, and culture, know who they are and where they belong.
Image: Shannon discussing the Life Without Barriers' Transition Roadmap.
Anthony said that being at the conference has really highlighted the importance of bringing carers together.
"We have 20 carers who have come together nationally. What we've learnt and what we're hearing in the work that we're doing is the peer support for carers is really critical to build resilience, to build support networks, to retain carers in their role for longer periods of time."
Emma Meale, Education Consultant, presented on Saturday, 10 August, and focused on the importance of education and the ongoing research Life Without Barriers is conducting to help children and young people reach their learning potential. Her session highlighted the organisation's vision of supporting children to build brighter futures through education.
Emma also shared that the Life Without Barriers Hook Into Books campaign is about to launch.
"It's my favourite time of the year always when Hook into Books comes around." Emma said.
"It's really exciting to make sure we get those books in into homes, send out the backpacks, host events."
"The purpose of Hook into Books is to to keep young people engaged in reading. Our data says that literacy rates are are a little lower for children in care. So we see it as really important to have books in the home and to encourage reading because reading can really take you places."
Learn more about Hook into Books.
Image: Chris Skinner leading a panel discussion with carers and staff from ozchild, Anglicare Victoria and Life Without Barriers.
Chris Skinner, Manager Practice Advancement & Implementation - MOCKINGBIRD FAMILY™, led a panel discussion later that day, showcasing the MOCKINGBIRD FAMILY™ model, which emphasises creating supportive communities for foster and kinship carers. The session underscored the positive outcomes experienced by carers and practitioners utilising this innovative approach.
Julie, a foster carer and home hub provider with Life Without Barriers, was also on the panel and spoke about her MOCKINGBIRD FAMILY™ experience.
"Just being able to talk to people about what's happening in your life, what's happening in your home with someone who gets it, is huge," Julie said.
Image: MOCKINGBIRD FAMILY™ carers and practitioners at the National Kinship, Permanent & Foster Care Conference.
Chris also put a call out to people interested in becoming carers and joining the program.
"We're looking for compassionate people that have a heart for children, particularly in the Ovens Murray Goulburn region in Victoria." He said.
Learn more about MOCKINGBIRD FAMILY™ in Victoria here.
"What you find is that you'll be supported by a community of carers, experienced carers that can help you guide through this journey of becoming a carer."
As well as a range of educational and interactive sessions, carers and staff attended several social events as well including a dinner at Melbourne's renowned Arts Centre.
Kylie Drummy, Director - Child, Youth and Family in Victoria, said the social events, presentations, and inspirational stories are so important for carer connection.
"The National Conference this year didn’t disappoint. It was so lovely to see so many of the Life Without Barriers carers attend, I had the opportunity to spend quality time with them and was able to hear their stories, this certainly was a highlight for me." Kylie said.
"The conference is an opportunity to celebrate the wonderful care and achievement for all carers across the country, it was terrific."
The Life Without Barriers booth was also a popular spot with badge making, keyrings and the chance to win a Haigh's Hamper.
Life Without Barriers was proud to be a Silver Sponsor of the National Kinship, Permanent and Foster Care Conference 2024.
Image: Ruby, Carer Community and Support Facilitator, handing a box of chocolates generously donated by Haigh's to foster carer and raffle winner Julie.
If you are considering becoming a carer, please find more information about your relevant state below:
Become a foster carer in New South Wales
Become a foster carer in South Australia
Become a foster carer in Tasmania
Become a foster carer in Victoria
Become a foster carer in Western Australia
