Services

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Peak Body

The Foster and Kinship Carers Association NT is the peak body providing support, advice and advocacy services to the Northern Territory’s foster and kinship carers.

As a peak body, we represent the voices of foster and kinship carers to government and other decision-makers to ensure that carers are supported as they take on one of the most challenging and rewarding roles in our community. Our carers have a range of experiences and it is our role to make sure that the out-of-home-care sector supports carers and children adequately through their caring journey.

By joining the association, you are contributing to our strong and united voice advocating for carers and for a better out-of-home care system.

Advocacy

Advocacy is a process of supporting and enabling people to: express their views and concerns, access information and services, defend and promote their rights and responsibilities, and explore choices and options.
Foster and Kinship Carers Association NT provide two forms of advocacy: 
INDIVIDUAL and SYSTEMIC advocacy
INDIVIDUAL ADVOCACY is where we work one-on-one with our members to address and resolve any concerns you have in your caring journey. We ensure your voice is heard and that you are respected and supported every step of the way when raising important issues and concerns. Our advocates are experienced in the out-of-home-care sector and have a range of professional qualifications including mediation and government investigations

SYSTEMIC ADVOCACY aims to create change for all carers by lobbying and influencing government to change legislation and policies that directly affect carers.
We understand that meeting within standard business hours does not suit all carers so we will make every effort to meet with you in person, over the phone or through our virtual advocacy portals at a time that suits you best.

At Foster and Kinship Carers Association NT we strive to achieve the best outcomes for our carers.
If you wish to speak to an advocate to discuss any concerns you may have, or need further guidance please arrange an appointment by submitting an online enquiry.

Carer Support

One of our most important functions as a peak body, is providing support to our carers.


Our Carer Support Case Managers are available to discuss any issues that arise during your caring experience. We can also refer you for specialist help and support or just link you up with other foster families who understand your experience.


We facilitate peer support networks and social opportunities for carers throughout the year as well as training on various topics. Check out our Events and Training page for upcoming dates.


If you would like support in attending a meeting with Territory Families, Housing and Communities – whether it’s as simple as meeting a new case manager or for a more complex reason – our Advocates and Carer Support Case Managers are able to attend and support you at these meetings. No meeting is too big or small; if you’d like support, we are here to help.


If you need to talk to our Carer Support Case Managers, please contact us .

Carer Advisory Group

The Carer Advisory Group is a panel of carer members who represent carers and provide expertise input to government and other decision-makers.

The goals of the Carer Advisory Group are to:

 

  • Provide comment and advice on policy, legislation or other matters referred by Territory Families, Housing and Communities
  • Identify issues and seek solutions to influence positive change for the out-of-home-care sector
  • Help develop better partnerships and positive outcomes for children and young people in care

 

Experienced carers on this advisory panel have been delivering foster care for 5 to 15 years and all have a common interest of ensuring the voices of carers are recognised, valued and respected.

Peer Support Networks

Monthly Carer Connection Dinner

Foster and Kinship Carers Association NT understand that no one can relate better to your carer experience than another carer! 


Monthly Carer Connection Dinners are peer support groups facilitated by our Carer Support Case Managers for carers, new and experienced, to connect, support each other and take a much-deserved break. 

“I like coming to Carer Parent Group as we get to connect with other carers and it’s nice to have a casual morning to break up the week. It’s good to have a coffee and a chat, especially when life is so busy with kids. It’s also a great opportunity for my kids to have a play. It’s nice to learn about issues that are going on and about what I can get help with if there is a problem and also to find out about policy changes as they occur.” 

- Lexi, Foster Carer, Darwin Region.

To find out when the next Monthly Carer Connection Dinner is, check out our Facebook page  or contact our Carer Support Case Managers.

Trauma Informed Behavioral Support Program

New Service for GDR Carers

The Trauma Informed Behavioural support program is designed to provide assistance to carers who are facing the complex behavioural needs of the children under their care. This program offers education, support, and strategies to help carers better understand and respond to children from a trauma informed perspective. It aims to support carers who are encountering difficulties in managing a child or young person's complex behaviour, as well as situations where there has been a sudden escalation or change in behaviour. Additionally, the program can assist newly authorised carers in understanding trauma informed caregiving and to support new placements.

By adopting a trauma-informed caring approach, caregivers can create an environment that promotes healing, growth, and recovery for children who have experienced trauma. It helps to avoid re-traumatisation and supports individuals in their journey towards resilience and well-being.


Trauma Informed Caring

Trauma-informed caring is an approach that acknowledges and addresses the impact of trauma on individuals' lives and behaviours. It involves creating a safe and supportive environment that fosters healing, empowerment, and resilience for those who have experienced trauma. In this approach, caregivers are supported in understanding the prevalence and effects of trauma, as well as how it can manifest in different behaviours and responses. The goal is to establish an atmosphere of safety, trust, and collaboration, where children feel respected, validated, and understood.


Key principles of trauma-informed caring include:

1. Safety: Prioritising physical and emotional safety for children, ensuring they feel secure and supported.

2. Trustworthiness: Building trust through clear communication, consistency, and transparency in actions and decisions.

3. Choice and collaboration: Involving children in decision-making processes and respecting their autonomy and preferences.

4. Empowerment: Supporting children in building skills, resilience, and self-advocacy to regain control over their lives.

5. Cultural sensitivity: Recognising and respecting the diverse backgrounds, experiences, and cultural contexts of children.

6. Understanding trauma's impact: Being aware of the potential effects of trauma on children’s behaviours, emotions, and relationships.


Referral

A referral can be made by carer self-referral, FKCANT or TFHC case managers or external support agency. The program is currently only available to Greater Darwin TFHC volunteer carers. The referral form can be accessed below using the button. Please send completed referrals to info@fkca.org.au. Referrals will be assessed and accepted on a case-by-case basis. Once a referral is accepted the Behavioural Support Practitioner will arrange a case consultation with the referrer.


Behavioural Support Practitioner

·        Bachelor of Behavioural Science

·        Graduate Certificate in Developmental Trauma

·        Graduate Diploma in Family and Relationship Counselling

·        15 years + Territory Families, Housing and Communities experience in Child Protection, Out of Home Care and Carer and Staff training.


The service is not:

·        Child counselling or psychological assessment

·        Case Management 


Self-Referral Form Download Referral Form Download
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