2024 Foster and Kinship Care Conference
Exit Interview Report 2022 - 2023
This report brings Queensland Foster and Kinship Care to the end of our fifteenth year managing the Exit Interview Program. For this report QFKC has maintained the breakdown of regions.
Reports are available for download by region are as follows:
My Life in Care Survey Report
The results obtained by the recent My Life in Care Survey give us a greater understanding of, and insight into the lives of children and young people in the child protection system in Queensland.
Exit Interview Report 2021 - 2022
This report brings Queensland Foster and Kinship Care to the end of our fourteenth year managing the Exit Interview Program. For this report QFKC has maintained the breakdown of regions.
Reports are available for download by region are as follows:
2022 Carer Survey Report
QFKC would like to thank all cares that participated in the 2022 Foster and Kinship carer survey. The reports have now been published and are available for viewing. Please follow the link to read a copy of the overall Executive Summary and then 6 Regional Reports where we have broken down the data to support carers and the sector in understanding the results in the context of their own area.
Please note that the Regional reports available to the public have been filtered, all comments have been removed to ensure confidentiality of participants and children.
Click here to download the Executive Summary Report
Click here to download the Brisbane and Moreton Region Report
Click here to download the Far North Qld Region Report
Click here to download the North Qld Region Report
Click here to download the Sunshine Coast & Central Qld Region Report
Exit Interview Report 2020 - 2021
This report brings Queensland Foster and Kinship Care to the end of our thirteenth year managing the Exit Interview Program. For this report QFKC has maintained the breakdown of regions.
Reports are available for download by region are as follows:
Exit Interview Report 2019 - 2020
This report brings Queensland Foster and Kinship Care to the end of our twelfth year managing the Exit Interview Program. For this report QFKC has maintained the breakdown of regions.
Reports are available for download by region are as follows:
2020 Carer Survey Report
From September to December 2020, a total of 1139 carers in Queensland completed our carer survey which seeks to understand carers’ experiences from both data related feedback and comments from carers. The data related feedback helps to develop a clear visual picture from the carer community and the comments provide carers with an opportunity to expand on the data informed feedback..
QFKC would like to thank every carer who has contributed by way of completing the 2020 Carer Survey; these reports provide invaluable insight into the system and help the system to continue to reflect on what is working well and where our challenges lie.
Click here to download the Executive Summary Report
Click here to download the Central Region Report
Click here to download the Moreton Region Report
Click here to download the Northern Qld Region Report
Click here to download the South East Region Report
Click here to download the South West Region Report
COVID - 19 Carer Survey Results
Queensland Foster and Kinship Care undertook a quick survey to gather information relating to carer household experiences during the unprecendented times that have come with COVID-19.
The COVID-19 crisis has brought with it unchartered territory in the Child Protection System and QFKC wanted to know what has been difficult and what has actually worked well for the carer community.
Click here to download the survey results
2019 Carer Forum Feedback
Between the 4th of June to the 16th of October QFKC ran nine carer forums which took place across all five regions. We have collated the feedback which is provided in the below attachment:
2018 Carer Survey Report
During the second half of 2018, Foster and Kinship Carers in Qld were invited to participate in the 2018 Carer Survey faciliated by Foster Care Qld.
760 Carers completed this suvey and the survey results are detailed in the attachments below:
Click here to download the Executive Summary Report
Click here to download the Central Region Report
Click here to download the Moreton Region Report
Click here to download the Northern Region Report
Financial Survey Report
The Crime and Misconduct Commission made 110 recommendations as part of their extensive review into the Child Protection system in 2003, two of these recommendations related to reimbursement to carers for the cost of care as follows:
Recommendation 7.32
That Foster carers receive appropriate remuneration to cover the actual costs of caring for a child, as well as receiving additional payments to attend training as required and pay the associated costs of child care and transport for such training
Recommendation 7.34
That the allocation of any additional payments (eg child-related expenses, high support needs allowance) be on a needs basis, rather than on regional resource allocations....
To view details click the titles below.
Road Safety
Services Australia Support
Please find below the Fact Sheet for support for grandparents, foster carers, kinship carers and other non-parent carers of children:
NOFASD Australia
Did you know - Any alcohol consumed when pregnant passes directly to the developing baby and can damage their brain, body, and organs. It can also lead to Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD), a lifelong disability.
New resources developed by NOFASD Australia as part of the Every Moment Matters Campaign are available to support people involved in out-of-home care as they play a central role in recognising and supporting the needs of children and young people with FASD. Access the resources here.
Please help spread the word by sharing this information with your colleagues, family, and friends. Learn more about the campaign here.
In this webinar, caregivers of children with FASD talk about how the resources for families and people working within the out of home sector will make a difference to help raise awareness and understanding of FASD and assist to get the best outcomes for children at risk of FASD. Watch the webinar here.
Gender Identity Information
The Qld Children's Hospital has put together some documents in regards to gender identity. For further information please click on the links below:
Transition to Independence
Have you heard of Sortli? An App all about ‘How to Adult’ designed by young people for young people
Sortli (short for ‘sort out your life’) is a free mobile app for young people to help them with their transition to adulthood. It focuses on eight key areas of identity, relationships, finding a place to live, health, finances, gaining education and looking for a job, legal matters and general living skills. Sortli is full of useful information and tools (including a budget calculator) to help young people on their way to becoming adults. Sortli was developed by young people who were growing into adulthood from the foster, kinship and residential care backgrounds but is relevant for all young people on the journey to adulthood.
Young people can use Sortli independently or assisted by carers, parents or support workers as part of their planning for adulthood. Download Sortli from the app stores now or for more information head to:http://createyourfuture.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/Sortli-Worker-Flyer_Generic2018.pdf
You can also check out a video about Sortli here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rnw78HOu5C8
Why use sortli?
• Fun and easy-to-navigate
• Access to links and resources for everything young people need to think of when becoming an adult
• Goal lists to set personal goals and milestones to keep track of progress and celebrate successes
• A budget calculator to help young people to manage their finances and ensure their income covers their expenses
• Helps to engage young people to think about their future goals and how they see themselves living as independent adults in their community
• Free download for iPhone, Android or Microsoft
For more information contact:
Paris Hambridge@CREATE Foundation (, 02 9267 1999)
Strategic Plan 2018 - 2022
Carer Connect - Partners in care
Carer Connect is a web and mobile friendly app being developed to provide carers with improved access to information and support.
For more information download the Carer Connect flyer
Helping with the cost of early childhood education
From 1 July 2017, foster and kinship carers will receive a minimum gap cost payment of at least $40 per week ($2000 per year) for each child attending an approved early childhood education program.
Sarah McMurtrie’s Articles, Tips and Ideas to Support Carers, Parents, Caseworkers and Teachers
Sarah McMurtrie is a teacher, writer and imminent psychologist specialising in supporting traumatised children and adolescents. Sarah is also the author of UNTWIST which is a trauma informed care tool designed to facilitate meaningful connection and communication with displaced children, especially adolescents aged 10 to 17 years.
Below are some links and also articles which Sarah has shared:
Helping Children to Regulate Their Emotions Fact Sheet
Useful Links:
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WHO |
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PROFESSIONALS |
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Brene Brown |
Explores effects of Shame. Researched based. Great ideas to consider |
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Dan Siegel |
Supports our understanding of children’s behaviour- with a great hand/brain model of what happens when students ‘flip out’- Enhances self awareness/emotional regulation. Author of :‘ No Drama Discipline’ + ‘ Parenting from the Inside Out’ |
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gm9CIJ74Oxw https://themindfulclassroom.wordpress.com/category/the-brain
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Dan Siegel |
Connecting to Calm- A must see if you have a teenager! |
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Bruce Perry |
He’s Honey pot of sites and resources for children that have experienced trauma. |
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Dan Hughes |
PACE model. (Therapeutic Care)- holds workshops in Australia- worth seeing! |
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Josh Shipp |
Great ted talks. (Previously a child in care- focus on supporting teens) |
http://joshshipp.com/one-caring-adult/
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Amy Cubby |
Power of positive body posture |
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ORGANISATIONS |
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Australian Childhood Foundation |
Check their resources page- free to down load |
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The Child Trauma Academy |
Posts useful info |
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The Australian Child & Adolescent Trauma, Loss and Grief Network |
Posts useful info |
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Science of the Greater Good |
Worth subscribing to great useful emails. |
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SCHOOL |
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Calmer Classrooms |
Make sure your child’s school/ teacher have these resources |
http://www.ccyp.vic.gov.au/childsafetycommissioner/downloads/calmer_classrooms.pdf. http://suelarkey.com.au/shop (lots of OT resources: chew stixx, pencil toppers, Fidgipods)- worth subscribing to her mailing list- lots of good ideas. http://www.mindfulschools.org check out the short films- “Room to Breathe” |
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ENVIRONMENT |
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Environments have the ability to change our mood. McDonalds or a candle lit dinner? Our tummy gets full either way but the experience is different. Lighting, furniture, music + sensory tools can have a significant impact in a childs ability to calm/ self sooth. |
http://shopau.sensorytools.net Chat to your local OT. Most have great sites or resources to share- worth asking them! |
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MINDFULNESS |
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Websites |
Supports children’s ability to be Calm, present + engaged. |
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=-yJPcdiLEkI( Mindfulness in schools) http://www.mentalstillness.org/mental-stillness-learning-project ( Sydney Uni mindfulness in school project) http://smilingmind.com.au/education-program https://www.pinterest.com/search/pins/?q=mindfulness%20activities |
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APPS |
FREE. There are 100’s – the following are worth starting with… |
Calm ( image: word calm in white writing) Headspace ( image: orange dot), Smiling Mind ( Image: cloud- smile) Relax Melodies (Image: moon. Has good sleep stories), Happify ( Image: letter ‘h’) Colourfly ( Image: swan) |
Get Started - Funding to Help Kids Participate
Get Started is one of three funding programs that comprise the Queensland Government’s Get in the Game initiative to support sport and recreation at the grassroots level. Get Started assists children and young people who can least afford, or may otherwise benefit from, joining a sport or recreation club.
Sport and Recreation Services (SRS) have advised that they have funding available for up to $150 to eligible children and young people (5 years to 17 years inclusive), which can help pay for the cost of sport or recreation club membership, and/or participation fees through registered Get Started Vouchers clubs.
The full details are available and eligibility requirements are outlined by clicking on the following online link link or viewing the Fact Sheet below
Please note:
The vouchers are issued on a first come, first serve basis. Once they have been allocated for the round, then the round closes. It is recommended to submit referral applications as quickly as possible to avoid missing out.
Carer Business Discount Card
Your Carer Business Discount Card gives you access to great savings and services at thousands of participating businesses across the state. Keeps your car running smoothly, get a great price on your home insurance, or enjoy a discounted night out.
The History of Foster Care Queensland
In the latter part of 1975, an inaugural meeting of representatives from localised Foster Parent Support Groups (FPSGs) was held to discuss the advantages of forming a State-based Association that could act as a liaison body between foster parents, government departments and voluntary organisations, and in the process, activate positive systemic change across the Queensland child protection continuum.
Four decades has passed since the registration and formalisation of the Association. In that time a number of sociocultural, political and legislative shifts occurred as a result of pertinent information coming to light that signalled the necessity for change within the Queensland child protection sector. With informed foresight, the Association acknowledged the necessity to follow suit; diversifying service provision and adjusting operational foci in order to remain a viable and enterprising peak body operating with the Queensland child protection system.
'The History of Foster Care Queensland' Report represents the culmination of extensive qualitative research into the progressive organisational development of Foster Care Queensland [Incorporated] (FCQ). The research covers the timeframe from the organisation's official inception in 1976 till the present day.
Principal Researcher: Vikki Wilkes
The History of Foster Care in Queensland
In Queensland, before the notion of foster care was conceptualised, children requiring care were placed in large government run or government subsidised denominational institutions. These institutions consisted of hospitals, orphanages, and industrial and reformatory schools (Department of Children's Services, 1979; Office of Economic and Statistical Research, 2009). There were growing concern for the health and wellbeing of children living in these environments with opponents describing their influence as "drawfing children and causing them to degenerate into mere hacnines" and "breeding contagious moral diseases such as vice and crime" (Queensland Parliament. Record of Proceedings, August 19, 1875). This report details what has influenced and shaped foster care from its early beginnings to today.
Principal Researcher: Elizabeth Bowerman
The Impacts of Fostering on Foster Carers Children
An International Literature Review
This review of the international research on the impact of fostering on foster carers’ children was undertaken in order to identify the ways in which carers’ children might be more effectively prepared and supported when their families are fostering.
This review of the international research on the impact of fostering on foster carers’children was undertaken in order to identifythe ways in which carers’ children might bemore effectively prepared and supportedwhen their families are fostering.
Children Who Foster Report
Queensland Foster and Kinship Care (formally known as Foster Care Qld) is committed to representing Foster and Kinship Carer families, where too often there is focus on the impact of fostering on Foster and Kinship Carers and little regard or thought occurs for Natural children who find themselves in a family who has decided to care for other people’s children.......
Grandparents and relative carers who raise and care for children
Grandparents and carers who take on the responsibility of caring for children may face a number of challenges and find their life has changed. This new caring role may be taken on, for example, as a result of parental disability, death, imprisonment, substance abuse and child neglect, abuse or abandonment.
For more information about assistance available for grandparents and carers who raise and care for children, you can
- Visit the Centrelink website
- Refer to the Are you a Grandparent or relative caring for children brochure
- phone the Family Assistance Office on 13 6150
- visit your nearest Family Assistance Office at a Centrelink Customer Service Centre.
Statement of Commitment
The Statement of Commitment between the Department of Child Safety, foster care services and the carers of Queensland, reflects the importance of sharing our responsibilities and respecting each other's rights in providing the necessary services that keep children and young people safe from harm.
Click the headings below to view our useful links.
YCSS - Support Services for Foster and Kinship Carers
YCSS is a licensed, fee-for-service organisation providing specialist wrap-around support to children, young people, and families. At YCSS, we believe every child, young person, and family can thrive with the right environment, opportunity, and support. We support children, young people, and families through our therapeutic programs - Youth Konnections, Keeping Kids at Home (KKAT) and Quality Connection Counselling (QCC). Youth Konnections is a residential care program that supports children and young people in out-of-home care.
Ask Izzy
Ask Izzy is an online directory of more than 400,000 community services across Australia.
Ask Izzy is free and simple to use, and it lists a broad range of services, including parenting support, drug and alcohol services, homelessness services, and emergency relief. Ask Izzy is useful for anyone looking for support, but it’s also a valuable resource for professionals who work with people in need to connect them with help.
If you, or someone you know, needs a helping hand, a search of Ask Izzy can connect you to a community service nearby.
Child Safety After Hours - 1300 729 309
Foster and Kinship Carers are invited to contact Child Safety After Hours for any urgent matters outside the departmental office hours.
This number is operated from 4pm to 11pm weekdays and 7.30am to 11.30pm on weekends.
Foster and Kinship Care Recruitment
Queensland Foster and Kinship Care provides support to all Foster and Kinship Carers in Queensland. View the Support for Foster and Kinship Carers video:
All Foster and Kinship Carers receive initial and ongoing training. Have a look at the Training for Foster Carers video to see how it works:
The Department of Children, Youth Justice and Multicultural Affairs is the lead government agency in Queensland in Child Protection and are responsible for the care and protection of all Queensland children. View the Working Together video to see how Child Safety works together with an extensive care team to recruit, train and support non-government support services in Foster and Kinship Care:
Family and Child Connect ready to help vulnerable families
The first seven Family and Child Connect services are now operating across Queensland. These community-based services will assist vulnerable families to get the help they need by connecting them to the right services at the right time, before Child Safety needs to intervene.
Family and Child Connect is now operating in the following locations:
Gold Coast
21 Tallebudgera Creek Road, West Burleigh
Service provided by Act for Kids
Sunshine Coast (including Gympie)
33 Dalton Drive, Maroochydore
Service provided by Act for Kids
Logan
6 Bindi Street, Logan Central
Service provided by The Benevolent Society
Beenleigh/Bayside
Unit 2, 59 Alamein Street, Beenleigh
Service provided by The Benevolent Society
Toowoomba (with a satellite service in Roma)
Toowoomba: 104 South Street, Rangeville
Roma: Maranoa Regional Council (The Hub), Corner Bungil and Quintin Streets, Roma
Service provided by Mercy Family Services/Lifeline Darling Downs
Townsville
111 Charters Towers Road, Hermit Park
Service provided by Mercy Family Services/Palm Island Community Company
Services will be rolled out in another 13 locations in two phases from July 2015 and January 2016.
To contact Family and Child Connect, call 13FAMILY or 13 32 64.
Children in care at greater risk academically
Children in care are less likely to achieve nationally agreed literacy and numeracy standards when compared with all students in Australia, according to a new report released today by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW).
'Children in care' are children and young people with children's court ordered care arrangements, where parental responsibility has been transferred to a state or territory government.
The report, Educational outcomes for children in care: linking 2013 child protection and NAPLAN data, linked data from the Child Protection National Minimum Data Set and the National Assessment Program―Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN) to explore the academic performance of children in care, and included over 3,500 children in care (aged between 7 and 17) from 6 states and territories (NSW, Vic, WA, Tas, ACT and NT).
'To date, there has been very limited national information available on the educational outcomes of children in care, so this report covers new ground,' said AIHW spokesperson Justine Boland.
NAPLAN assesses students on reading, writing, spelling, grammar and punctuation, and numeracy skills, measured against agreed national minimum standards (NMS) for Years 3, 5, 7 and 9. Children whose scores fall below these benchmarks are likely to have difficulty making satisfactory progress at school.
Across the 5 assessment domains and 4 year levels, 44-83% of children in care achieved the NMS, while 17-56% did not. The proportions of children who achieved the NMS were lower among older children, with 74-82% of students achieving the NMS for Year 3, and 44-69% for Year 9.
When compared to all children in Australia, children in care were 13 to 39 percentage points lower across literacy and numeracy domains, a gap which increased from 13-20 percentage points for Year 3 students to 24-39 percentage points for Year 9 students.
'When interpreting these results, it's important to note that the academic achievement of children in care is likely to be affected by complex personal histories and multiple forms disadvantage, including poverty, maltreatment, family dysfunction and instability in care and schooling,' Ms Boland said.
'Because of this, children often already have low academic performance when first entering care.'
The AIHW is a major national agency set up by the Australian Government to provide reliable, regular and relevant information and statistics on Australia's health and welfare.
Canberra, 21 October 2015
Click Here to Dowload the Educational Outcomes for Children in Care Report
To view details click the titles below.
Grandparent Advisers
Grandparent Advisers provide extra support for non-parent carers, including grandparents, foster carers and kinship carers who have taken on parental responsibilities for children.
Click Here to find out more.
Family Caring for Family
If Child Safety becomes involved with a family related to you, and they are talking with you about the possibility of being formally approved to care for the children, then this information guide is for you.
This guide draws on their experiences and thoughts to help you decide whether you can support your family by caring for children related to you.
Click here to download the Information Guide for Kinship Carers
