A new guide for foster and formal kinship carers in Tasmania will give them confidence when making everyday decisions for children and young people in their care.
Launched during Foster Care Week, Who Can Say OK in Tasmania? is a guide to some key areas that children and young people have said are important to them.
The guide explains what carers can say ‘yes’ to as well as giving clear information on what they need to consider when making decisions. It addresses common concerns raised over time that have previously led to confusion and inconsistency, such as giving permission for school photos, camps, haircuts, sleepovers and family activities.
Children and young people were involved in the development of the guide and the voices of those directly impacted were crucial in creating a guide that truly meets the needs of both carers and children in Tasmania.
The guide was created with valuable input from foster and kinship carers, frontline Child Safety Staff, the Foster and Kinship Carers Association Tasmania (FKAT), service providers, the Children’s Commissioner, the Child Advocate, and most importantly, children and young people.
It serves as a practical tool for carers, children and young people, and frontline staff, providing clear guidelines to reduce uncertainty and follows similar resources developed in South Australia and Western Australia.
Foster and Kinship Carers CEO, Dr Kim Backhouse welcomed the resource. “This will be an invaluable resource for foster and kinship carers and provides much needed clarification for carers on a lot of issues that are raised with us on an ongoing basis, highlighting the significant role our carers play in caring for children and young people in Tasmania,” Dr Backhouse said.
The guide is being mailed directly to carers and other stakeholders. The guide will be regularly updated to reflect any changes in policy or practice, ensuring carers always have access to the most current information.
To view an electronic copy of the guide and learn more, please visit www.decyp.tas.gov.au/who-can-say-ok