bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Children have rights even when they do wrong: (and even when they are called Rat Boy, Blip Boy, Spider Boy and Boomerang Boy)
Authors: Goddard Chris
Published: March 2016

Most of the offences committed by children are of a minor nature. Such petty crimes rarely, if ever, feature in media coverage as it is more concerned with the most extreme cases. The awful death of two-year-old James Bulger, killed by two ten-year-old boys, appears to have been used as an excuse in the UK to ‘get tough’ with all young offenders and change their treatment before the courts. Most children who come to the attention of the police and social workers were victims before they became villains. The need to exact retribution should not be used to obscure the lack of care extended to them early in their lives, nor used as an excuse to treat them as adults or, in some cases, more harshly than adults.
The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Child Placement Principle is about self determination
Authors: Kee Margaret Ah , Tilbury Clare
Published: March 2016

The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Child Placement Principle has been the policy guiding the placement of indigenous children in most Australian child protection jurisdictions for around fifteen years. The Principle requires the involvement of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community representatives in decision making concerning indigenous children, and ensuring that alternative care placements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children are with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander careproviders.

Most Jurisdictions still have a significant number of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children placed with non-indigenous careproviders, and community based Aboriginal and Islander child care agencies continue to express dissatisfaction about the nature and level of consultation which occurs when welfare departments are taking action to protect indigenous children.

This paper, which was presented at the IFCO conference in Melbourne in July 1999, examines why there has been such limited improvement in Child Placement Principle outcomes. Work undertaken in Queensland to address the over representation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children in the child protection system will be outlined from both a departmental and community perspective. The paper argues that if strategies for addressing these issues are not located within a framework of self determination for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, then they will not work.
A children’s perspective on child abuse
Authors: Mason Jan , Falloon Jan
Published: March 2016

Discourses about child abuse are usually adult centred. In the research described in this paper young people were asked to give their perspectives on abuse. They described abusive behaviour as that perpetrated by persons who use their power to control those they consider as lesser.

The young people described two forms of abuse. One was feeling let down by those with whom they are in an emotional relationship. The other was feeling discounted because of their age. The children and young people considered the right to negotiate or to have ‘two-way compromise’ as essential to the prevention of abuse. The power to disclose or not to disclose abuse was described as an important issue for children in enabling them to maintain some control over their situation.

The research process and findings highlighted the way in which the institutionalisation of adult power over children as legitimate, excludes children’s knowledge on issues concerning them by preventing their participation in knowledge creating forums, and by discounting their competency as children to contribute.
Tracking student resilience
Authors: Howard Sue , Johnson Bruce
Published: March 2016

In recent times, research that has traditionally concerned itself with children ‘at risk’ has been supplemented by studies which have concentrated on the characteristics of those children who display resilient behaviours despite the presence of negative individual, family or environmental factors. A range of internal and external ‘protective factors’ that contribute to childhood resilience has been identified in the literature.

The research being presented here reports on one phase of a longitudinal study that is tracking children originally identified as displaying resilient or non-resilient behaviour. After one year, the persistence of resilient or non-resilient behaviours is noted among the 55 children in the study; the incidence of changed behaviour – either from resilience to non-resilience or vice versa – is low. Case studies of three children are used to illustrate the trends in the findings and to provide real examples of how the presence or absence of protective factors impact on the lives of real children.
Family Decision Making: Good practice in child protection solutions
Authors: Mondy Linda , Kiely Patricia
Published: March 2016

This paper provides an introduction and background to the Family Decision Making project which was piloted in the Department of Community Services Cumberland/Prospect area of NSW, in partnership with Burnside (an agency of the Uniting Church NSW). The paper outlines the core features and values of the DoCS/Burnside project with the aim of promoting discussion as to Family Decision Making’s wider application as a best practice model of working with children and families.
What is mental health consultation?
Authors: Luntz Jennifer J.
Published: March 2016

This paper provides an overview of the state of the art in consultation at the close of the third decade of its existence as a major form of delivering mental health services in the United States of America, and its somewhat later introduction in Victoria, Australia. Gallessich’s framework for consultation (1983, 1985), amongst others, is compared with the Victorian model. Issues raised include the need for consultants to understand the boundaries of consultation, its limitations, the state of its knowledge base and the uniquely Victorian contribution of a framework of several levels which enables an integration of the knowledge borrowed from a range of sources to assist in the improvement of its practice. A later paper to be published in ‘Children Australia’ looks at the steps in the consultation process.
If Big Brother is watching, let’s tell him what we think: Education is a child’s right
Authors: Goddard Chris
Published: March 2016

The mail I receive is both one of the best and one of the worst things about writing this contribution to Children Australia and other pieces for journals and the broader media. The letters I receive raise a number of questions. Why are abusive letters so often written in red or green ink? Or both? Why do abusive letters use so many CAPITAL LETTERS and exclamation marks?!! Why are abusive letters so often anonymous?
Indigenous children in care: On bringing them home
Authors: Dodson Mick
Published: March 2016

My first duty is to acknowledge and pay my respects to the traditional owners of this part of the country, the Kulin Nation; it’s a privilege and a great pleasure to make this presentation on your ancestral lands.

In the Submission to the National Inquiry of the Aboriginal Legal Services, Western Australia, they said that the, and I quote:
Therapeutic transitions in out of home care
Authors: McIntosh Jennifer
Published: March 2016

This paper sets out a series of principles for minimising the trauma of transitions experienced by children in out of home care. It is based on a child centred approach that has as its goal making transition bearable and psychologically useful for each child who must go through it, creating a space where even previous transition wounds might heal. The paper concentrates particularly on the complexities of helping children to move between foster care and permanent care placements.
Celebrating success: Perspectives of youth in care networking
Authors: Lum Teresa , Herbert Nicole
Published: March 2016

The United Nations has proclaimed and agreed that everyone is entitled to ail the rights and freedoms set forth therein, without distinction of any kind, such as race, colour, sex, language, religion, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth or other status.

The United Nations has proclaimed that childhood is entitled to special care and assistance.

The United Nations is convinced that the family, as the fundamental group of society and the natural environment for the growth and well-being of all its members and particularly children, should be afforded the necessary protection and assistance so that it can fully assume its responsibilities within the community.

The United Nations recognizes that the child, for the full and harmonious development of his or her personality, should grow up in a family environment, in an atmosphere of happiness, love and understanding.

The United Nations considers that the child should be fully prepared to live an individual life in society, and brought up in the spirit of peace, dignity, tolerance, freedom, equality and solidarity.
Improving outcomes for young people leaving care: Which way forward?
Authors: Green Sue , Jones Amanda
Published: March 2016

Young people leaving care are expected to become independent at a far earlier age than are young people who are fortunate enough to have supportive families. High rates of unstable accommodation, unemployment, poverty and early parenthood, have been found in research studies into the outcomes for young people leaving care. Governments have a duty of care to provide resources and support to ensure that young people leaving care experience a safe and sustainable transition to independence. Key elements of best practice framework are outlined in this article for this to be achieved.
Foster care on the Internet: Is there a role for the Internet in assisting with the changing face of foster care into the 21st century?
Authors: Hulskamp John
Published: March 2016

The purpose of this paper is to provide a view and understanding of the nature of the Internet, and the possible benefits in assisting foster caregivers, foster care agencies and persons in out-of-home care.

The Internet has been with us for most of this decade. Its original role was to ensure that computer-to-computer communication proceeded in a decentralised fashion, in the event of catastrophes. Such computer-to-computer communication has become so widespread and we now refer to it as the Internet. Alongside the technological development, has been the development of means of placing information on the web for all to view and its access by anyone connected to the Internet, anywhere. Further, communication between people through the use of e-mail has also developed.
Resignation, radicalism or realism?: What role for non-government agencies in the changing context of child and family welfare?
Authors: O’Brien Jon
Published: March 2016

Non-government welfare agencies have a history of both service provision and advocating for social justice and welfare reform. Current economic and social changes have had an impact on our understanding of the role of welfare and the state. There has been a significant reconfiguration of community services, with important implications for the present and future role of welfare agencies.

This article seeks to identify questions confronting agencies that seek to maintain a commitment to social action by examining an 18-month child abuse prevention campaign conducted by a coalition of agencies in NSW. Significant insights and challenges that emerged from the campaign are identified. Questions about the role of non-government agencies are revisited and the value of welfare agencies’ contribution to social equity reasserted.
Female genital mutilation: Challenges for child welfare in an Australian context
Authors: Patrick Ian , Markiewicz Anne
Published: March 2016

This article addresses the challenges facing the child welfare system in general, and child protection practice in particular, in responding to female genital mutilation (FGM) in an Australian context. Policy and programmatic responses to FGM are analysed to identify how child welfare concerns may be addressed in a culturally sensitive manner. PGM is depicted as a multi-dimensional phenomenon, related to a complex of inter-connected cultural, social, economic, religious, gender and migration issues. An appropriate response is one that acknowledges these antecedents through the utilisation of a holistic, multi-disciplinary approach. Legal and child protection responses to FGM are inadequate if operating in isolation and are most effective as adjuncts to community development strategies that are aimed at education, information dissemination and consciousness raising among affected communities. More work needs to be undertaken to develop frameworks for practitioners in a cross-cultural context, particularly in the light of continued settlement within Australia of migrant and refugee communities from countries with different child-rearing practices and beliefs.
Homogenising Australia’s child protection laws: Will the cream still rise to the top?
Authors: Liddell Max , Liddell Margaret
Published: March 2016

This paper discusses the increasing similarity between Australia’s states and territories in their child protection legislation. The paper deals mainly with the principles underlying child protection laws, definitions of abuse and neglect, and the way legislation deals with the likelihood and severity of harm to the child. The trend is towards adopting a common set of principles, and definitions which are relatively precise in targeting particular ‘types’ of abuse and eliminating status offences. However there are significant differences even between states which broadly adopt this type of legislation, and some states adopt quite different approaches. There is still little consensus on how likelihood and severity of harm are dealt with. The paper, in welcoming the principle of common legislation, notes a wide range of issues in the developing legal paradigm which have been subject to little or no public debate. It is not clear that the increasing ‘homogenisation’ of child protection laws is enshrining the kind of legislation required.
Educating family group conference coordinators: A ‘family of origin’ perspective
Authors: Clare Michael
Published: March 2016

This paper considers the challenges to social work students and their educators and to graduate social workers and their supervisors, of acquiring beginning-level confidence and competence in working with ‘other people’s families’. There is a review of important educational contributions to our understanding of the necessary and sufficient preparation for ‘pure and applied’ social work theory and practice with families. In this review, the writer describes the educational rationale for a ‘Family of Origin’ workshop which has been offered to social work students at the Universities of Sussex and Western Australia and to experienced practitioners in a Perth child and family welfare agency. Finally, the writer reflects on the intellectual and the emotional dimensions of knowing and doing in family-based practice – with particular reference to Family Group Conferencing.
Leaving care programs locally and internationally: Towards better outcomes
Authors: Mendes Philip , Goddard Chris
Published: March 2016

Historically, insufficient resources and assistance have been provided to young people leaving state care. Young people leaving care have been found to experience homelessness, unemployment, early parenthood, loneliness, depression, poverty, and involvement with the juvenile justice system.

In recent years, a growing body of research literature has explored the experiences of young people leaving care, and the identification of key factors underlying good after care support practice. Attention is drawn to some of the key findings of this research such as the need for a more gradual and flexible process of transition to independence, specific legislation providing for the ongoing support of care leavers, and the provision of formal and properly resourced after-care services. Reference is also made to the key role played by consumer advocacy groups in facilitating the successful transition to independence of care leavers.
Bending like a river: The Parenting between Cultures program
Authors: Kayrooz Carole , Blunt Cathy
Published: March 2016

While there are many parent education programs in Australia, there have been few developed to cater specifically to the needs of migrant groups. Attempting to fill this gap, a parenting program was developed and trialedfor three ethnic communities. The program addressed key parenting issues found to be of relevance to members of culturally and linguistically diverse groups, including: intergenerational conflict arising from different acculturation rates; the protective factor of a bicultural parenting identity; knowledge of the school system; discipline options and child abuse laws; and how to gain support. The program was subsequently independently evaluated. Quantitative and qualitative information from both the process and outcomes of the program revealed that it was effective, particularly in fostering an understanding of the impact of culture on parenting, knowledge of the school system, non-physical disciplinary methods and child abuse laws. This study may be one of the first targeted ethnic parenting programs to be independently evaluated in Australia.
Child abuse, systems abuse and media coverage: A tale of a young woman’s courage in Victoria’s Supreme Court
Authors: Goddard Chris
Published: March 2016

The media play important roles in fighting child abuse at all levels. Reports of individual cases may be criticised as seeking to sensationalise, but in some circumstances the true horror of child abuse is missed or too terrible to report. A recent case in Victoria’s Supreme Court received prominent media coverage and led to demands that more be done to protect children in court proceedings.
Home alone: Does child self-care constitute a problem?
Authors: Sih Penny , Shute Rosalyn
Published: March 2016

Self-care in primary school age children (the ‘latchkeyphenomenon’) is often regarded as problematic, threatening children’s psychological and physical well-being, although suggestions that it is beneficial are also sometimes made. It is likely that more Australian children are being expected to look after themselves with reducing formal out-of-school hours care facilities. This paper reviews the available evidence on the effects of self-care. It concludes that it is not possible to state categorically that self-care has either negative or positive effects on children’s psychological well-being, as a range of factors influences outcome, for example, the children’s age, family relationships and whether sibling care is involved. Although under-researched, the physical safety of children without adult supervision remains a concern. It is concluded that, while many children will emerge well from the self-care experience, others will not, and that it is therefore important that affordable out-of-school hours care facilities continue to be made available to families.
Family Group Conferencing in child protection: An evaluation
Authors: Trotter Chris , Sheehan Rosemary
Published: March 2016

Family Group Conferencing (FGC) in child protection is a method of involving families in planning. This paper reports on a study undertaken in the Victorian child protection system, which examined (1) the extent to which the Victorian FGC program actually involves families in the planning process, (2) the extent to which FGC develops case plans which are appropriate, and (3) the extent to which FGC develops case plans which are sustained over time. Researchers observed 28 conferences and phone interviews were conducted with more than 100 participants including family members, staff members and representatives of non-government agencies providing placement and support services. The results suggest that FGC is more successful in involving family members in case planning than more traditional planning processes. Family members believe that FGC leads to more appropriate case plans which are more likely to be sustained. Child protection workers on the other hand believe that more appropriate case plans are developed in traditional planning meetings, rather than FGCs, and that case plans developed in traditional meetings are more likely to be sustained over time. Possible explanations for these findings are discussed, in particular that FGCs may be used for more difficult cases.
From minimal intervention to minimal support: Child protection services under the neo-liberal Kennett Government in Victoria 1992-1999
Authors: Mendes Philip
Published: March 2016

This article examines the politics and ideology of Victorian child protection services during the Kennett years. The argument advanced is that the Kennett Liberal/National Party Coalition Government viewed child abuse in narrow, individualistic terms. In contrast to the previous Labor Government, which emphasized a philosophy of minimal intervention based on a partnership of family, community and the state, the Kennett philosophy was one of minimal support. The key emphasis was on the reporting of child abuse to statutory child protection authorities, and the treatment and punishment of individual offenders. Spending on broader structural prevention and support services which actually help the victims of abuse was not a priority.

A number of examples of this neo-liberal agenda are given, including the poorly timed introduction of mandatory reporting and the associated diversion of resources from support services to investigation; the early cuts to accommodation and non-government support services; the inadequate response to demonstrated links between child abuse and poverty; the censorship of internal and external critics; and the appalling handling of the strike by child protection workers. Attention is focused primarily on the broader macro-political debates, rather than specific micro-service delivery issues.
Give everyone a say: The involvement of young people in selecting program staff
Authors: Kiraly Meredith
Published: March 2016

This article describes an Australian project which was conducted over several years in which small groups of young people were engaged to participate in the selection of staff to work in youth programs. It builds upon a series of small projects of a similar nature which have been conducted in the UK over the years 1993 to 1996. The collaboration of staff and young people in staff selection was a rewarding one, and led to the conclusion that with appropriate preparation and resourcing, this process is a very worthwhile addition to conventional staff selection, and one which adds useful information to the selection decision.
Managing the care journey: Meeting the health care needs of children in out-of-home care
Authors: Clare Brenda
Published: March 2016

This paper looks at the issues impacting on the physical and mental health of children placed in out-of-home care and at the capacity of the care system to recognise and respond to those needs. It draws on the findings of a recent exploratory research project in Perth, commissioned by the General Practitioners’ Evaluation Programme (GPEP), in which the author participated as a researcher. The paper focuses in particular on the paucity of information about the child’s journey through the care system, reflecting on the aggregate ‘snap-shot’ focus on cohorts and ‘children as through-puts’, rather than on individualised, longitudinal profiles of placed children. A typology of care journeys is presented as a potential framework for locating and mapping children’s experiences.
Who benefits from the equalising of age of consent provisions?: A critical analysis of the Wood Royal Commission Paedophile Inquiry recommendation for a lower minimum age of consent
Authors: Lancaster Judith
Published: March 2016

When the Wood Royal Commission into the New South Wales Police Service released its final Report on the Paedophile Inquiry in August 1997, its recommendation to remove the distinction between heterosexual and female homosexual sex and male homosexual sex by lowering the age currently set for the latter category surprised many citizens. There was concern, firstly, about the fact that the lack of satisfactory protective mechanisms in the prevailing laws would escape investigation and, secondly, that acts previously understood to be paedophilia and pederasty would be de-criminalised, thereby increasing the vulnerability of young Australians to sexual predators.

The Crimes Amendment (Sexual Offences) Bill, introduced into the New South Wales Parliament in October 1997, and reintroduced in 1999, suggests a firm determination to implement the Royal Commission recommendation on consent, notwithstanding the fact that such change would be implemented in the absence of community debate and without addressing the implications of de-criminalisation. Although the Bill was rejected in the Upper House on both occasions, it is believed that further attempts will be made in the near future and, again, it will be in the absence of broad community debate. It is also widely believed that, should a change of this nature be implemented in New South Wales, it will have implications for children in other states across Australia.

This paper explores the implications of equalising at a lower rather than higher minimum age of consent.
How valuable are evaluations?: The need for evaluation of community-based child and family services
Authors: Briggs Freda , Campbell Shelley
Published: March 2016

The authors have, jointly and separately, evaluated twenty-five governmentfunded child and family community-based agencies and programs in Australia and New Zealand in recent years. They argue for more rigorous evaluation of these organisations as a tool for the development of the sector and as a requirement for the receipt of substantial funding from government sources. On the basis of their experience, they point to some of the inherent difficulties in evaluating community-based agencies that have no history of external evaluation. Unlike government departments, these agencies often experience the tension of short term, unstable funding which (realistically or otherwise) staff and management link to the outcome of the evaluation.
After ideology: The effectiveness of residential programs for ‘at risk’ adolescents
Authors: Ainsworth Frank
Published: March 2016

This article reviews recent research evidence about the effectiveness of residential care, education and treatment programs, singularly referred to as treatment programs, for ‘at risk’ adolescents. This evidence is drawn from child welfare, mental health services and education studies. The national and international evidence is that foster care is in crisis and is unable to provide stable and continuous placements for many of our most difficult youth. It is time to reconsider residential alternatives. The research suggests that these alternatives are not ‘all bad’ and that they have an important place in the continuum of child and family services.
Remembering the ‘forgotten’ Australians: The Care Leavers of Australia Network and the Senate Inquiry into Institutional and Out-of-home Care
Authors: Mendes Philip
Published: March 2016

This study examines the findings of the recent Community Affairs Reference Committee report into institutional and out-of-home care. Attention is drawn to the key role played by the Care Leavers of Australia Network (CLAN) in pushing the concerns of older care leavers onto the public agenda, successfully lobbying for the Senate Inquiry, and providing services and supports to care leavers.

The report highlighted the historical failure of state authorities to protect the well-being of children and young people placed in alternative care. Many of those children have subsequently experienced significant emotional and psychological problems, the results of which include psychiatric illness, depression, suicide, substance abuse, illiteracy, impaired relationship skills and marriage breakdown, and incarceration.

The report also has contemporary implications. In order to achieve better outcomes for care leavers in the future, we need to ensure that child welfare services are adequately funded, employ properly trained and qualified professional staff, promote a gradual and functional transition from dependence to independence, and ensure accountability to external bodies including consumer groups.
Australian governments protecting children in detention: A view through the looking glass
Authors: Liddell Max , Goddard Chris
Published: March 2016

This article analyses the Australian Government’s communications on children in immigration detention, particularly those detained at Woomera and Baxter Detention Centres. The authors examine paradoxes and ‘double-bind’ theory; theory which analyses communications which continually put the target of them in the wrong and allow no escape. The analysis uses selected passages from Lewis Carroll’s ‘Alice in Wonderland’ and ‘Through the Looking Glass’ to highlight the nature and impact of such communication. The authors conclude that the Australian Government has consistently used paradoxical communication. In doing so it has placed children and families in detention, child protection workers, the South Australian Government, and sometimes external critics in a communication trap from which it is difficult to escape. Other bodies such as Courts have also demonstrated much paradox in their behaviour and communications on detention issues.
The ritual abuse of children: A critical perspective
Authors: McLeod Kay , Goddard Chris
Published: March 2016

The first section of this paper explores the ‘discovery’ of organised ritual abuse and reviews the literature with particular attention to the developing knowledge base, the question of credibility, the silencing of debate, and the ongoing research.

The second section considers the central research issues. The question of definition is discussed and the adoption of ‘organised ritual abuse’ as a working definition is proposed. The four aspects of organised ritual abuse, which analysis of the literature suggests are its key defining features, are then discussed. Finally, consideration is given to the importance of values in this field of research.
Child protection services in Queensland post-Forde Inquiry
Authors: Tilbury Clare
Published: March 2016

There have been major developments in child protection services in Queensland since the 1999 Inquiry into Abuse of Children in Queensland Institutions (the ‘Forde Inquiry’). This article discusses the nature of the changes that have occurred against the backdrop of a major debate in contemporary child protection research and practice – balancing forensic/legalistic and family support approaches to protecting children. Based upon an analysis of departmental annual reports, budget documents, policy statements and child protection administrative data, the article examines developments in policy directions, service provision, client trends and performance during the period. It shows that significant investment has increased the quantity of services available, but policy and program developments are yet to show an impact upon service quality and outcome indicators for children and families.
Upping the ante!: The training and status of foster carers in Queensland
Authors: Butcher Anne
Published: March 2016

This paper presents key findings from current North Queensland doctoral research on the topic of foster carer education, training and support. Sixty-one interviews were conducted with Indigenous, non-Indigenous and relative foster carers and a broad range of other ‘key informants’. Research findings presented indicate the need for more highly specialised and accredited training for foster carers than currently exists in Queensland, and argues for the professionalisation of foster care linked to increased payments and improved support for foster carers. The paper concludes that such changes in the current foster care system are crucial if foster carers are to be recruited to, and retained in, the role and, more importantly, for there to be much improved outcomes for children in statutory care.
A checklist for organisations working with fathers using the non-deficit approach
Authors: King Andrew , Sweeney Steve , Fletcher Ross
Published: March 2016

Following on from the article appearing in Children Australia Vol 30 No 2 (King 2005), this short paper develops a checklist for organisations working with fathers for assessing the programs they provide to men. The checklist uses four categories – environment, language, initial contact and marketing, and service provision – to assess their programs’ strengths and weaknesses.

The paper provides an opportunity for organisations to benchmark their approach in working with male service users and provides guidance on how program delivery can be improved.
Sibling relationships in the care system: Attachment, separation and contact issues
Authors: Schwenke Helen , Hudd Susan , Vicary David
Published: March 2016

A number of key authors maintain sibling relationships are absolutely crucial when considering out-of-home care options, while policy derived from theory and practice must guarantee that the best interests of the child(ren) are taken into account. Furthermore, placing siblings together is most likely to be a protective factor against placement breakdown. This being the case, care plans should focus on ensuring sibling connectedness and the maintenance of emotional bonds into adulthood.

This paper discusses current out-of-home care policy and practice in Western Australia which incorporates research from (1) attachment theory, (2) family structure, (3) cultural diversity, (4) development, (5) contact, (6) care planning, and (7) long-term care to provide guidance when considering siblings entering the out-of-home care system. The authors contend that this approach improves decision making practice and is consistent with new legislation — the Children and Community Services Act 2004, which is expected to be introduced in Western Australia on 1 March 2006, and which has as its underlying principle the best interests of the child.
Exploring the dimensions of professionalising fostering: Carers’ perceptions of their fostering role
Authors: Smyth Ciara , McHugh Marilyn
Published: March 2016

Australia is experiencing major difficulties attracting and retaining foster carers. This crisis in recruitment has focused attention on whether fostering can continue to rely on voluntary carers. This paper examines data from a 2003/4 survey of foster carers in New South Wales commissioned by the Department of Community Services. The research explores carers’ perceptions of the nature of the fostering role and examines these in relation to three dimensions of professionalisation: training, support and payment. The findings indicate that the majority of carers believe fostering should be regarded as a professional or semi-professional role. Among these carers, there was a higher level of support for the three dimensions of professionalisation compared to carers who regard their role as voluntary. Differences in perceptions were not attributable to other socio-demographic characteristics, aside from education levels. This paper also addresses the policy implications of these findings for the future recruitment and retention of carers.
Can you hear me?: The active engagement of Aboriginal children in the development of social policy by non-Aboriginals
Authors: Vicary David , Tennant Judy , Garvie Tiffany , Adupa Caroline
Published: March 2016

In recent years significant focus has been placed on the first few years of a child’s life and how their experiences during this time can shape their future development (McCain & Mustard, 1999). Social policy and programs that enhance the capacity of children and their families so that positive outcomes for children are ensured are being developed and implemented throughout Australia. This paper takes up the topic, initially introduced in Children Australia (Vicary et al. 2005), but turns the focus to Aboriginal children. Despite the advances in early years policy and programs development, marginalised children, particularly those from Aboriginal backgrounds, continue to be overlooked in terms of consultation (Vicary 2002).

The ramifications of this lack of consultation are profound in terms of cultural appropriateness and sensitivity. The Western Australian Office for Children and Youth has refined a model for the engagement of Aboriginal children in social policy consultation. The model is inclusive of diversity and targets the children who normally would not have their voices heard in the development of social policy. The following paper will describe the Aboriginal Child Engagement Model developed by the Office for Children and Youth in consultation with children, young people and adults from Aboriginal backgrounds. The model consists of six steps, and takes the non-Aboriginal worker from the initial engagement phase through to evaluation and relationship consolidation. The proposed model is further delineated by a case study.
Social and emotional issues of children in kinship foster care and stressors on kinship carers: A review of the Australian and international literature
Authors: Dunne Emer G. , Kettler Lisa J.
Published: March 2016

The aim of this paper is to review the Australian and international literature on social and emotional issues affecting children in kinship foster care and to examine stresses experienced by kinship foster carers.

There is a growing trend of kinship foster care as an alternative form of care for children in Australia and overseas which is attributed to factors such as child abuse, parental incapacity, parental incarceration, and parental substance misuse. The ideology supporting the use of kinship care is that it is in the child’s best interests because it helps them to maintain ties with their family of origin.

A comprehensive search of the literature on kinship care was undertaken and articles addressing social and emotional issues of children in kinship care or their carers were selected for critical review.

The literature suggests that children placed with kinship foster carers suffer from a range of social and emotional issues and these may impact on outcomes in adulthood. The existing literature does not, however, adequately differentiate the impacts of kinship care itself from the children’s pre-existing difficulties and there is a paucity of literature comparing kinship care outcomes with outcomes for children who have experienced other forms of out-of-home care. Common factors experienced by kinship foster carers that can make it challenging for them to deal with children’s issues are economic disadvantage, stress, health issues and lack of resources.

In conclusion, this review supports the arguments for assessment and interventions for children in kinship foster care; and support, parent training and interventions for kinship carers. Longitudinal studies are needed in this area.
Transitioning from (and with) care: The next steps
Authors: London Zoe , Halfpenny Nick
Published: March 2016

This article builds on research work undertaken by MacKillop Family Services on the experience of care leavers to explore the importance of the relational aspects of human service work. Recent legislative changes have focused on the availability of services and supports to young people transitioning from care. The authors suggest that it is time to refocus attention on the relationships between young people leaving care and human service workers. Such a discussion opens up models of practice that encourage flexible and participatory approaches.
Change and continuities in foster care in Victoria:Prospects and Tasks in Foster Carerevisited
Authors: Campbell Lynda
Published: March 2016

Foster care in Victoria is under strain. As Victoria implements major legislative and service system reforms, we should consider how the future of foster care can be informed by its past. To that end, this paper revisits the document on which Victoria’s current system of foster care was founded, Tierney’s 1973 report ‘Prospects and Tasks in Foster Care’. With reference to that template, this paper examines some of the service system changes that have threatened the viability of foster care, and draws attention to some enduring qualities of foster care that nevertheless are worthy of preservation.
Traces in the archives: Evidence of institutional abuse in surviving child welfare records
Authors: Swain Shurlee
Published: March 2016

The 2004 Forgotten Australians report is the most recent in a series of enquiries highlighting the prevalence of abuse in Australian child welfare institutions. The final report was heavily reliant on oral evidence from survivors and called for ongoing historical research to investigate the conditions which allowed such abuse to exist. This paper is a preliminary response to that call.

Drawing on the records of a range of Victorian child welfare organisations, it argues that there is evidence in the archives both for the existence of institutional abuse and of individual and systemic responses to the problem. However, the evidence is not always found in the obvious places, nor does it support a simplistic explanation of the prevalence and tolerance of abuse in such settings.
Residential programs for children and young people: What we need and what we don’t need
Authors: Ainsworth Frank
Published: March 2016

This article is written as a bold opinion piece. It stems from the fact that once again we are seeing reports of abuse in residential care while at the same time there are calls for the reclaiming of residential care as a positive choice for children and youth. Yet there seems to be confusion as to exactly what function these programs should perform in the broader out-of-home care system. There are also important questions about the knowledge and skills that staff would require if such programs are to be non-abusive. A rejoinder to this opinion piece would be welcome.
Child sexual abuse and the legal system
Authors: Briggs Freda
Published: March 2016

When Australia signed the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child in 1990, federal and state governments agreed, under Article 19, to create appropriate legislation and all necessary social and educational measures to protect children from all forms of abuse and exploitation and provide treatment and social support for victims and their carers. Seventeen years later, Australian child advocates are wondering where those services are, especially for those outside state capital cities. More importantly, where is the justice system that protects children and caters for victims of sexual abuse?

Australia, in common with other former British colonies, inherited the Westminster adversarial system, described by Mallon and White (1995, p. 50, cited in McGrath 2005) as:
The experiences of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander carers in the child protection system
Authors: Elarde Patricia , Tilbury Clare
Published: March 2016

Much child welfare research does not differentiate between the needs of Indigenous and non-Indigenous clients and/or does not specifically address issues concerning Indigenous children, families and communities. As such, evidence is not informed by Indigenous perspectives and knowledge. The research reported upon in this paper was conducted jointly by a university-based researcher and Indigenous child protection agencies. It explored the support needs of Indigenous carers in the context of the increasingly detailed regulatory framework for out-of-home care. It suggests there should be more investment in ongoing support for carers and more personal contact between the statutory department and the carer/s after the placement is made. This would fulfill many purposes: support for carers with attendant benefits such as satisfaction and retention; better meeting the needs of the child; and the regulatory function of ongoing monitoring of placement quality for accountability purposes.
Educational outcomes of children on guardianship or custody orders: A pilot study: Australian Institute of Health and Welfare
Authors: Townsend Michelle
Published: March 2016

The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) has recently released a report on the educational outcomes for children and young people on guardianship or custody orders. This report, four years in the making, represents one of the first comprehensive Australian assessments based on educational performance data from multiple jurisdictions for children on guardianship or custody orders. Developed for the National Child Protection and Support Services data group, the study was funded by the Community and Disability Services Ministers’ Advisory Council (AIHW 2007).

This pilot study examines how children on guardianship/custody orders are performing compared with all Australian children in education department-based testing for reading and numeracy in years 3, 5 and 7. Mean test scores were examined in addition to the achievement of national benchmarks for reading and numeracy. These nationally agreed benchmarks are designed to assess whether children have achieved the minimum standards for years 3, 5 and 7 (AIHW 2007). Data on 895 children on guardianship or custody orders were collected from five jurisdictions - Queensland, Victoria, South Australia, Tasmania and the Australian Capital Territory - for August 2003 (AIHW 2007). The data were linked through collaborative efforts by state and territory education and community services departments.
For the sake of the children? Children, domestic violence and public policy
Authors: Murray Suellen , Powell Anastasia
Published: March 2016

More attention than ever before is being paid to children in Australian public policy concerned with domestic violence. In family law and in the areas of child protection, policing and in the provision of specialist services, there is recognition that children are affected by domestic violence. Yet the ‘discovery’ of the impact of domestic violence on children and the development of public policy responses have not been straightforward processes of problem identification and solution. Rather, there are a number of competing discourses which underlie various policy approaches. Drawing on Bacchi’s (1999) ‘what’s the problem represented to be?’ approach, we examine the discursive constructions of children’s experiences of domestic violence and the responses to them as evident in Australian public policy. In identifying these particular understandings, and considering the implications of these meanings for current policy and practice, we aim to contribute to debate on the future direction of domestic violence policy concerned with children.
Re-engaging separated fathers with their children after contact has broken down
Authors: King Andrew , Fletcher Ross
Published: March 2016

This paper explores how separated fathers, who may have limited or no contact with their children, can be understood from a non-deficit perspective (Fleming 2002; Hawkins & Dollahite 1997; King 2000, 2001, 2005; King, Sweeney & Fletcher 2004). It describes how the generative fathering framework is used as a model to assist separated fathers to rebuild their connection with their children. The paper also examines parent/child contact time from a child focused perspective.