The Community Services Directorate has released a new handbook for kinship and foster carers, providing information on their role and responsibilities and who to contact for help and support.
The Directorate’s Carer Handbook was developed by Child and Youth Protection Services (CYPS) in partnership with ACT Together.
Consultation with kinship and foster carers and advocacy groups, such as Carers ACT, helped to inform the topics and information included.
Announcing the Handbook, Minister for Children, Youth and Families, Rachel Stephen-Smith said it covered topics such as what to expect as a carer, how to care for a child who had experienced trauma and how to manage the different aspects of care such as finance, health and education.
“Carers play a vital role in supporting the development and wellbeing of some of the most vulnerable children in Canberra,” Ms Stephen-Smith said.
“They open their hearts and homes to children and young people, and this brings a lot of joy but many challenges too.
“It is important carers have the right information and resources available to help them provide the guidance, care and support children need.”
She said it was also critical that carers know about the services and resources available to support their own wellbeing.
“The handbook includes information on the support services available and clear advice on how to give feedback and raise concerns,” Ms Stephen-Smith said.
Barnardo’s 2017 Mother of the Year, Selina Walker (pictured) said being a carer could feel overwhelming but was ultimately rewarding.
“One person cannot do this job alone, and nor are they expected to, which is why we all must have strong supports around us that can include friends, family, workers, services, Directorates and even pets to hold us up and help when needed,” Ms Walker, a Ngunnawal woman, said.
“This handbook has been developed to help guide carers and is filled with lots of useful information, tips, facts and advice.”
The 129-page Handbook can be accessed at this PS News link.
