Foreword
AFCA Priorities
for Action in 2002–2003
Reporting
on Progress
Aboriginal
and Torres Strait Islander Care
Allegations
of Abuse in Foster Care
Financial
Conditions in Foster Care
Good Practice
in Foster Care
Permanency
and Long-term Stability in Foster Care
Relative
Care
Support
for Foster Carers
Training
and Accreditation of Foster Carers
Supporting Strong Parenting
in the Australian Foster Care Sector
The Costs of Caring: A Study
of Appropriate Foster Care Payments for Stable and Adequate Out
of Home Care in Australia
AFCA Contact List
|
Securing a Safe and Effective Foster Care System
Australian Foster Care Association
Priorities and Position Statements, 2002–2003
Securing a Safe and Effective Foster Care System
Continued...
SUPPORTING STRONG PARENTING IN THE AUSTRALIAN
FOSTER CARE SECTOR
A study conducted by the Australian Foster Care Association and
funded by the Commonwealth Department of Family and Community Services
The purpose of the study was to assess the support needs and provisions
for foster carers and to address issues related the prevention of
abuse within the foster care sector. The Report is the result of
original Australian research, limited literature review, reports
of discussions and interviews with foster carers, workers and administrations,
and the conducting of a survey of foster carers across Australia.
There were 812 responses to the survey, which represents approximately
10% of foster carers attached to both government and non-government
agencies. This is a large enough sample to provide a statistical
analysis of how foster carers feel across the nation.
Some of the survey results were:
- 42% of foster carers have been fostering for 1-5 years and
25% for 6-10 years.
- 38% of foster carers were aged between 45 54 years; 30% between
35-44; and 20% were over 55.
- Of the sample, 41% were employed as professionals, managers,
administrators or para professionals, 22% had no breadwinners
or were retired or pensioners, with the remainder covering a range
of occupations.
- The importance of support to foster carers was highlighted
by 84% who rated it as absolutely essential or very important.
41% said they got 'just enough support to get by on' and over
50% rated the quality of support as average (35%) very poor (12%)
or extremely poor (4%). The support that foster carers felt they
got came from their family and friends (55%) rather than from
ÔofficialŐ sources.
- Introductory and initial training received a rating of extremely
good or very good from over 70% of respondents. Subsequent training
was rated slightly lower at 60%.
- 65% of respondents said they had a printed manual or guidebook.
The 24-hour emergency help line was rated extremely good or very
good by 35%, average by 20% and very poor or extremely poor by
14%.
- 72% of foster carers rated the information provided about the
foster child being placed with them as average, very poor, or
extremely poor.
- Foster carers agreed unanimously that the financial support
offered to cover their expenses is not sufficient.
- Support for foster carers when an allegation of abuse or neglect
is made against them emerged at one of the most contentious issues.
- 43% of foster carers said they knew of foster carers who have
ceased fostering because of a lack of support at the time of an
allegation.
- The top sources of support (over 70%) were family and friends,
fellow foster carers and foster carer associations.
- Governments were seen by 40% as offering extremely poor support
and Agencies were seen by 23% as offering very poor or extremely
poor support.
Using these and other responses, the interviews and research, the
research found the following areas to be ones that require attention
to achieve improvements in the foster care sector as a whole and
for foster carers in particular:
1. National Approach on Foster Care
The foster care sector as a whole, would benefit from a nationally agreed position
on foster care. A National Approach in Foster Care would need to
address the following issues:
- The provision of quality foster care for children.
- Differentiation between foster care for children in voluntary
or short term placements and children in long term or permanent
placements.
- Indigenous and ethnic placement principles.
- Recognition of kinship and relative foster care.
- The funding required for government and non-government agencies
to provide a quality service for foster carers and the children
they care for.
- The roles of children and natural families in the provision
of foster care.
- The quality of the relationship between foster carers and workers.
2. National and State Associations of Foster Carers
The pivotal role of foster carers is that of unpaid Volunteers/Carers.
They are the ones who provide the 24 hours a day, 7 days a week,
365 days a year care for children who live apart from their parents
as a result of abuse or neglect in their home. With over 90% of
children in care being cared for by foster or kinship carers, it
is essential that carers have a formal way of joining together for
mutual support and to have a means of representing, and advocating
for, carers and the children for whom they care.
3. Working Together to Improve Community Support
As discussed in this report, foster care appears still to be filled
with outdated stereotypic notions, which are an obstacle to constructive
development of the sector. To change attitudes in the community
at large is difficult at any time and for anyone. Yet is seems that
until some of these century-old views are replaced, the image of
foster care will continue to be viewed negatively and undervalued.
In addition to negative and stereotypic attitudes in the community,
there appears to be negative and even unprofessional attitudes among
some administrators, social workers, case managers and foster carers.
There is a pressing need for the various stakeholders within the
sector to work together in a more holistic and appreciative understanding
of each otherŐs roles, needs, responsibilities and rights. Changes
occurring in States and Territories at the present time, and the
national focus on families, provide positive current opportunities
to build upon.
4. Recruitment, Training and Accreditation
The issues of recruitment, training, and accreditation are related
to the expertise, morale and motivation of foster carers. They are
issues that have been neglected for many years by this under-resourced
sector. It is now time for these matters to be addressed. Foster,
kinship and relative carers need adequate training. The stories
told of children being placed with people who are not trained or
who have not received specialist training, need to stop. Foster,
relative and kinship carers also deserve to have their skills recognised.
The fact that carers are volunteers should not be sufficient reason
for them not to receive recognition and accreditation.
5. Recording of Statistics
The foster care sector is greatly handicapped by the lack of statistical
information. There are far too many unanswered and unanswerable
questions in the sector as it currently exists. The result is that
policies and procedures can be adopted without a firm factual basis.
There is a need for a national policy on the collection, reporting
and availability of statistical information including:
- the children in foster, relative and kinship care;
- foster carers including relative and kinship carers;
- indigenous and ethnic foster care;
- issues including allegations against foster carers; and
- details of placement numbers, breakdowns, etc.
6. Financial support for Foster Carers
Foster carers are volunteers but they need to be trained, supported,
and recompensed for the cost of the care they provide. As many of
them will readily testify, foster caring is unlike many other forms
of volunteering because it is an on-going 24 hour-a-day commitment.
There is a fine line to be drawn between using the willing contribution
of volunteers and exploiting them. There is a need for an agreement
between Commonwealth and State/Territory Governments to ensure sufficient
funds are available to meet the needs of the children.
7. Standards of Care, Allegations and Support
Allegations of abuse and the handling of those allegations by all
parties is a particularly sensitive, painful and urgent area of
need within foster care. It, along with the quality of relationships
between carers and workers, were the two Ôstand outŐ areas of concern
in the consultations and discussions held during this study.
There are undoubted urgent needs in this area, for foster carer,
relative and kinship carers encompassing the following:
- rights of carers under investigation;
- independence of investigators;
- rights of carers for review and appeal;
- support and advocacy for carers under investigation;
- availability of accurate and full information for carers;
- agreed due process for the handling of allegations;
- enforcement of due process;
- legal issues;
- confidentiality; and
- treatment of carers and records when allegations have not been
substantiated.
8. Standards for Foster Care
There has been much talk within the sector about standards, and
separate attempts have been and are being made in different jurisdictions
to develop standards. While this is a proper right of individual
States and Territories to develop such standards, it would be in
the best interests of Australian children if national standards
were to be developed. There may doubtless be different methods of
implementing those standards in different States and Territories,
but the sector as a whole needs national baseline benchmarks for
performance. There is a precedent in the national baseline out-of-home
care standards.
The adoption of some standard terminology and an agreed structure
and process for performance monitoring in the sector against the
agreed national standards would also make a very significant contribution
to the sector as a whole.
9. Program Management
Deliberate steps must be taken to address systems abuse through
the establishment of standards and performance indicators, and also
through more specific program management changes so that those who
are vulnerable in the system no longer suffer at itŐs hands. A national
program evaluation of foster care provision should be undertaken.
This would have as its primary concern accountability to the Parliament,
and through it to the community, of resources donated to foster
care in this country.
10. Research and Development
Almost every chapter in this report has touched on issues that
could benefit from research. What is always needed, however, for
any research to take place is funding. The provision of funding
will not only stimulate research but can also direct it to the most
important areas.
11. A Role for the Commonwealth Government
The recommendations listed in this report require a cooperative
approach of the Commonwealth, State and Territory Governments and
community organisations working together for significant improvements
to occur in the foster care sector.
The Commonwealth and State Ministers Advisory Council is the important
body to ensure that national action is agreed to and implemented.
However, input from community organisations is critical and a means
of achieving this needs to be developed.
Summary of Recommendations
Recommendation 1
A National approach on foster care including Indigenous and kinship
care be developed as a cooperative venture by the Commonwealth and
State/Territory Governments and peak community organisations directly
involved in foster care.
Recommendation 2
Commonwealth and State/Territory Governments work with and involve
the State and National Associations of foster carers, and help fund
their support at a sufficient level to enable them to support carers
and provide consultative forum for ongoing policy consultation.
Recommendation 3
All governments and non-government organisations commit to working
together to present the community with a contemporary view of foster
care to increase community recognition and support.
Recommendation 4
The Commonwealth and State/Territories establish a policy on statistical
recording of information pertinent to foster care, including the
national collection of statistics related to allegations of abuse,
and initiate a national collection process.
Recommendation 5
The Commonwealth and States/Territory Governments initiate a national
approach for the recruitment, training and accreditation of foster
carers including those providing kinship care.
Recommendation 6
The Commonwealth and State/Territory Governments address the issues
of providing full costs of foster care so that the combination of
State and Commonwealth support is sufficient to fully recompense
foster carers experience in providing appropriate care for children
and young people.
Recommendation 7
Along with standards advocating respite care for foster carers,
conditions be altered so that provision for fully supported respite
care is available to carers and is included in all case planning.
Recommendation 8
The State/Territory governments develop ways of supporting foster
carers to reduce instances of allegations of abuse in care and develop
processes for handling allegations against foster carers. This should
be encouraged and facilitated by the Commonwealth government because
of its interest in the longer term outcomes of children, and in
a manner similar to the leadership role adopted by the Commonwealth
when addressing long-term homeless, juvenile justice, and carer
issues.
Recommendation9
A national approach to the handling of allegations of abuse be
developed so that the inequities of the current systems can be removed
and notified foster carers receive recognition and support until
such time as the allegations are substantiated.
Recommendation 10
A program evaluation of foster care provision be undertaken at
both Commonwealth and State/Territory levels to provide accountability
to the Australian community of the resources committed to foster
care.
Recommendation 11
A joint government representative body, such as the Commonwealth
and State Ministers Advisory Council (CSMAC), be given responsibility
for preparing and implementing a set of standards to apply specifically
to foster care in place of the current national baseline out-of-home
care standards.
RECOMMENDATION 12
As part of any overall review of foster carer in Australia, the
possible benefits of the Alberta classification system be examined
for potential application in Australia.
RECOMMENDATION 13
Revision of the structures, processes and practices concerning
allegations of abuse in care in Australia, be revised so that they
reflect standards and practice that are nearer to the good practice
standards pertaining in Alberta, Canada.
RECOMMENDATION 14
Governments commission and/or fund appropriate research into foster
care as a means of further development of foster care in Australia.
RECOMMENDATION 15
The Commonwealth and State Ministers Advisory Council (CSMAC) host
a round table for representatives of peak national bodies predominantly
involved in foster care, along with senior Commonwealth and State/Territory
representatives, to discuss the recommendations of this report and
to plan for action to occur.
THE COSTS OF CARING: A STUDY OF APPROPRIATE
FOSTER CARE PAYMENTS FOR STABLE AND ADEQUATE
OUT OF HOME CARE IN AUSTRALIA
A study conducted by Marilyn McHugh of the Social Policy Research
Centre, University of New South Wales for the Child and Family Welfare
Association of Australia, the Australian Foster Care Association
and the Association of ChildrenŐs Welfare Agencies
Introduction
Since the mid-eighties there has been growing disquiet among a
number of major foster care organisations in relation to certain
aspects of fostering. One aspect of concern is the low level of
standard subsidy paid by States to foster carers to meet the costs
of children in care. In addition there is concern that unless payments
to carers are increased there will be great difficulty not only
in recruiting and maintaining carers in fostering but in expanding
the available number of carers.
The Child and Family Welfare Association of Australia (CAFWAA),
the Australian Foster Care Association (AFCA) and the Association
of ChildrenŐs Welfare Agencies (ACWA) commissioned the Social Policy
Research Centre (SPRC) at the University of New South Wales (UNSW)
to examine the adequacy and effectiveness of foster care payments
in Australia. Funding for the project was received from the Ian
Potter Foundation; a number of non-government agencies; the SPRC;
and the Department of Families, Queensland. Foster carers and foster
care associations provided in-kind support.
Data from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW)
for the year ending 30 June 2000, indicated that the numbers of
children and young people placed in out of home care services in
Australia was 16 923. Most children were in foster care (7 870),
relative/kinship care (6 051), or other home based arrangements
(153). Indigenous children are significantly over-represented in
the child welfare system and more specifically in out-of-home care.
The rate of Indigenous children aged 0-17 years in out-of-home care
(1999-2000) at 18.3 per 1000, is significantly higher than for non-Indigenous
children at 3.6 per thousand.
Findings
The findings from the survey confirmed that the low levels of standard
subsidy, paid by States to foster carers, were not meeting the costs
of children in care. The main issues included:
- inadequacy of the standard subsidy to meet basic costs of care;
- difficulties for carers in accessing, arranging and obtaining
reimbursement for additional services;
- common occurrence of Ôtop-upsŐ to the standard subsidy by agencies
to assist carers with meeting costs meant to be covered by the
standard subsidy. Lengthy delays and debates with departmental
workers in relation to obtaining reimbursement for these and other
costs;
- high levels of stress experienced by both carers and agencies
in attempting to meet the needs of children, exacerbated by inconsistent
departmental policy, in relation to the reimbursement of costs
to carers;
- carer reliance on public health services to meet the needs of
children in care resulting in long delays (e.g. 6-12 months) in
obtaining specialist services with some services being unavailable;
- no regular annual adjustment to the standard subsidy to reflect
rises in the costs of living;
- high turnover of people caring for children with substantial
numbers of carers coming in and also leaving fostering over a
12 month period;
- lack of acknowledgement, respect and support for carers from
many workers;
- the nature of foster care being not only arduous but also at
times hazardous for both carers and their families;
- the importance of allowances and reimbursement of expenses for
the maintenance of foster care placements;
- for carers in rural and regional areas, there was an intensification
of issues and concerns relating to accessing and arranging additional
services; and in meeting costs associated with transporting children
either on a day to day basis, or in relation to access/contact
visits with childrenŐs birth families; and
- inequities in the subsidies and reimbursement for kinship carers.
Carers highlighted areas in current budgets where costs specific
to fostering are not reflected. These included:
- housing significant costs for general wear and tear and damage
to household goods;
- energy more frequent use of water for laundry, heated water,
pool pumps, tank water, electrical appliances, lighting, air-conditioning,
heating, televisions, stereos etc;
- food over-eating, excessive consumption of food or drinks,
higher wastage of foods, provision of additional food during visits
with parents;
- clothing and footwear one of the most problematic areas: children
coming with nothing or poor quality, ill fitting, loss and replacement
of items is constant;
- household goods and services wear and tear on appliances,
furniture, fittings, linen, bedding;
- health need for assessment and access to specialists, costs
of over the counter medicines;
- transport often specific to geographical locations, need for
a car every day, need for large cars;
- leisure pocket money, purchase of gifts; and
- personal care use of disposables and pull-ups in young children
who wet and soil frequently, overuse of toiletries such as medical
shampoo etc.
The research finds that the estimates of the costs of children
in foster care are on average 52% higher than the costs of children
not in care.
The study shows that NO State or Territory is, overall,
paying an adequate reimbursement to foster carers at the standard
subsidy level, compared to the estimated costs of foster children.
The research also confirms that there is a high level of discontent
amongst carers about reimbursement of costs in all states and territories.
Note: These figures are indicative only and must be read with regard
to the impact of contingency payments
TABLE 1: |
The Foster Care Estimates (FCE) compared
to the Standard Subsidy Levels for all States by age of the
child (2000) ($ per week) |
Age |
TAS |
WA |
NT |
SA
|
VIC |
ACT |
QLD |
NSW |
FCE |
0-1 |
70 |
79 |
97 |
|
|
|
76 |
175 |
157 |
2 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
175 |
- |
3 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
175 |
156 |
4 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
175 |
- |
5 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
175 |
- |
6 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
175 |
168 |
7 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
175 |
- |
8 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
175 |
- |
9 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
175 |
- |
10 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
175 |
197 |
11 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
175 |
- |
12 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
175 |
- |
13 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
175 |
- |
14 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
175 |
242/2481 |
15 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
175 |
- |
16 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
175 |
- |
17 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
175 |
- |
Notes: All
dollar amounts rounded.
(1) Amount of $242 applies to a boy aged 14. Amount of $248
applies to a girl aged 14.
Source: For all States' subsidy amounts, Bray, 2001:34.
(Figures still current as at June 2002.) |
Table 1 presents an overview of the standard subsidy payments for
all States and Territories compared to the estimated basic, everyday
costs specific to fostering as determined by this study. In providing
the standard subsidy, States and Territories generally expect this
to cover basic living costs associated with housing, food, power
and gas, transport to and from daily activities, basic recreation,
standard ongoing school requirements and the bulk of ongoing clothing.
Some States expect other items to be paid for out of the standard
subsidy, for example the NSW standard subsidy is expected to cover
health, education and also childcare.
Both current and recommended standard subsidy payments do not
cover additional child related costs that are needed to fully provide
for the child or young person. These include things such as
medicines, disability aids, school functions and camps, tutoring,
ongoing sporting and recreational activities, dental, medical and
therapeutic work, etc. Currently, in some circumstances, States
and Territories may make these additional payments when a cost is
incurred. These are known as contingency payments. However, it should
be noted that most of these are discretionary payments, and the
report found payment to be both arbitrary and slow. (See Table 2
below.)
TABLE 2: Basis of decision making
on payment above the standard subsidy |
D=DISCRETIONARY
M=MANDATORY |
TAS
at
2002 |
WA
at 2000 |
NT
at 2000 |
SA
at
2002 |
VIC
at 2002 |
ACT
at 2002 |
QLD
at
2002 |
NSW
at 2002 |
Costs which may attract
extra reimbursement for item included in FCE: |
Clothing
(FCE $12.79-$22.84) |
1D |
D, M |
1D |
M |
|
|
1D+AM |
|
SCHOOL UNIFORMS
(in FCE) |
AD1D |
1M, 1D |
|
|
|
1D |
M, 1D |
|
Household
(FCE $19.45-$41.38) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Health
(FCE $1.39-$3.23) |
AM |
|
|
|
AD |
D |
1D |
* |
DENTAL
(included in FCE) |
AM |
1M, 1D |
|
1D |
1 (D) |
D |
1D |
|
Transport
($4.38-$12.84) |
|
|
|
D
25% loading |
|
D |
1D |
|
Leisure
(FCE $5.15-$43.33) |
AD |
1D |
1D |
1D |
|
|
1D |
|
Personal Care
(FCE $2.81-$36.57) |
AM |
D, M.1M |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Costs attracting extra
reimbursement for item excluded in FCE: |
PRESENTS |
D |
|
|
M |
|
|
1D |
|
CHILDCARE |
AD |
D, 1 |
1 |
|
AD |
D |
1D |
|
CASUAL CHILDCARE |
AD |
AD |
|
|
AD |
D |
1D |
|
ESTABLISHMENT |
1D |
LD, 1D |
|
1M (l/T) |
1D |
1D |
1M |
M |
Education-BOOKS |
AD |
|
1D |
1D |
|
|
|
|
Education- EXCURSIONS |
AD |
1D |
1D |
1D |
|
D |
1D |
|
FAMILY CONTACT |
|
LD, 1D |
1D |
M-reunif |
|
D |
1D |
1M |
SPECIAL NEED |
LD.1D |
LD, 1D |
LD |
laundry |
|
LD |
LD |
LD |
RESPITE |
1D |
LD, 1D |
1D |
M (25days pa) |
1D |
1D, D |
1D |
1M |
L=Loading, A=Allowance, |
1= One off payment |
*= mandatory over $250 per quarter |
Multiple entries mean different conditions according
to legal status of child
Note: Some States assist with ambulance, private hospital,
and specialist medical. In Victoria regional discretion
may be used. |
Recommendations
- Consideration be given by the Commonwealth, States and Territories
for a national framework for payments that would address issues
of adequacy and equity for all foster carers across Australia
and better reflect the real costs of caring for children and young
people in care.
- All States and Territories review their level of standard subsidy,
including higher payments for specified categories of need, paid
to carers and increase levels to reflect the direct costs of fostering.
The review process should include consultation with non-government
agencies and carer associations.
- All States and Territories cover a similar set of budget items
in the standard subsidy to meet the extra costs to a family of
a child in care.
- Regardless of the type of care order a child is under, all carers
to be paid the same rate of weekly subsidy.
- The issue of additional allowances, (sections 7.5 and 7.9 of
main report) that is Ôone-offŐ payments for initial clothing and
footwear, and allowances for gifts (for childrenŐs birthdays/Christmas)
be reviewed to ensure that costs are adequately met in a consistent
and systematic way.
- The additional allowances for initial clothing and footwear
requirements and for gifts should be mandatory payments for all
children in medium to long-term care.
- States and Territories maintain age-related payment schedules
for standard subsidy payments. That age-related payments more
closely reflect the real costs of fostering for children in particular
age groups, in particular, younger children.
- All States and Territories systematically update the level of
weekly subsidy paid to carers to correspond with regular changes
in the CPI.
- Unless a placement is of a temporary nature, that is, children
are aware they will be returning to their birth family in a relatively
short period of time, all children and young people in care should
be offered specialist counselling to assist them to recover from
the impact of any family violence, abuse or neglect they may have
previously experienced, and to assist them to adjust to their
changed circumstances. The offer of counselling should not be
at the discretion of a worker but be viewed as the right of the
child or young person in care. All costs for specialist counselling
to be met by the Department.
- In the case of carers of pre-school aged children, good quality
child care should be made available on a regular basis, and paid
for by the Department at no cost to the carer.
- All carers be provided with policy documentation in relation
to their entitlement to discretionary and mandatory payments,
and amounts for the children in their care. That all States and
Territories consider a review of their administrative procedures
to ensure that carers, and/or services, are reimbursed within
a reasonable period of time, such as within 14 days, after carers/services
have lodged a claim. That administrative Ôceiling and threshold
payment levelsŐ be removed from reimbursement systems to ensure
equity for all carers and adequacy to meet childrenŐs costs for
specialist services.
- All States place a high priority on funding access to suitable
respite care on a regular basis for all carers. On the grounds
of equity alone, no carers should be penalised by any reduction
in their subsidy payments for either weekend respite or when the
child is on short periodic visits to their birth family.
- Agencies and departments who administer foster care systems
find a prompt and appropriate policy response to the significant
problem of insurance coverage for carers. That all States ensure
that carers have full indemnity against all damage caused by foster
children to either their property or the property of others.
- On the grounds of equity, the costs for all over-the-counter
medications purchased for children in care be reimbursed regardless
of the amounts.
- The appropriate Commonwealth, State and Territory Departments
explore the feasibility of legislative changes to enable carers
to include foster children in long term care in a carerŐs private
health fund.
- Where it is deemed appropriate and necessary to meet the pressing
health needs of children, private health insurance in a childŐs
name should be provided by the agency/department and the costs
of premiums paid by the department.
- A temporary Departmental (or Agency) Medicare card be issued
by workers to all carers when a child is placed or until other
arrangements for a card in the childŐs own name can be made.
- As part of the assessment process, where medical details or
the background of children coming into care are unknown, they
are seen by a general practitioner and any relevant health or
medical information relayed to the carer as soon as practical.
- All costs of travel using a carerŐs personal car should be reimbursed
by the department/agency at the rate used to reimburse workers
in the public sector in the particular State or Territory where
the travel takes place.
- The cost incurred by carers for overnight stops, for example
accommodation and food, on access visits be fully reimbursed.
Carers should be able to choose to either have their costs reimbursed
by tendering receipts or to take the per diem rate paid to public
servants in the particular State or Territory where the travel
takes place.
- All carers should be entitled to receive financial assistance
with the purchase of a larger vehicle, if due to their caring
role, for example caring for sibling groups or with several children
in care, they are required to purchase a larger vehicle.
- All carers using larger vehicles should be able to apply for
a loading on their subsidy payment to cover the increased costs
of transport.
- Carers in remote and regional areas receive a loading on the
standard subsidy payment to assist with extra costs attributable
to distance.
- All (Indigenous and non-Indigenous) kinship carers receive the
same level of standard subsides paid to other carers.
- All (Indigenous and non-Indigenous) kinship carers receive the
same level of support and access to services for children in care
as other carers.
- Training and support groups be made available for all Indigenous
and non-Indigenous kinship carers.
Australian
Foster Care Association Executive and State/Territory Contact
List |
ORGANISATION |
CONTACT |
STREET ADDRESS |
POSTAL ADDRESS |
PHONE |
FAX |
President |
Bev Orr |
2 Malindi Place
Giralang ACT 2617 |
|
02 6241 1665 |
02 6253 8887 |
Vice President |
Frank Young |
|
PO Box 499
Lutwyche
Qld 4030 |
07 3263 6597 |
07 3857 2532 |
Secretary |
Ken Abery |
30 Snug Tiers Rd
Snug TAS 7054 |
PO Box 45
Nth Hobart TAS 7000 |
03 6267 9012 |
03 6267 9014 |
Treasurer –
Public Officer |
Sue Mannion |
261 Hindmarsh Drive
Rivett ACT 2611 |
|
02 6288 5994 |
02 6253 8887 |
ACT |
Sue Mannion |
261 Hindmarsh Drive
Rivett ACT 2611 |
|
02 6288 5994 |
02 6253 8887 |
NT |
Judy Hansen |
50 Playford Street
Parap NT 0820 |
|
08 8941 0031 |
08 8981 5586 |
QLD |
Frank Young |
|
PO Box 499
Lutwyche
Qld 4030 |
07 3263 6597 |
07 3857 2532 |
SA |
Stephen Hodges |
|
SAFCARE
P.O.Box 1104
Marleston
SA 5033 |
08 8411 0120 |
08 8186 4794 |
TAS |
Roxie Mulder |
16 Martin Place
Kings Meadows TAS 7249 |
|
03 6343 4304 |
|
VIC |
Janice Hughes |
|
PO Box 88
Richmond VIC 3121 |
03 9710 1391 |
03 9710 1393 |
VIC |
Helen Falconer |
20 Warburton Highway
Lilydale VIC 3140 |
|
03 9735 1381 |
03 9739 5481 |
NSW |
Paulette McFarland |
Foster Care House
131 Hawkesbury Rd Westmead 2145 |
|
02 9546 3344 |
02 9546 1373 |
WA |
Fay Alford |
89-91 Hensman Road
Subiaco WA 6008 |
|
08 9246 4285 |
08 9388 2405 |
If you have any queries, please contact AFCA on
AFCA@bigpond.com or
write to the Secretary or your State/Territory contact.
|