Annual Report 2015–2016

ACWA Annual Report 2015 – 2016 1 Contents

About ACWA ...... 5

Chair Report ...... 8

CEO Report ...... 12

Policy and Membership Report ...... 16

Learning and Development Report ...... 30

Treasurer Report ...... 36

Financial Report ...... 40

ACWA Board ...... 62

ACWA Members ...... 64

Organisational Chart ...... 69

ACWA Staff ...... 70

Acknowledgements ...... 76

2 2015 – 2016 ACWA Annual Report ACWA Annual Report 2015 – 2016 3 About ACWA

The Association of Children’s Welfare Agencies (ACWA) is the non-government peak body for NSW and the ACT representing the voice of community organisations working with vulnerable children, young people and their families.

With a membership of more than 100 agencies, ACWA works with members, partners, government, non-government and other peak bodies to bring about effective reforms that will deliver better outcomes to the lives of vulnerable children, young people and their families.

Within ACWA, the Fostering NSW Recruitment and Retention of Foster Carers project is a public awareness-raising campaign to promote fostering and provide comprehensive information on care options, via its website and enquiry line.

The ACWA Best Practice Unit (BPU) strengthens practice, fosters local innovation and builds capacity in the sector by providing ACWA’s member networks with relevant training packages, policy advice and participation in research.

The Centre for Community Welfare Training (CCWT) is a Registered Training Organisation (RTO) providing cost effective and accessible training opportunities for people working across the community welfare sector — with a particular focus on organisations working with vulnerable children, young people and families.

CCWT provides calendar-based and in-house training as well as specialised programs, coaching and supervision and is the largest not-for- profit, non-government, community services training provider in NSW.

4 2015 – 2016 ACWA Annual Report ACWA Annual Report 2015 – 2016 5 Reports

6 2015 – 2016 ACWA Annual Report ACWA Annual Report 2015 – 2016 7 Deirdre Cheers Chair Report ACWA Board Chair

Over the past 12 months it has been representation, we have a recognised government catchment area divisions process currently being determined a great privilege to continue as ACWA national footprint and our CEO (from Regions to smaller Districts, and at the local level. We note that as a Board Chair. In what has been as Andrew McCallum is known and recently back to larger Districts again part of these reforms FACS is now always a busy year, the financial year influential throughout Australia. — RIGS, DIGS, SPIGS!) and consequent anticipating the procurement of period just ended has also been a impact on local NGO relationships. evidence based models to meet time for the Association and many of The pace of the NSW reform specific needs. our member agencies to reflect on environment has been fast and furious There have been numerous the bigger picture for children and this year and can be anticipated projects involving ACWA in 2015- The year has also seen the Royal children’s rights, and the role of ACWA to continue as we move into the 2016. To mention a few of these Commission into Institutional going forward into the next period of forthcoming period of re-contracting specifically, this includes work on Responses to Child Sexual Abuse child and family policy implementation and recommissioning for non- models of residential care, and on announce closure of private hearing in our own state and also throughout government agencies. Government the development of a definition of registration at the end of September, Australia. contracts have been extended to therapeutic care for both foster care with the ongoing release of papers June 2017, and ACWA member and residential care which has been and findings leading to increased ACWA is the largest specifically care agencies are currently participating endorsed by the ACWA Board and is national focus on building child safe and protection focused child and in government led meetings and currently, as we understand, sitting organisations. It is unclear at this stage family welfare peak body in Australia. workshops about evidence based with the Minister. I note particularly how the recommendations pertaining We have continued over the past models of service delivery, program here that while the Board endorsed to a Financial Redress scheme will be year to work closely with colleagues types, outcomes and quality assurance a proposed definition for therapeutic finalised, an issue which may have a in our own state including Aboriginal, reporting, and the costs of out-of- care, it was not presented with, nor significant impact on the sector. family support, homelessness and home care (OOHC). Members have did it endorse, the recently released youth directed peaks, and also of also been participating in quarterly FACS commissioned report by Verso ACWA continues to meet the needs course NCOSS (the NSW Council of OOHC Recommissioning Forums Consulting which recommends of member agencies by providing Social Services). At the national level attended by the Minister, with ACWA the establishment of residential high quality training via CCWT, and ACWA continues to work closely and having a strong advocacy presence assessment units throughout accessibility has been expanded via in collaboration with more general for children as well as agencies. In NSW. This proposal requires closer increased capacity to link up with family based peaks such as Families addition, ACWA sits at the table of the consideration by ACWA as there is no regional members by video and Australia, as well as SNAICC and also new Safety and Permanency Advisory evidence of adequate availability of webinar technology. the Australia Council of Social Service Group meeting (chaired by FACS throughput from such services within (ACOSS). Secretary Michael Coutts-Trotter) and the suggested 12-week residential It is now eight years since the Wood associated sub-committees. ACWA placement period. The sector has Special Commission of Inquiry into While ACWA’s primary emphasis policy staff continue to engage with also been consulted and involved in Child Protection in NSW provided is on the NSW context and as well FACS staff at all levels, and have been a major Targeted Early Intervention a blueprint for child protection has strong ACT member agency monitoring the impact of changes to reform process, with outcomes of this policy reforms. Three Ministers (and

8 2015 – 2016 ACWA Annual Report ACWA Annual Report 2015 – 2016 9 including a change of government) old) that most do not find stability in later the policy context has changed this form of care. We must not delude from ‘Keep Them Safe’ to ‘Safe ourselves as a sector that care and Home for Life’ — subtle wording but protection and OOHC workers can a powerful shift away from ‘saving’ create stable relationships for children individual children and towards a by any other means than ensuring more holistic focus on the needs that Care Plans are for life. Regardless of vulnerable children within the of good staff retention rates in some context of a continuum of service agencies, the person providing direct delivery across both government care for a child is the most important departments and non-government piece of the puzzle in stability of care. organisations. The thrust of Safe Home None of us here should deliberately for Life is permanency for vulnerable make choices as a direct result of the children who come into care within policies we develop and support or the child protection system, within the Care Plans our NGO staff make a legally defined hierarchy of direct for children. Social workers move care alternatives — restoration to on, to condemn children to a life of family where ongoing safe can be discontinuous and disrupted care. If guaranteed, Guardianship (placement we wouldn’t agree to it for our own with kin), Open Adoption, and lastly children and grandchildren then long term foster care. This hierarchy it shouldn’t be good enough for was proclaimed in NSW Care children who are in the care of the legislation in 2014, two years ago now, government. and is clearly and individually focused on child need. While this arguably In closing this year I say farewell as subtle change may not yet be fully ACWA Board Chair, having completed understood by some professionals, the maximum number of terms in and we are yet to realise the changes this role. I publically thank our CEO it will make to stability for vulnerable Andrew McCallum and Deputy Wendy children over time, the way forward Foote for their diligent commitment to for children is clear. There must be no the support of our sector over the past turning back on creating permanency year and ongoingly, and colleagues for children, and reducing the churn of at the ACWA Board table. To Linda long term foster care. Watson for her leadership of CCWT, a public thanks as well, and also to Although we know that not every child all ACWA and CCWT staff — I know in foster care will experience multiple that I speak on behalf of all member placements, we are aware from both agencies when I say thank you for your Australian and international research support. I wish ACWA all the very best evidence (Cashmore and Paxman’s for the forthcoming year. landmark ‘Longitudinal Study of Wards Leaving Care’ study is now 20 years Thank you.

10 2015 – 2016 ACWA Annual Report ACWA Annual Report 2015 – 2016 11 Andrew McCallum AM CEO Report Chief Executive Officer

It gives me great pleasure to report address this capacity issue through its Institutional Responses to Child Sexual our ‘Step by Step’ carer assessment on the activities undertaken by ACWA ongoing recruitment efforts. Within Abuse has taught us anything it is package that incorporates legislative during the 2015-2016 financial year. It this climate it is important to stay that where the light doesn’t shine and other changes that have occurred was a year of new initiatives associated mindful of ensuring restoration or and community concern is diverted, in recent times. This large-scale with repositioning and challenges the placement of children with kin is horrific things can happen. The undertaking required significant reflecting the critical environment fully explored. The disproportionate National Framework for Protecting upfront investment by ACWA, which in which ACWA and our members numbers of Aboriginal children in Australia’s Children represents we nevertheless consider imperative continue to operate. Improving the OOHC remains an area of grave one such attempt to change the in ensuring best outcomes for lives of children and young people in concern and must be tackled as a community narrative in this space. children. the context and complexities of a child matter of urgency as we seek to The Framework’s Third Action plan safe environment tests the ingenuities address the socio-economic issues seeks to “place strong emphasis on With the support of the Law and of us all. that underlie this travesty. prevention and early intervention”, Justice Foundation of NSW, ACWA as well as “a clear focus on Aboriginal also rolled out this year a new While striving to provide children and As a sector, we understand that the and Torres Straight Islander children”. Children’s Court training package for young people in out-of-home care cost of child protection and OOHC While these two areas of focus are caseworkers. This resource provides (OOHC) in NSW the optimum level of weighs heavily on the public purse immensely important, once again the valuable assistance for member care and services, we remain equally and is grossly out of kilter with the investment lags significantly behind agencies with their increased contact mindful of our broader duty to ensure level of investment being directed into the rhetoric. But it’s a start we can and engagement with the court that the community understands and diversionary and early intervention build on. processes under the changing sector recognises the responsibility we all child and family wellbeing initiatives. landscape. We have also established a shoulder for addressing the causal We know all too well that positive In February ACWA held a special ‘Red ‘preferred provider’ legal practitioner pathways that lead vulnerable children collective societal impacts would flow Carpet’ launch at NSW Parliament panel to provide legal services at a and families into contact with the child if this funding trend was inverted. House where we unveiled our range discounted cost to members. While protection system. Being able to achieve this is the of new products and resources the take-up rate so far has been challenge for us all. Solutions to these developed to help our members meet variable, we are hoping that in due In the past 12 months we have seen a seemingly intractable public policy the changing needs of the sector. course members will appreciate the rise in the number of children in care issues will not be found with more Close to 300 people attended the value this service can bring to their in NSW. The reasons behind this are legislation and regulation, but in a event, hosted by Minister for Family organisation. complex. Children are staying in care universal mindset change that values and Community Services Brad Hazzard, longer and entries into the system are, children in general, and vulnerable with guest speaker NSW Children’s In developing these new products and as a result, outstripping exits, thus families in particular, as worthy of our Guardian Kerryn Boland. services, ACWA has incurred some creating challenges for the sector in highest investment. necessary investment. The Board is of terms of capacity. ACWA’s Fostering Among the new resources launched the view that ACWA underwrite the NSW project has been striving to If the Royal Commission into this year is the revised version of development costs and look to recoup

12 2015 – 2016 ACWA Annual Report ACWA Annual Report 2015 – 2016 13 the costs where possible over time in Deirdre’s knowledge and ability in such order to ensure these resources have a critical leadership role. currency and integrity. This has had some impact on our financial position To the sector, and to our many this year. individual and organisational partners, I issue a warm thank you, both on In closing I would like to express my behalf of myself and the Board. We gratitude to the dedicated staff at could not do what we do without ACWA for the great work they have extensive collaboration. I include in performed over the past 12 months. this acknowledgement our major We work in a high volume, deadline partner the NSW Government, driven environment. As a peak body, especially the Department of Family ACWA is often viewed as the face and Community Services. We all of the sector, which constantly tests share a common goal of a NSW that our dexterity. In addition, I convey embodies a truly civil society. my deep appreciation to Deputy CEO Wendy Foote and her team for I have no doubt that 2016-2017 has covering during my recent period of many tests in store for the sector, enforced absence. including the looming challenges associated with recommissioning. Strong governance remains critical I look forward to the sector to the ongoing viability, credibility responding with its usual strength and and competence of any organisation commitment. and on the behalf of the sector I extend my thanks to the ACWA Board for their diligence in respect of our activities and operations throughout the year. I also take this opportunity to personally thank ACWA Chair Deirdre Cheers, who is due to step down as Chair at our upcoming AGM, for the support she has provided me over the past five years. ACWA has been truly fortunate to have someone of

14 2015 – 2016 ACWA Annual Report ACWA Annual Report 2015 – 2016 15 Dr Wendy Foote Policy and Membership Report Deputy CEO Director Policy & Membership

The broad scope of ACWA’s work 12 months as a result of an increasing findings of this review were delivered benefited from exposing their staff during 2015-2016 has been achieved need for foster carers. to the NSW Department of Premier to a policy, advocacy and training through a range of activities and Cabinet in June, although is yet to environment that has provided them undertaken across our Best Practice Member consultation remains at the be released to the public. with opportunities to develop a Unit (BPU) and Policy and Membership heart of ACWA’s policy development broader perspective of the sector, new area. and advocacy. Our OOHC Reforms We are now in a period where the knowledge and skills. Forum, Residential Care Provider majority of OOHC is provided by The BPU draws together the Network and the two statewide NGOs. This shift continues to impact ACWA continues to provide leadership capabilities of our training arm, CCWT, reference groups that support the on the development of roles and in relation to sectorwide frameworks. with Policy and Membership to work Fostering NSW project and the BPU responsibilities between government This is a key area for a peak body as most effectively on key projects and have all continued to provide helpful, and the NGO sector, specifically for we attempt to influence sector culture policy areas aimed at supporting the robust discussion and direction. FACS in its capacity as funder. The in the establishment of common needs of the changing sector. In the current development in outcomes- understanding across our agency past 12 months the focus of the BPU Another significant focus of our Policy based funding models, along with the members. This year we completed has been on building the capacity and Membership area over the past development of the Quality Assurance the Practice Framework, and it was of our member agencies as well as 12 months has been in the area of Framework within FACS, is creating a our third year of involvement with the pre-empting the needs of the sector’s education and out-of-home care changing environment in which our development of the Therapeutic Care workforce, with the need for higher (OOHC). To help support our advocacy members will be commissioned to Framework. We have now commenced levels of skills reflecting the NGO work for improved educational deliver services. the development of a Code of Ethics sector’s increasing responsibilities. outcomes for children and young for the sector and have been working Our long range plan is to develop people in care, we have collected I’m pleased to report that ACWA has with the Ethics Centre over the last six pathways for continuing development vital data from our member agencies, completed the second year of our months. Practitioners and managers that will reflect any new requirements developed policy positions with member secondment program, which are continually working in areas where emerging from the recommissioning of member input, and attended meetings has now involved two sponsoring there are ethical issues and dilemmas residential care agencies, and the shift with politicians, Ministerial staff and agencies, Life Without Barriers and that arise, making decisions about towards outcomes-based contracting senior government representatives. Wesley Mission. To date, three staff children and families in highly charged for the whole service sector. While it has been frustrating work at members have been seconded to and difficult situations challenging. times, there has been a shift in the the Fostering NSW team to work on The need for a Code of Ethics has In the Policy and Membership area policy discussion within government specific projects. The result has been been identified to support and guide our efforts have been channeled in anticipation of the impact of the a beneficial two-way exchange. For decision-making across organisations. into sector consultation, information ‘Tune’ review. We understand that this ACWA, being able to draw directly A group of senior practitioners, sharing and advocacy in key areas. review has the potential to address on the experiences of practitioners policymakers and managers are We have also continued to auspice some of our concerns that arise has enriched our policy and advocacy involved with ACWA in developing the Fostering NSW carer recruitment from children and young people in work and ensured that we are aware this Code, which will be rolled out project, which has now taken on a OOHC being unable to access public of current practice challenges. and used in ACWA forums and agency higher level of importance in the past education and health services. The At the same time, agencies have discussions.

16 2015 – 2016 ACWA Annual Report ACWA Annual Report 2015 – 2016 17 Best Practice Unit • Contracting and Future Proofing Strengthening Outcomes-Based Held on November 11, this forum Forum (half day) Measurement and Practice brought together a panel of esteemed In 2015-2016 the BPU developed a • Open Adoption Forum (2 day) and experts in Education and OOHC best practice framework articulating Open Adoption Series As the foundation for identifying research and practice. Dr Matheson’s core values and principles for NSW • Financial viability and sustainability high level outcomes for residential presentation focused on his research, non-government child welfare training care, and a systematic and a doctoral qualitative study that practitioners. Three priorities areas • Quality of Evidence for Court (half consistent approach to practice investigated the experiences of seven were identified to support best day) and Children’s Court training based on evidence, the BPU worked New Zealand university students practice in the field: supporting resource collaboratively with FACS and AbSec to who were formerly in foster care. emerging practice needs; developing • Alternative Dispute Resolution develop a framework for therapeutic Making links with the growing body a skilled workforce; and strengthening Forum (1 day) care framework for OOHC in NSW. of Australasian and international outcomes-based measurement and • Children’s Court Clinic Forum This achieved an agreement with research literature on the education practice. (1 day) key stakeholders where no standard of children in OOHC, and aptly called • A SHFL information package therapeutic care definition or agreed- ‘Slipping down Ladders and Climbing Supporting Best Practice for NGOs articulating what the on principles existed, and provides up Snakes’, it particularly focused reforms meant from an NGO a platform for the re-contracting on his study’s findings in relation to In NSW, a higher level of skill is service provider perspective. and service design work that is to be foster care and leaving care. While required across all areas of OOHC undertaken in residential care and in confirming that ‘kids in care’ can case management as a result of A Skilled Workforce the wider system in 2016-2017. The and do go to university, his study the transfer of OOHC services to BPU also conducted a successful series revealed multiple barriers including NGOs that commenced in 2012, To contribute to developing a more of service design and contracting limited educational support, multiple and the Safe Homes for Life reforms skilled workforce, the BPU designed workshops and evidence based placements, challenging behaviour, proclaimed in October 2014. and delivered a mix of pre-service practice forums for NGO managers generally poor relationships with social The reforms have also brought training and ongoing learning and workers. workers as well as limited financial additional complexity in recruitment, opportunities for agencies. Access support on leaving care. He also noted assessment, training and monitoring to relevant vocational education In 2016-2017 the BPU will continue formal after care services and the in relation to the dual authorisation of training (VET) qualifications were to build on this work by focusing on support of at least one longer-term carers for foster care and adoption. In delivered through a combination of three key deliverables: embedding foster carer to create educationally- response to these areas of reform, the recognition of prior learning (RPL) Safe Home for Life Reforms; promoting rich environments as critical factors to BPU established Best Practice Forums assessments and calendar workshops, evidence based practice in the sector; helping members of this population to bring experts in these practice enabling learners to gain the specific and enhancing member engagement. achieve educational success. areas together and create resources skills to help them in the workplace. that can impact on practice. The BPU A new Graduate Diploma of Out-of- Other Forums Evidence Based Programs Forum conducted a series of well attended Home Care was created to enable and highly evaluated forums with workers to retrain and gain new skills Education and OOHC Forum: Slipping Guest speaker: Dr Sylvia Rowlands accompanying video, publication and to keep pace with a changing field Down Ladders and Climbing Up (New York Foundling) presentation content in the following of child welfare, while maintaining Snakes areas: community confidence in the value This well attended forum on of VET qualifications for the sector. To Guest speaker: Dr Iain Matheson (NZ) November 17 offered participants the • Family Group Conferencing assist members with accurately and Panel experts: Dr Patricia McNamara opportunity to hear from Evidenced (FGC) (1 day) and FGC facilitator validly assessing their training needs, (La Trobe University), Professor Based Practice (EBP) expert Dr accredited training (2 days) a new Capability Framework was also Elizabeth Fernandez (UNSW), Rowlands, who has been the driving • Restoration Forum (2 days) developed. Associate Lecturer Nicole Peel (UWS) force behind the shift from Treatment

18 2015 – 2016 ACWA Annual Report ACWA Annual Report 2015 – 2016 19 as Usual (TAU) to Evidenced Based of the CRC on the practices of the Practice in both General Prevention community services and education and Family Foster Care at New York sectors in promoting the rights of Foundling (NYF). Through her work children since its introduction as with the Child Success New York well as aspects of practice and policy Project, she has played a significant that still require attention. One of role in the staggering decrease of the consistent observations by all the number of children in foster care speakers was that despite a great deal in New York City. Drawing on NYF’s of progress for children and young experience using EBPs in child welfare, people generally, many aspects of CRC juvenile justice and mental health, are not as effective for children and Dr Rowlands provided a valuable people facing disadvantage. overview of what EBPs are, how they have been implemented in the larger social service system as well at the agency level, why agencies should adopt the use of a EBP and how to create buy-in at the funding level.

Convention on Rights of the Child Forum

Guest speakers: James McDougall (Steering Committee member of the Australian Child Rights Taskforce), Andrew Johnson (NSW Advocate for Children and Young People), Dorothy Hoddinott (Principal of Holroyd High School and winner of the Australian Human Rights Medal for commitment to the human rights of children and young people), Dr Paul Gray (Executive Leader, Strategy, Policy and Engagement, AbSec)

This forum, hosted by ACWA on May 5 to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the ratification of the Convention on Rights of the Child (CRC) in 1990 and its ‘entry into force’ in January 1991 in Australia, attracted more than 60 participants from a range of related organisations and sectors. The speakers discussed the impacts

20 2015 – 2016 ACWA Annual Report ACWA Annual Report 2015 – 2016 21 Policy and Membership Clare Rogers (FACS Director of Service the opportunity to highlight issues re-establish them as a regular fixture System Commissioning) and Elizabeth and hear about any new policy for OOHC agencies in the Southern Member consultation and engagement Knight (FACS Director OOHC Initiatives) developments. Additionally, at each region. Participants are mainly via our various forums have continued have been regularly attending meeting we have guest speakers that representatives of OOHC agencies in to form a vital component of ACWA’s meetings, listening to the group and feed into our focus areas. We thank the region and there is always a FACS activities throughout 2015-2016: providing valuable updates about the Relationships Australia for hosting representative present as well. process. In addition, consulting firm these forums. Out-of-Home Care Forums Verso has been contracted to develop Topics covered over the past 12 a therapeutic care framework and Metro OOHC Forum, Sydney months have included a presentation OOHC Reforms Forum evidence guide for the sector and we and workshop with the Children’s have had several consultations with These longstanding forums remain Court Clinic, a presentation and This year the OOHC Reforms Forum, them, both in and out of session. well attended both as monthly discussion with the Family Link service which aims to keep the sector abreast Through all this consultation ACWA forums in 2015 and quarterly forums offered through Link-Up NSW and a of developments and reforms, has is hopeful that the NGO sector’s in 2016. As well as receiving regular presentation and discussion regarding attracted a diversity of important voice will resonate within any service updates from Health and Education, legal issues and assistance for young guest speakers including Simone models put forward and developed. presentations at these forums have people in care with Legal Aid NSW. The Czech (FACS A/Executive Director, encompassed the NDIS and OOHC, forums also enable discussion of local Design, Innovation, Safety and Transition to Independence Forum carer assessments, restoration, issues, some of which will become the Permanency), Penny Hood (FACS legal issues for case managers and focus for future forums while others are Director, Innovation, Co-Design For more than two decades, ACWA challenging behaviours. raised with FACS and, if required, the and Implementation) and various has had a strong commitment to Southern/Illawarra & Shoalhaven Safety academics and experts covering topics leaving care and aftercare. We want to Participants have also heard about & Permanency Leadership Group. ranging from sexualised behaviours continue to strengthen the supports programs and initiatives such as the to the National Disability Insurance and services young people who are Patchwork, Link-Up NSW’s Family Breakfast and Sector Briefings Scheme (NDIS). ACWA has begun to transitioning from care can access. Link program and Western Sydney use this meeting to feed NGO led ACWA has a firm policy position that University’s Lodestar program. There is Quality of Evidence Sector Wide information and concerns to the Safety the transition into adult life for young usually an opportunity for participants Consistency and Permanency Advisory Group people in OOHC should be extended to ask questions of the presenters and, (formerly the Ministerial Advisory beyond 18 yeas of age. time permitting, to raise issues and Guest speakers: Judge Peter Johnstone Group, or MAG). We will continue concerns, share practice tips and other (President of the Children’s Court) to strengthen these links and ensure Formerly known as the Leaving information. ACWA is very appreciative and Leslie Van Stellingwerff and Bet that there is a strong NGO voice Care/After Care Forum, this year of Anglicare’s kind and ongoing Collopy (FACS Legal) being heard at the highest levels of the group decided that it needed hospitality in hosting these forums. government. an updated name to be more in line Held on July 21, the impetus for with contemporary terminology and Southern OOHC Forum, Wollongong this forum arose from the Safe Residential Care Provider Network standards. The meetings are held at Home for Life Reforms, which have Relationships Australia in Parramatta ACWA works with member agencies, had a significant impact on OOHC As recommissioning for residential and have increased in frequency from specifically the William Campbell agencies and their involvement with care looms, ACWA has ensured that quarterly to bi-monthly. The current Foundation and Southern Youth and the Children and Supreme Courts in the state’s NGO providers have had a focus areas include education/training Family Services, to coordinate and NSW. Judge Johnstone spoke about strong influence in the consultation and employment, housing, service host the Southern OOHC Forum. The evidence requirements — what process. We are happy to report model and increasing the leaving care forums, which are held three times a the court needs to see and early that this group has grown and now age. FACS representatives regularly year, have been well attended over the indications of areas of concern for provides a stronger united voice. attend meetings and the group has last year after some focused efforts to the NGO sector — while Leslie and

22 2015 – 2016 ACWA Annual Report ACWA Annual Report 2015 – 2016 23 Bet presented a de-identified case Reflections Two Years On study of a matter that had significant repercussions for the NGO agency Guest speaker: Michael Coutts-Trotter and FACS. CEOs were encouraged to (FACS Secretary) consider the implications of individual agencies’ capacity and the potential for Held on November 6, participants sectorwide impacts if their agency is were treated to the reflections of unable to meet the standards required. Michael Coutts-Trotter since his appointment in July 2013 as FACS The forum also considered the Director-General (now Secretary). transition of OOHC, which has squarely The forum attracted an excellent placed children in the NGO sector’s turnout and gave attendants plenty of care. Delegated responsibilities have opportunity for questions. meant that NGOs are responsible for the quality and consistency Institutional Responses to Child of evidence contributed to court Sexual Abuse in OOHC Consultation proceedings. The forum provided Forum direct feedback from the President of the Children’s Court on early warning Members and stakeholders gathered signs for the NGO sector as well how at ACWA on April 11 for the poorly presented evidence can have Institutional Responses to Child Sexual significant reputational and financial Abuse in Out-of-Home Care Forum, costs for both NGO agencies and FACS featuring a special presentation from and what has been learnt from this. Commissioner Robert Fitzgerald who elaborated on the key learnings from Learnings from the Royal Commission the Royal Commission.

Guest speaker: Commissioner Andrew The key objective of this forum Murray (Royal Commission into was to provide members with the Institutional Responses to Child Sexual opportunity to engage with and Abuse) respond to the issues raised in the Royal Commission’s consultation At this well attended Breakfast paper on child sexual abuse in OOHC Briefing on August 12, Commissioner settings. The event included a panel Murray reflected, from both a discussion featuring representatives personal perspective and on behalf from the Office of the Children’s of the Commission, on the Royal Guardian, the NSW Ombudsman and Commission and its progress. At times ACWA’s Board, followed by a member spellbinding, he provided compelling consultation. This member input was insights into his experience in this used to inform ACWA’s submission role, acknowledging the personal life to the Royal Commission’s OOHC changing impact it has had on him. consultation paper.

24 2015 – 2016 ACWA Annual Report ACWA Annual Report 2015 – 2016 25 Policy Submissions NSW Parliamentary Inquiry into Child Fostering NSW permanency and a sense of belonging. Protection The video was watched 45,000 times Royal Commission Submissions Recruitment and on Facebook and on YouTube. The Parliamentary Inquiry into Child Retention Project ACWA has made a number of Protection was established in May In early 2016 the Fostering NSW responses to the Royal Commission 2016 to review and report on the Against a challenging backdrop of staff team, along with ACWA colleagues, into Institutional Responses to Child NSW child protection system, with movements and the imperative to participated in the Sydney Gay and Sexual Abuse, namely to its Issues submissions due in early July 2016. accurately reflect government reforms Lesbian Mardi Gras to raise awareness Paper 4 Preventing Sexual Abuse ACWA will be submitting a submission with more nuanced messaging, the about fostering within the LBTQI of Children in Out-of-Home Care and is expecting to be called upon Fostering NSW project continued to community. The Fostering NSW stall and the Redress and Civil Litigation to give evidence at the hearing. Our be successful this year in attracting at Fair Day attracted a steady stream Consultation Paper. ACWA’s response submission will comment on the whole prospective foster carers to ‘learn, of people keen to find out how they to the release of the Institutional service system with an emphasis on think and connect’ to fostering, with could help a vulnerable child or young Responses to Child Sexual Abuse OOHC and our NGO members. We around 112,000 visitors to the website person at the same time as building a in Out-of-Home Care consultation hope that the wellbeing of children and over 2000 enquiries online and via family. The team also marched under paper in April is the most substantial and young people can be improved by the enquiry line. the Fostering NSW banner in the iconic submission provided to date, and is any future recommendations. Mardi Gras Parade with a group of one of 55 responses overall to the In September, the 2015 Foster Care around 30 out-of-home care agency paper. developing practice Week celebrations were launched colleagues from Stretch-A-Family, The with Sydney Picnic Day in the beautiful Benevolent Society, Key Assets and ACWA drew on a broad range of ACWA continued to enhance the Western Sydney Parklands, which was Challenge Community, cheered on sources for its submission, including relevance and quality of developing attended by around 1100 foster carers by an appreciative crowd of around internal expertise, sector consultations practice, our refereed journal that has and children, plus 150 volunteers from 300,000 spectators. and experience as a training provider been published by ACWA and the NSW participating organisations. Similar and aimed to apply a prevention, Family Services for the child, youth events were held across the State, In May, the Fostering NSW Facebook identification and response lens and family services sector since 2001. supported by the ACWA Regional page reached a milestone of 40,000 throughout as well as a focus on A special highlight was a themed issue Grants program, and the week was followers in response to a host of screening and assessment and on the development of a therapeutic rounded off with the highly successful positive media coverage during relevant training topics. care framework for NSW, with Kids in Care Cup in Wollongong, with Families Week and the phenomenal contributions by a group of ACWA’s the Dalai Dreamers from Kempsey success of another new video, ‘The The submission also kept focus on key collaborators on the project. taking the Cup for the second year Importance of Belonging — Why the epigraph “ACWA contends that in in a row. Alongside Fostering NSW- Cultural Care Matters’. This video, the hierarchy of influence — culture Student Placement Program generated media coverage reaching featuring foster carers Samar and Moe trumps regulation”. The submission an estimated 39.5 million people from Creating Links, and Iqbal (known included 13 recommendations To help attract and prepare final year during Foster Care Week, a new video, affectionately as ‘TeTa’ to her foster covering issues such as embedding social work students to work in the ‘Growing Together’ featuring Challenge children) from Settlement Services relevant recommendations by sector, ACWA conducted two student Community foster carers Denise International, reached 170,000 people the Commission into the National placements with students from Griffith and Ross, was launched to promote and was viewed over 90,000 times on Framework for Protecting Australia’s University and the University of New messaging around the need for foster Facebook and YouTube. It attracted an Children, better support and focus on South Wales. Both students have carers, agencies and, where possible, unprecedented level of engagement, building capacity across the sector and subsequently found employment in birth parents, to work as a team particularly within the Muslim better data collection. the child welfare sector. to give children and young people community, and led to enquiries from

26 2015 – 2016 ACWA Annual Report ACWA Annual Report 2015 – 2016 27 a significant number of new culturally The Final Word and linguistically diverse foster carers. These activities were highlights In closing, I would like to thank our in a year which has also included members for their support of the improvements to the Fostering work undertaken by ACWA this year. NSW enquiry and referrals process, This support takes many forms — enhanced communication and providing data and information, collaboration with the sector, comment and feedback. We value our participation in regional information ongoing relationship with our member nights, updates to the website, organisations and strive to ensure that grassroots activities within school our work reflects your experience of and sports settings, presenting at the providing care for the children and International Foster Care Organisation young people of NSW. Conference, and the organisation of a statewide forum focusing on carer support.

With news that the Fostering NSW project will be funded for another year, we have ended the 2015-2016 period with the planning of a new advertising campaign comprising TV, regional radio and a digital partnership with the hugely popular Mamamia website. Using a 30-second recruitment advert first launched in Youth Week 2015 as its flagship item, the campaign exhorts the public to ‘Be part of an amazing journey…’ and marks the beginning of yet another busy year ahead for the Fostering NSW Recruitment and Retention of Foster Carers project.

The Fostering NSW project’s Statewide Reference Group has provided valuable direction over the past 12 months and we thank the following agencies for their ongoing guidance and support: Allambi Care, AbSec, Australian Foster Care Association, CatholicCare, Connecting Carers, Creating Links, FACS, Key Assets, Life Without Barriers, Settlement Services International, Uniting and Wesley Mission.

28 2015 – 2016 ACWA Annual Report ACWA Annual Report 2015 – 2016 29 Linda Watson Learning and Development Report Director CCWT

As Director of CCWT I would like the sector. We then invite expressions to develop their workforces. There qualifications on scope and ready to to extend my thanks to the people of interest from experienced has been an increased uptake in be offered to new participants. We who have contributed to CCWT over practitioners and trainers to offer supervision services, and we have also also renewed our registration and the past year. The success we have these workshops on our behalf. I provided coaching on specific topics. accreditation this year. This process achieved in the past 12 months would would like to extend our thanks to In-House staff retain a comprehensive went very smoothly and we are now not have been possible without the all the people who have contributed list of experienced coaches and able to continue to offer qualifications hard work of ACWA’s staff, and our to this process. Your input ensures supervisors. until 2023. This is a testament to the CCWT staff in particular. We are our Calendar remains relevant and quality of the training and assessment fortunate to be supported by an of value to the community sector Our In-House team has also developed that is offered by our trainers, and the amazing range of expert practitioners workforce. a generic Capability Audit tool which dedicated work of our administration who deliver training for us. This group will soon be available on the CCWT and compliance staff. of people are so generous in sharing A particular focus for the year has website. This audit tool enables their time and talents with us. been on the needs of the out-of-home users to assess current skills against Leadership Programs care workforce as they continue to a set of standard criteria and identify Below is an outline of CCWT’s activities respond to the Safe Home For Life areas of strength and areas where As well as the ever popular for 2015-2016. reforms. New courses on the Calendar development is needed. BSB51915 Diploma of Leadership and this year have included a very popular Management, CCWT continues to offer Training Calendar workshop providing participants During 2015-2016, In-House has the Community Leadership Program. with accreditation as Family Group offered around 250 workshops directly This program includes workshops, The annual Training Calendar has Conference facilitators. We have also to various organisations across the webinars, a workplace project continued to provide a range of introduced workshops covering the state. We continue to receive excellent and, probably the most popular workshops focused on upskilling the topics of negotiation, consultation feedback about the quality of the component, individual coaching. The community sector workforce. We have and mediation in care proceedings; trainers who deliver these workshops three presenters and coaches for run workshops in all regions of NSW as and supporting the cultural identity for us. this program — Ross Nicoll, Sharryn well as offered webinars, distance and of children and young people from McLean and Maryanne Perry — bring online options. migrant and refugee families who are Qualifications a wealth of experience to their work in out-of-home care. with the students. The Community Each year from May to August, Following reviews of both the Leadership Program is building the CCWT staff undertake a range of In-House Training Services Community Services and the Business leaders of the future in the sector. consultations with past participants, Services Training Package, CCWT has current and potential trainers, peak CCWT’s In-House training section has been busy completing the studies Step by Step body representatives and other concentrated this year on building of students who were part way industry representatives to identify up services other than face to face through superseded qualifications One of the highlights of this year has the current and emerging needs of training that assist organisations and ensuring that we have the new been the rollout of the new Step by

30 2015 – 2016 ACWA Annual Report ACWA Annual Report 2015 – 2016 31 Step 2016 tools and accompanying training. This set of tools has been updated and expanded to include assessment tools for kinship/relative care and guardianship, and the training to use these tools is now much more comprehensive and includes modules on trauma and report writing. A panel of external assessors has been created so that the quality of the assessment licencing process is maintained.

Future Directions

CCWT has just purchased equipment for video conferencing and will be experimenting with how best to use this in workshops, forums and meetings. The expectation is that this will increase accessibility of our programs for people in regional and rural areas.

We are also developing a complete range of workforce development tools. This will include the OOHC Capability Framework, but also needs analysis tools, professional development plans and tools for coaching and mentoring.

32 2015 – 2016 ACWA Annual Report ACWA Annual Report 2015 – 2016 33 34 2015 – 2016 ACWA Annual Report ACWA Annual Report 2015 – 2016 35 Bob Mulcahy Treasurer Report Treasurer

The 2015-2016 financial year saw revenue was generated from Grants although recording a slight reduction, On behalf of the ACWA Board I would the Association of Children’s Welfare Received $2.9M ($3.3M) and Training provides a sound financial position to like to again congratulate the team, led Agencies Inc. deliver an operating $1.8M ($1.8M). There was no continue to undertake its objectives in by Andrew McCallum, for its ongoing deficit of $98,076 (2014/15 surplus development Conference income a financially responsible manner. commitment to ACWA. $163,240). The financial deficit reflects report in the latest period of $0.0 in part the organisation’s investments ($0.7). Interest Income contributed Cash balances were strong at Accounting for Good continues to in activities designed for future benefit $0.10M ($0.15M) which reflects lower $4,866,701 ($4,900,532) which provide professional accounting and of members, including identification interest rates applicable over the includes $2.2M ($1.8M) Grants financial services that are highly of sector focused Legal Services, period. received in advance. valued. Carer Assessment Resource Team Assessments Toolkits and Program Operating expenses remained well The full Auditor’s report is published Current financial year results have Development. managed as has been the case over in this Annual Report and our auditors, continued to track at a satisfactory recent years. The reserves of the Pitcher Partners, have issued an level. During the financial year significant organisation $2,342,951 ($2,441,030), unqualified report.

36 2015 – 2016 ACWA Annual Report ACWA Annual Report 2015 – 2016 37 Financials

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56 2015 – 2016 ACWA Annual Report ACWA Annual Report 2015 – 2016 57

Independence

In conducting our audit, we have complied with the independence requirements of the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission Act 2012.

Opinion INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT

TO THE MEMBERS OF THE ASSOCATION OF CHILDREN’S WELFARE AGENCIES INC. In our opinion the financial report of Association of Children’s Welfare Agencies Inc. is in accordance

with the Associations of Incorporation Act 2009 (NSW) and Australian Charities and Not-for-profits

Commission Act 2012, including: Report on the Financial Report

We have audited the accompanying financial report of the Association of Children’s Welfare Agencies a) giving a true and fair view of the Association’s financial position as at 30 June 2016 and of its Inc (‘the Association’), which comprises the statement of financial position as at 30 June 2016, the performance for the year ended on that date; and statement of comprehensive income, statement of changes in member’s funds and statement of cash flows for the year then ended, a summary of significant accounting policies, other explanatory b) complying with Australian Accounting Standards – Reduced Disclosure Requirements information and the responsible entities’ declaration. (including Australian Accounting Interpretations), the Associations Incorporation Act 2009 (NSW) and the financial reporting requirements of the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Directors’ Responsibility for the Financial Report Regulation 2013.

The directors of the Association are responsible for the preparation of the financial report that gives a true and fair view in accordance with Australian Accounting Standards – Reduced Disclosure We also report that the financial statements and associated records of the Association have been Requirements (including Australian Accounting Interpretations) and the financial reporting properly kept during the year in accordance with the Charitable Fundraising Act 1991. requirements of the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission Act 2012. The directors’ responsibility also includes establishing and maintaining internal controls relevant to the preparation and fair presentation of the financial report that is free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error. C I CHANDRAN PITCHER PARTNERS Auditor’s Responsibility Partner Sydney Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the financial report based on our audit. We conducted our audit in accordance with Australian Auditing Standards. These Auditing Standards require that we 22 September 2016 comply with relevant ethical requirements relating to audit engagements and plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance whether the financial report is free from material misstatement.

An audit involves performing procedures to obtain audit evidence about the amounts and disclosures in the financial report. The procedures selected depend on the auditor’s judgement, including the assessment of the risks of material misstatement of the financial report, whether due to fraud or error. In making those risk assessments, the auditor considers internal control relevant to the Association’s preparation and fair presentation of the financial report in order to design audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness

of the entities internal controls. An audit also includes evaluating the appropriateness of accounting policies used and the reasonableness of accounting estimates made by the management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial report.

We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our audit opinion.

1918 1920

An independent New South Wales Partnership. ABN 17 795 780 962. Pitcher Partners is an association of independent firms Level 22 MLC Centre, 19 Martin Place, Sydney NSW 2000 Melbourne | Sydney | Perth | Adelaide | Brisbane| Newcastle Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation An independent member of Baker Tilly International

58 2015 – 2016 ACWA Annual Report ACWA Annual Report 2015 – 2016 59 Our People

60 2015 – 2016 ACWA Annual Report ACWA Annual Report 2015 – 2016 61 Ordinary Members

ACWA Board

Claerwen Little Deb Tozer Grainne O’Loughlin Uniting CareSouth Karitane Office Bearers

Jenny Kitchin Roderick Best Wendy Knight Anglicare NSW South, Life Without Barriers Foundations Care NSW West & ACT Chair Deirdre Cheers Barnardos Australia Co-Opted Member ACWA offers our deepest thanks to Claire Robbs (Life Without Barriers), who served as Deputy Chair from October 2015 to June 2016, and Luke Geary (Salvos Legal), Marie Wheatley (The Benevolent Society) and Rosemary Hamill (Barnardos Australia) who also served as representatives on the Board of ACWA during 2015-2016.

We also extend our appreciation to retiring Board Members Bob Mulchay (Uniting) and Jackie Palmer (Anglicare — Diocese of Sydney) and to Alex Dignam (UBS Deputy Chair Treasurer (Co-Opted) Secretary Investment Bank) who has served as Board Observer. Nigel Lindsay Bob Mulcahy Jackie Palmer Mark Valerio Wesley Mission Uniting Anglicare — Diocese of Sydney PwC Australia

62 2015 – 2016 ACWA Annual Report ACWA Annual Report 2015 – 2016 63 CatholicCare CatholicCare Diocese of Broken Bay CatholicCare Social Services Hunter Manning CatholicCare Sydney CatholicCare Wollongong Centacare Bathurst Centacare Wilcannia-Forbes Central Coast Family Support Services Central West Family Support Group Challenge Children’s Services Coffs Harbour Aboriginal Family & ACWA Members Community Care Centre Inc Connectability Australia Inc Creating Links Cooperative Limited Disability Macarthur Dunlea Centre Aboriginal Child Family & Community Care State Secretariat (NSW) Inc Endeavour Foundation Allambi Care Family Inclusion Network NSW Anglicare Far South Coast Family Support Anglicare NSW South, NSW West & ACT Services Inc Foundations Care Ltd Arab Council Australia Guardian Youth Care Australian Red Cross (NSW) Headstart Acquired Brain Injury Axia Solutions Service Barnardos Australia House With No Steps Bega Valley Shire Council IMPACT Youth Services Broken Hill Yass Inc JewishCare Burrun Dalai Aboriginal Corporation Inc Kari Aboriginal Resources Incorporated CareSouth Karitane CASPA Key Assets Fostering NSW Ltd Life Without Barriers Lifestyle Solutions Mackillop Family Services Mallee Family Care Marist Youth Care Marymead Child & Family Service Mid Coast Communities Incorporated Monaro Family Support Service Mountains Youth Services Team Inc Nepean Community & Neighbourhood Services

64 2015 – 2016 ACWA Annual Report ACWA Annual Report 2015 – 2016 65 Stretch-a-Family Sydney Stepping Stone The Aftercare Resource Centre The Benevolent Society The Burdekin Association Inc The Caretakers Cottage Inc The Disability Trust The Junction Neighbourhood Centre The Salvation Army The Samaritans Foundation United Protestant Association of NSW Ltd Ngunya Jarjum Aboriginal Child & Family Networking Uniting Northcott Disability Services Veritas House Inc Pathfinders Ltd Walla Mulla Family & Community Support Phoenix Rising for Children Pty Ltd Wandiyali ATSI Inc Platform Youth Services Ltd Wesley Mission Playgroup Association of NSW William Campbell Foundation Positive Care Solutions Woodrising Neighbourhood Centre Inc Premier Youthworks Youth Off The Streets Project Youth Protective Behaviours Consultancy Group Rape & Domestic Violence Services Australia SAL Consulting Pty Ltd SDN Children’s Services Settlement Services International Sisters Housing Enterprises Inc Southern Youth & Family Services St George Family Support Services St Joseph’s Cowper Ltd

66 2015 – 2016 ACWA Annual Report ACWA Annual Report 2015 – 2016 67 Organisational Chart

Individual Members Board of Management

Individual Members Andrew McCallum Chief Executive Officer Dr Frank Ainsworth Jennifer Hutchins Lilian Camenzuli Morri Young Penny Mole Peter Jones Wendy Foote Sharon Power Deputy CEO Director: Policy & Membership

Linda Watson Director: Learning & Development / Centre for Community Welfare Training

Robyn Holden Steven Mason Manager: Administration Manager: Information & Finance Management Systems

68 2015 – 2016 ACWA Annual Report ACWA Annual Report 2015 – 2016 69 Learning & Development/CCWT

Linda Watson Director Al Dawood Senior Learning & Development Project Manager (In-House) Amanda Tulong Registrations Officer Betty Stampoulis-Lyttle Learning & Development Project Manager Graham Barr Project Manager (Disability Justice Project) Gus Frystak Learning & Development Project Officer Jo Roach Learning & Development Project Manager (Step by Step) ACWA Staff Keara Byrne Learning & Development Project Manager Kristina Prokopcova Learning & Development Project Manager (Calendar) Krys Peereboom Senior Learning & Development Project Manager Lesley Furneaux-Cook Learning & Development Project Manager (Leadership Programs) Logistics Officer (In-House) Andrew McCallum Chief Executive Officer Ljiljana Obrenovic Louise Groom Logistics Officer (Calendar) Louise Mulroney Learning & Development Project Manager (Step Policy & Membership by Step) Mandy Marsters Learning & Development Project Manager Wendy Foote Director/Deputy CEO Monica Lamelas Senior Learning & Development Project Manager Gillian Brannigan Policy & Membership Officer Saul Nightingale Learning & Development Project Manager Katherine Leonard Project Officer, Foster Care Recruitment & Retention (Southern Region) Libby McCalman Communications Officer Terry Georgeson Learning & Development Project Manager Liz Potten Foster Care Recruitment Project Officer Yasmin Stein VET Administration Officer Melody Stack Senior Policy & Membership Officer Padraig Dorrigan Policy & Membership Officer Robert Urquhart Principal Researcher Savita Sanderson Project Officer Fostering NSW Information & Enquiry Sharon Broady Marketing Coordinator, Foster Care Recruitment & Retention Veronica Olson Membership Support Officer Barbara Taylor Student Placement Kathryn Kicuroski Student Placement

Information Management Systems

Steven Mason Manager Blake Maddick Web & Print Publishing Officer

70 2015 – 2016 ACWA Annual Report ACWA Annual Report 2015 – 2016 71 Administration & Finance

Robyn Holden Manager Katherine Wild Receptionist/Admin Officer Robin Pitts Receptionist/Admin Officer Farewells Trang Ho Accounts Officer

Consultants

Angela Thomas Step By Step Assessment Tool Developer Igor Likhorovitch Accounting for Good Anne King NSW Lead – SHFL Best Practice Forums Walter Sarmiento Accounting for Good Colette Batha Editor & Publications Officer John Agapitos IT Manager & Technical Services Daniel Collins Project Officer, Foster Care Recruitment & Alex Cowell Project Manager Retention Elise Hawthorne Exposure Communications Jackie Davis Learning & Development Project Manager Jen Doyle Editor Justine Lee Learning & Development Project Manager (Calendar) Kate Flannery Manager, Foster Care Recruitment & Retention Natalia Moskalenko Learning & Development Project Officer Ruel Celerio Administrative & Logistics Officer Susan Hynes Senior Learning & Development Project Manager (In-House) Yola Szybiak Project Officer, Foster Care Recruitment & Retention

72 2015 – 2016 ACWA Annual Report ACWA Annual Report 2015 – 2016 73 Acknowledgements

74 2015 – 2016 ACWA Annual Report ACWA Annual Report 2015 – 2016 75 State Level

Non-Government Organisations Aboriginal Child, Family & Community Care State Secretariat (NSW) Cancer Council New South Wales Centre for Excellence in Child & Family Welfare (Victoria) Children’s Court Clinic Connecting Carers NSW Thank You Foster Parents Support Network Homelessness NSW Law & Justice Foundation of NSW Legal Aid NSW Local Community Services Association NSW Community Services & Health Industry Training Advisory Board ACWA extends our deepest thanks to our members for their support, insight and co-operation over the past 12 months. NSW Council of Social Service NSW Family Services Inc ACWA is also fortunate to work in partnership with a variety of other groups and organisations that share our ongoing commitment to strengthening the capacity of Youth Action & Policy Association NSW the community sector to achieve better outcomes for communities, families, children and young people, particularly those living in out-of-home care. We value the support and contribution of the following groups and individuals, in addition to the 70 plus learning and development consultants that we work in partnership with: Government NSW Education NSW Family & Community Services Ageing, Disability & Home Care Community Services Housing NSW NSW Department of Industry Training Services NSW NSW Office of Communities NSW Office of the Children’s Guardian Commission for Children & Young People NSW Premier & Cabinet NSW Health NSW Ombudsman Office of the NSW Advocate for Children & Young People The Children’s Court of NSW

76 2015 – 2016 ACWA Annual Report ACWA Annual Report 2015 – 2016 77 ACWA Conference

Co-Host The University of NSW (UNSW)

Partners NSW Family & Community Services Life Without Barriers Ageing, Disability & Home Care

Sponsors Allambi Care Barnardos Australia Berry Street Childhood Institute CatholicCare Diocese of Broken Bay Department of Social Services Families Australia Institute for Open Adoption & Barnardos Centre for Excellence in Open Adoption NSW Office of the Children’s Guardian Queensland Family & Child Commission Uniting (NSW ACT) National Level Settlement Services International Wesley Mission ABRS Alliance for Forgotten Australians Australian Association of Social Workers Australian College of Applied Psychology Australian Council of Social Service Australian Foster Care Association Australian Human Rights Commission Australian Psychological Association Australian Services Union Australian Youth Affairs Coalition Child & Family Welfare Association of Australia CREATE Foundation Families Australia Family Inclusion Network Homelessness Australia Secretariat of National Aboriginal & Islander Child Care (SNAICC) Yfoundations

78 2015 – 2016 ACWA Annual Report ACWA Annual Report 2015 – 2016 79 ACWA Conference ACWA Community Leadership Program Sponsors

Organising Committee Members HESTA Super Fund Deirdre Cheers (Barnardos Australia) Community Sector Banking Bob Mulcahy (Uniting) Elizabeth Fernandez (UNSW) ACWA Member Legal Services Jackie Palmer (Anglicare Sydney) Harpers Legal Sophia Charles (Department of Social Services) Hosking Legal Maria Chan (CREATE Foundation) JFM Law Rachel Pearson (CREATE Foundation) Kathryn Renshall & Ellis McLachlan Solicitors Lisa Charet (Family & Community Services, Department of Human Services NSW) Mills Oakley Natasha Howson (Centre for Excellence in Child & Family Welfare) NLS Law Paul Gray (Aboriginal Child, Family & Community Care State Secretariat) Robertson Solicitors Morgan Lander (NSW Office of the Children’s Guardian) Salvos Legal

Scientific Program Committee Members Elizabeth Fernandez (UNSW) ACWA Research and Best Practice Forums Paul Gray (Aboriginal Child, Family & Community Care State Secretariat) Elizabeth Fernandez (UNSW)

Critical Friends Group Alan Hayes (Australian Institute of Family Studies) Bettina Cass (Social Policy Research Centre, UNSW) Elizabeth Fernandez (UNSW) Jill Duerr Berrick (University of California, Berkeley) John McAloon (Graduate School of Health, University of Technology) Judy Cashmore (University of Sydney) Marie Connolly (The University of Melbourne) Marilyn McHugh (Social Policy Research Centre, UNSW) Judge Peter Johnstone (President of the Children’s Court of NSW) Judge Rolf Driver (Federal Circuit Court of Australia)

80 2015 – 2016 ACWA Annual Report ACWA Annual Report 2015 – 2016 81 developing practice

Editorial Committee Members Clare Tilbury (Griffith University) Daryl Higgins (Australian Institute of Family Studies) Greg Antcliff (The Benevolent Society) Judy Cashmore (The University of Sydney) Leah Bromfield (Australian Centre for Child Protection, University of South Australia) Marie Connolly (The University of Melbourne) Philip Gillingham (The University of Queensland) Philip Mendes (Monash University)

ACWA Patron The Governor of NSW, His Excellency General The Honourable David Hurley AC DSC (Ret’d)

82 2015 – 2016 ACWA Annual Report ACWA Annual Report 2015 – 2016 83 Association of Children’s Welfare Agencies Locked Bag 13 Haymarket NSW 1240 Sydney Australia +61 2 9281 8822 www.acwa.asn.au84 2015 – 2016 ACWA Annual Report