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The essential elements of therapeutic foster care – Research brief

This Research Briefing describes a working set of essential elements that underpin effective Therapeutic Foster Care.

Making sense of complex and challenging behaviours

An inability to understand trauma-based behaviours often sees young people ‘labelled’ in ways that can create a ‘spiral of negativity’. A trauma-informed approach orients us to be curious about what is going on for the young person rather than seeing their behaviour as separate from what has happened to them. This is one of the …

What is cultural safety?

This cultural safety framework for working with First Nations peoples holistically considers cultural, spiritual, and social connections as means to know and have relationships with cultural and family groups and places in Country, supporting children and families to maintain cultural knowledge, identity, and sense of belonging.

Karen’s story: Culture

Karen Lovett reflects on the impact of being removed from her culture into a white care system at 4 months old, and her experience of learning to accept and embrace her Aboriginality through her rediscovered culture and community nearly four decades later.

‘Tis the Season to be Jolly’ – but not for everyone

It’s all too easy to get wrapped up in the fun and happiness of Christmas and forget that, for others, the season isn’t necessarily a joyful one. For some the young people in the ITC system, Christmas has not been a happy time and can bring back difficult memories. Arguments, violence or aggression in the …

More than just a kid in care – Identity and Culture

This NAIDOC week, I have spent some time listening to the new, 4-part podcast series called “More Than Just a Kid in Care”. Written, produced and edited by young people who have grown up in care in NSW, the first episode explores “identity” and the importance of connection to culture. “I was missing the essence …