Helping Carers Helping Kids is a podcast series that provides additional information and insights on a range of topics to help foster and kinship carers in their important role.
Five of the Helping carers helping kids podcasts are hosted by writer, producer and comedian Brian Nankervis, who you might know from the SBS music trivia gameshow, RocKwiz.
If there are topics you would like to hear about or you have other suggestions on how we can inform you of things that impact on you and the children and young people in your care, please email alana.gibson@dhhs.vic.gov.au.
To access the podcasts, see the Helping Carers Helping Kids soundcloud where you can immediately listen to any of the podcasts listed below or download any of the podcasts to your computer or other device to listen in your own time. Alternatively you can access any podcast individually below.
Leaving care - insights from young adults who have left care
Hear from Ash, Sammi and Rhiannon, three young consultants from the CREATE Foundation who share their experiences of leaving care - the good and the not-so-good. Their insights can help us think about ways we can support our young people better, as they prepare to move out of care. With Brian Nankervis.
Child protection law reform: what it means for carers and young people in care
Hear from Helen Brain from the Department of Health and Human Services outlining the recent changes to the Child Youth and Families Act 2005, and how these changes impact carers.
Trauma-informed carers: insights from Richard Rose
Hear from international expert Richard Rose who visits us from the United Kingdom to talk about the work he does with carers. Richard draws from his extensive experience working in out-of-home care. Throughout his career, Richard has worked with children and young people, and their carers, with the aim of enabling placements to become healthy and nurturing through enhanced understanding and attachment. With Brian Nankervis.
Life Story Work with Richard Rose
This is part two of Brian’s interview with Richard. In this podcast, Richard talks more specifically about his passion for Life Story Work. Richard is the author of two books, including 'Life Story Therapy: A new therapy for traumatised children - A model for practice', published in 2012. In this interview, Richard shares his insights on Life Story Work. With Brian Nankervis.
Looking after Aboriginal children
Hear from Sue-Anne Hunter and Sarah Diplock from the Victorian Aboriginal Child Care Agency (VACCA) about the importance of keeping Aboriginal children and young people connected to their culture. Sue-Anne is a Wurundjeri woman and has worked at VACCA for fourteen years, undertaking senior roles within a number of programs from policy and project work to service delivery. Sarah is a foster carer of Aboriginal children who also coordinates VACCA’s Koori Youth and Children Programs. With Brian Nankervis.
Being Heard: how carers are informing child protection policies and processes
Hear from Leigh Hillman of the Foster Care Association of Victoria who informs us of the new carer advisory groups currently running across Victoria.
Improving Education Outcomes: the new LOOKOUT Education Support Centres
Hear from Ian Wren and Natasha Chidgey from the LOOKOUT Educational Support Centre and Kym Phillips, a foster carer for over 12 years. LOOKOUT Centres are a Department of Education and Training initiative that support children and young people in out-of-home care to complete their education and achieve their best. The centres will be established in all areas of Victoria by 2017. With Brian Nankervis.
Fostering Connections: campaign to attract new foster carers
Hear from Deb Tsorbaris, the Chief Executive Officer of The Centre for Excellence in Child and Family Welfare, the peak body for child and family services in Victoria. Deb talks about the campaign underway to attract more foster carers as a result of a partnership between Victorian foster care agencies, the Centre for Excellence in Child and Family Welfare and the Victorian Government.
Child Protection: Behind the scenes
Hear from Anne Mercovich and Helen Brain of the Department of Health and Human Services. Anne and Helen describe the work of child protection to help children and young people remain safely with their families and what happens when this is no longer possible.