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Promising Practices – Book 3
Comprehensive support for Indigenous Carers and young people
Successful program managers and CEOs told us that developing strong relationships with external stakeholders was the key to getting funding agencies on board. Establishing effective relationships with external stakeholders also meant that agency staff became spokespeople for their organisation in the wider community, which in turn increases their profile and influence. This has led to the introduction of more culturally appropriate ways of addressing child protection and out-of-home care issues, as well as bringing more cultural awareness into the mainstream Australian community. The programs and services profiled in Booklets 2, 3 and 4 display these characteristics.
Comprehensive support for carers improves both their satisfaction in their caring role and their ability to provide good placements for children in their care. Programs offering practical and emotional support, and help in dealing with child protection departments, help carers feel more confident and empowered. Carers also feel supported when the children in their care get the support services they need.
Children in care have often experienced harm and trauma and need a range of supports. Services that keep children connected with their families and communities, enhance their self-esteem and cultural identity, and provide practical support when they move on to independent living, are likely to improve outcomes for children in care.
