Minister for Family and Community Services, the Hon. Prudence (Pru) Goward, recently endorsed the long-term plan to transfer Out of Home Care (OOHC) to Non Government Organisations (NGOs) in NSW. CareSouth CEO Deb Tozer affirms that this reform has been positively received at CareSouth, a South Coast based child welfare agency that coordinates OOHC for local children and young people aged 0 to 18 years.
“We are committed and already taking the necessary steps in preparing for an increase in foster care placements based on this new decision,” said Mrs. Tozer. “The reform is welcomed, we now need to ensure it happens.”
A key recommendation from the Wood Report gave high priority to place children and young people with NGOs who have the capacity to focus on the needs of the child rather than the needs of the system.
“It is imperative that the transition happens at a pace that matches the capacity of Agencies to deliver quality services, with the best interests of children, young people and their families as the key driver,” said Mrs. Tozer.
Mrs. Tozer says that if executed correctly, this transition would allow NGOs to provide quality services for children and young people while Community Services focus on child protection. She believes it is a good outcome for children and young people.
“Children and young people deserve quality care, nurture, security and stability,” said Mrs. Tozer. “As we move toward an integrated system, we feel it is necessary that Government and NGOs like CareSouth continue building partnerships based on trust and respect of each others experience,” she said.
In preparation for increased foster care placements as a result of the new reform, CareSouth has commenced implementing plans for ongoing recruitment, assessment, training and induction of more carers and key staff, including a new Recruitment Manager for the OOHC team.
“CareSouth’s Foster Care Program has been preparing for this transition for some time and we are excited about the future opportunities that this will provide to children and young people in care,” said Chris Stubbs, CareSouth Program Manager, Foster Care. “I am very proud of the dedicated and hard working staff within the Program whose experience and enthusiasm makes us very well prepared to meet the new challenges ahead.”
Please Note: To view a copy of the OOHC Transition Plan Stage 1, please visit ACWA’s website www.acwa.asn.au. Stage 2 of the OOHC Transition Plan will outline implementation details and is currently underway.
About CareSouth
CareSouth is a community non-profit organisation, providing support to families, children, young people and people with disabilities. CareSouth provides foster care, family support, disability and residential services, the Brighter Futures Program and the Aunties & Uncles Program in the Shoalhaven, Illawarra and Queanbeyan regions. For more information about CareSouth’s OOHC program, please visit www.caresouth.org.au or phone 1300 554 260 (toll free) or (02) 4423 6833 from a mobile.
CareSouth Media Contact: Katie Martha, PR Officer, Ph 02 4423 6833, Mob 0419 605 054, Email Katie.martha@caresouth.org.au.
