National
Learning without Barriers- Let’s talk about School refusal
When | Wednesday, 8 May, 12:00pm - 12:30pm |
Where | Online |
Sometimes the idea of going to school can be cause for severe distress for a child or young person and can result in a reluctance to go to school and an increase in nonattendance. High levels of distress and a reluctance to go to school is known as school refusal. School refusal is different from truancy. School refusal can negatively impact a child or young persons’ learning and development. It can affect friendships as well as social standing due to missed opportunities to connect with friends and other students. The longer the issue persists, the more difficult it can be for the child young person to get back into the routine of going to school, so it’s important to respond early. In this webinar the Learning Without Barriers team are joined by Dr. Glen Melvin. Dr Melvin is an Associate Professor & clinical and counselling psychologist from the School of Psychology, Deakin University in Melbourne. Glenn completed his PhD in the treatment of adolescent depressive disorder and has since conducted research into novel treatments for youth depression. His research interests include anxiety, school refusal, depression, and suicide prevention. He is currently working on a program to support parents who have a child with anxiety or depression. He works clinically with young people and teaches medical students about human development across the lifespan.
Please note: the time specified for this webinar is AEST
MOCKINGBIRD FAMILY™ Webinar
When | Thursday, 9 May, 11:00am - 12:00pm |
Where | Delivered online - Times are AEST |
MOCKINGBIRD FAMILY™ is an evidence-informed model that increases placement stability and carer retention, helps keep siblings together, strengthens families, and improves outcomes for children and young people in a structured yet organic way.
Hear directly from carers, support staff, agency leads and researchers who have see how this community approach to family based care is making a real difference.
Learning without Barriers - Let’s talk about Suspension.
When | Wednesday, 12 June, 12:00pm - 12:30pm |
Where | Online |
Consistent school attendance is important in any child’s education but for many children in out-of-home care, going to school every day is no easy thing. Unfortunately, children in out of home care face myriad challenges when it comes to attending school every day. The average number of days absent per term is double for students in care: seven days versus 3.4 days for students not in care. Suspensions also mean students miss out on school. In some parts of Australia data suggests the proportion of student sin care who were suspended is almost four time higher (23% versus 6% across all students). In this webinar the Learning Without Barriers team will talk about suspension, the policies and legislations that direct the practice is schools. The team will also share case studies and examples of student suspensions and strategies to employs early before the disciplinary action occurs, and advocacy techniques for during and post suspensions.
Please note: the time specified for this webinar is AEST
Learning without Barriers- First Nations Perspectives in Education
When | Wednesday, 10 July, 12:00pm - 12:30pm |
Where | Online |
In celebration of 2024 NAIDOC theme: Keep the Fires Burning! Blak, Loud and Proud, the education team will explore how we can elevate the voices of young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. How can we walk with them to take up space, be confident and be heard in education.
Please note: the time specified for this webinar is AEST
Learning without Barriers - Literacy & Hook into Books
When | Wednesday, 14 August, 12:00pm - 12:30pm |
Where | Online |
Further information SOON!
Please note: the time specified for this webinar is AEST
Learning without Barriers - Education data check-in
When | Wednesday, 28 August, 12:00pm - 12:30pm |
Where | Online |
Children in OOHC have a right to an individual education plan that genuinely removes barriers to doing well at school. Education Plans. What are they, and how can you use them to support children and young people in education.
In this webinar the Learning Without Barriers education team will unpack education support plans (called different things, depending on where you are) and host a Q & A.
Please note: the time specified for this webinar is AEST
Learning without Barriers- Supporting our students with ADHD
When | Wednesday, 11 September, 12:00pm - 12:30pm |
Where | Online |
*More information soon
Please note: the time specified for this webinar is AEST
Learning without Barriers - Post school and Leaving Care
When | Wednesday, 9 October, 12:00pm - 12:30pm |
Where | Online |
More information soon
Please note: the time specified for this webinar is AEST
New South Wales
MyForever Family Training Calendar
When | Monday, 27 May, 12:00am - Sunday, 1 December, 12:00am |
Where | Online/ Face to Face |
There are so many training options for you to take advantage of and all of the training offerings are FREE if you are an authorised foster or kinship carer, guardian or adoptive parent from out-of-home care. My Forever Family offers training sessions available online or in-person, so whatever your preference there is something for you. If you have difficulty attending training because of your busy schedule, we also have a range of recorded webinars that you can access in your own time, from the comfort of your own home. In order to register for all types of training you must be a member of the My Forever Family NSW, Carer Portal. You can register or login to the portal or simply view the training calendar and when you find a session that interests you, click on the link to register and follow the prompts. By registering for the Carer Portal you will automatically receive regular emails with upcoming training opportunities. Be quick! Many of our sessions book out and numbers are limited.
Queensland
Queensland Foster and Kinship Care Webinars and Events
When | Monday, 27 May, 12:00am - Sunday, 1 December, 12:00am |
Where | Online |
Check out QFKC Carer Events calendar for online/webinar events and workshops exclusive to Foster and Kinship Carers.
South Australia
Connecting Foster and Kinship Carers SA Inc Webinars and Events
When | Monday, 27 May, 12:00am - Sunday, 1 December, 12:00am |
Where | Online/ Face to Face |
CF&KC-SA offers a range of Carer Information Sessions based on key topics from our annual Foster & Kinship Carer Survey.
Tasmania
There are currently no Tasmania events scheduled
Victoria
Carer Kafe VIC Webinars and Events
When | Monday, 27 May, 12:00am - Sunday, 1 December, 12:00am |
Where | Online/ Face to Face |
Carer Kafe, we prioritise the learning and development of caregivers like you. We understand the vital role you play in ensuring the safety and well-being of the children in your care, while also providing them with the opportunity to thrive.
At Carer Kafe, we are dedicated to keeping our carers informed, supported, valued, and respected. As we embark on the transition of Carer Kafe, we remain committed to offering a variety of self-paced learning opportunities for foster, kinship, and permanent carers. We invite you to the explore current opportunities available. Our training offerings encompass online learning modules, webinars, and insightful podcasts.
VIC Carer Focus Group June 2024
When | Wednesday, 26 June, 7:00pm - 8:30pm |
Where | Online |
Key Topic: To be confirmed, closer to date.
- This invite is for VIC Life Without Barriers Foster and Kinship Carers.
VIC Carer Focus Group September 2024
When | Wednesday, 18 September, 7:00pm - 8:30pm |
Where | Online |
Key Topic: To be confirmed, closer to date.
- This invite is for VIC Life Without Barriers Foster and Kinship Carers.
VIC Carer Focus Group November 2024
When | Wednesday, 27 November, 7:00pm - 8:30pm |
Where | Online |
Key Topic: To be confirmed, closer to date.
- This invite is for VIC Life Without Barriers Foster and Kinship Carers.
Western Australia
WA Government Foster and Family Care Webinars
When | Monday, 27 May, 12:00am - Sunday, 1 December, 12:00am |
Where | Online |
Foster & Family Carers Learning Pathways - Learning Opportunities for Foster & Family Carers. Check out today their range of online learnings!
WA Mockingbird Family Model Information Session
When | Saturday, 11 May, 11:00am - 1:00pm |
Where | Life Without Barriers office, 632-634 Newcastle Street, Leederville or an online session on Wednesday the 24th of April from 10am – 11am. |
The LWB care team are hosting upcoming information sessions for all Foster Carers to discuss the Mockingbird Family model which will be implemented over the next couple of months across the Perth Metropolitan area.
Saturday the 11th of May 11am -1pm with lunch at Life Without Barriers office, 632-634 Newcastle Street, Leederville. There will be parking available downstairs. We will set up some children’s activities to entertain any children/young people that will attend with their carers – just let us know if you are bringing children with you. Please RSVP by Monday the 6th of May.
There will be an online session on Wednesday the 24th of April from 10am – 11am.
Mockingbird Family is an innovative way to structure the support and supervision provided to foster and kinship carers to create caring homes, inclusive of family, culture and community. Life Without Barriers is partnering The Mockingbird Society to implement Mockingbird Family in Australia.
The approach, which was first developed in 2004 in Washington state, USA, has been designed to improve connections and social and emotional well-being of children and their carers.
Key benefits of Mockingbird Family are:
• Children thrive socially, emotionally and academically • Children and carers develop supportive peer relationships • Positive Carer retention • Carers receive support through respite, peer support, training and information • Children remain connected to their community and culture • Increased placement stability • Alleviate case management workload