We have some exciting announcements this week! First up – FRSA will be holding a Child Inclusive Practice (CIP) Forum on 18-19 February 2025. The Forum will be a face-to-face event and will be held in Canberra. This year’s CIP Forum theme is Children at the Centre, and we invite abstracts for presentations from all professional domains that promote the genuine participation of children and young people and ensure their experiences and views are central in practice. The Call for Abstracts will be open until Friday 8 November. Engaging ethically and meaningfully with children and young people was the focus of our community of practice discussions over August-September. And for those delivering family law services, you’ll be aware that the recent review of the Attorney-General’s Department funded suite of family law services – the Family Relationships Services Program – has recommended that Child Inclusive Practice be specifically funded and, where safe and appropriate, be presented as an opt-out part of the Family Dispute Resolution process. The time is certainly right to bring the sector together to discuss child inclusive practice.

The second exciting piece of news is that we can confirm the location for FRSA’s 2025 National Conference. We are thrilled to announce that FRSA National Conference 2025: Safe, strong and thriving will be held from 19-22 May 2025 at the Sheraton Grand Sydney Hyde Park. The Conference website will go live and the call for abstracts will open in the next week or so. So stay tuned!

This week Vanessa Lam our Communications Officer and I had the privilege of attending the National Children’s Commissioner Anne Hollonds’ Press Club address – Help way earlier! – along with colleagues from Relationships Australia. Anne spoke to the Commission’s recently released report on how Australia can transform child justice and improve safety and wellbeing. As always, Anne’s address was passionate, articulate and clear in message about what needs to be done to ensure the wellbeing of Australia’s most vulnerable children.

Lastly, a reminder to FRSA Members that nominations for the FRSA Board close at 4pm (AEDT) on Monday, 7 October 2024.

Kind regards,
Dr Robyn Clough
FRSA Acting Executive Director

FRSA invites you to submit an abstract to present at the 2025 Child Inclusive Practice Forum. The Forum will be held at the 59 Cameron Ave Conference and Event Centre, Canberra on 18-19 February 2025.

Next year’s Child Inclusive Practice Forum theme is Children at the Centre. Within the Family and Relationship Services sector we have a well-developed body of expertise in working in a child inclusive modality in separation and post separation contexts. This has been recognised in the recent review of the Attorney-General’s Department funded suite of family law services – the Family Relationships Services Program – which has recommended that Child Inclusive Practice be specifically funded and, where safe and appropriate, be presented as an opt-out part of the Family Dispute Resolution process.

Those in the Family and Relationship Services sector also work with children and young people living in other challenging family contexts – where ensuring children’s right to be heard is central to achieving meaningful and sustainable outcomes for those children and young people.

FRSA invites abstracts for presentations from all professional domains that promote the genuine participation of children and young people and ensure their experiences and views are central in practice. The content will have a focus on research and practice presentations that incorporate the views and experiences of children and young people. How can we engage ethically and meaningfully with children and young people so that their voice can shine through in decisions and processes that affect them?

A limited number of concurrent sessions will be offered for a 30 or 60 minute verbal presentation (including question time).

Please consider and select one of the following sub-themes for your abstract.

Practice Developments:

• Working across and within culture
• Innovations in child-focused and inclusive practices
• Working across different age cohorts
• Restorative practice

Management Issues:

• Creating child inclusive standards, across organisations and across sectors
• Training: What is needed to learn new skills?
• Complex cases, including cultural complexity
• Clinical Supervision: What is needed to support new learning and complex cases

Complex clinical scenarios:

• Children of parents with a mental illness and/or substance use problem
• Restoration after foster care
• Restoration after family violence/abuse
• Gender issues in children or parents
• Child inclusive practices with young adult children
• New partners and other relevant voices

Research:

• Updates on new Child Inclusive Practice research
• New developmental evidence

The Call for Abstracts closes 9:00pm AEDT, Friday 8 November 2024. For more information, or to submit your Abstract, please visit the Child Inclusive Practice website.

Register today for the third webinar in our First Nations focus on Family and Relationship services series, Message Stick Action Research Project presented by Jack Archibald and Lachlan Skinner from Interrelate on Wednesday, 16 October 2024 at 12:30PM-1:15PM (AEDT).

The Message Stick program is rooted in the First Nations students’ own cultural and community values, using definitional ceremonies and narrative principles as a foundation for supports during school transition. The program connects students with cultural Elders and utilises cultural practices to assist with the transition from Primary to High School in a culturally safe way.

In this week’s video we spoke to Francesca Quayle, Service Manager at Anglicare WA in Western Australia.

A Children’s storybook to help prevent child sexual abuse was recently launched by the Australian Government. The book aims to help adults from all cultures and backgrounds have preventative conversations about child sexual abuse with children and young people.

Developed by Cultural Perspectives in collaboration with the National Office for Child Safety, ‘My superhero voice’ has been translated into 10 languages to provide culturally and linguistically diverse communities in Australia a safe and inclusive way for children to learn about personal safety.

The storybook is delivered as part of ‘One Talk at a Time,’ Australia’s first national campaign aimed at preventing child sexual abuse. The ‘One Talk at a Time’ campaign is targeted at adults who play an active role in the lives of children and young people and encourages them to have ongoing, proactive and preventive conversations about child sexual abuse.

Launching the storybook, the Attorney General, the Hon Mark Dreyfus, said: “We all know that talking about child sexual abuse can be difficult. But we all have a responsibility to do everything we can to keep children safe. That’s why the campaign focuses on the message that everyone has a role to play to keep children and young people safe from sexual abuse, and we can do this by having ‘One Talk at a Time’.”

A free e-book version of the storybook, as well as other resources to support adults to learn more about child sexual abuse and have preventative conversations, can be found at ChildSafety.gov.au.

New data from the National Centre of Vocational Education Research (NCVER) shows more young people are experiencing financial stress.

The report, Generation Z: life at 23, draws on results from the Longitudinal Surveys of Australian Youth (LSAY) to explore how 23-year-olds fared in 2023. According to the report, 37% of 23-year-olds reported financial stress, up from 30% when they were 22.

The study also found that 19% of 23-year-olds skipped meals because of a shortage of money, up from 15% when they were 22. The proportion who went without medical care rose from 17% to 22%.

“The impact of rising financial stress is affecting many young people’s ability to transition smoothly into adulthood,” said NCVER Managing Director John King.

“Our data shows Generation Z is more likely to still be living at home compared with their millennial counterparts. In 2023, 55% of 23-year-olds were still living with their parents, up from 50% of 23-year-olds in 2014.”

The LSAY follows young Australians from the age of 15 up until they are 25, exploring young people’s experiences as they leave school, begin post-school study, and enter the workforce. LSAY uses large, nationally representative samples of students at school to collect information about education, training, work, financial matters, health and social activities.

The technical report underpinning the review of the Attorney-General’s Department funded Family Relationships Services Program has been released.

The Attorney-General’s Department commissioned the Australian Institute of Family Studies (AIFS) to conduct research to support the review of the Family Relationships Services Program. The review itself was undertaken by Mr Andrew Metcalfe AO, who was appointed by the Attorney-General. Mr Metcalfe’s report – Support for separating families – was released on 11 September 2024.

AIFS’ technical report first details the background and aims of the Review and the methodology for each component of the research. It then sets out findings from each component of the research after a summary chapter synthesising the key findings from each of these research components, with reference to each term of reference for the FRSP Review.

On 2 October, National Children’s Commissioner, Anne Hollonds, addressed the National Press Club of Australia on “Help way earlier!’: How Australia can transform child justice and improve safety and wellbeing”.

Over the last 12 months, the National Children’s Commissioner has led the development of a major new report which is calling for a shakeup of how our federal, state and territory governments approach child justice and the wellbeing of children who are, or who are at risk of being caught up in the criminal justice system.

The focus of the report’s 24 recommendations is on elevating child wellbeing to be made a national priority, coordinating action on child justice reform across Australia’s federation, and ensuring reform is based on evidence and human rights.

Commissioner Hollonds’ report is published on the Australian Human Rights Commission website. A recording of her Press Club address is available here.

The new Everybody’s Home report has revealed that Australians on the lowest incomes are being priced out of renting in virtually every corner of the country, despite a rise in Centrelink payments and rent assistance.

The ‘Priced Out’ 2024 report shows people who primarily rely on Centrelink payments and the full-time minimum wage would be in severe rental stress across all capital cities and most regional areas.

The report applies the recent indexation increase to Centrelink payments and 10 percent rise to Commonwealth Rent Assistance (CRA) with indexation on top, with the findings underscoring the need for more social housing and for payments to reflect the cost of housing.

On 27 September 2024, the Attorney-General announced the appointments of Lisa Doust and Vanessa-Jane Leishman as Judges of the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia (Division 2). Ms Doust has been appointed to the Sydney Registry and Ms Leishman has been appointed to the Canberra Registry. They will commence on 14 October 2024.

You can view the biographies of Ms Doust and Ms Leishman here.

On 30 September 2024 the Attorney-General Mark Dreyfus and Minister for Indigenous Affairs Malarndirri McCarthy announced a further six justice reinvestment initiatives, bringing the total number of initiatives to-date to 26.

The national justice reinvestment program is a long-term, community-led approach to preventing crime, improving community safety and reducing the number of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in contact with the justice system. As part of the First Nations justice package the Albanese Government has committed $79 million to support up to 30 community-led justice reinvestment initiatives in First Nations communities across Australia.

Senator the Hom Malarndirri McCarthy said: “Justice reinvestment enables First Nations communities to develop and implement their own solutions, working with local services on the ground who understand the issues in the region. … Investment in these projects will support safer First Nations communities and help to Close the Gap.”

Submissions to the Inquiry into the Family Law Amendment Bill 2024 close tomorrow.

On 12 September 2024, the Senate referred the Family Law Amendment Bill 2024 to the Legal and Constitutional Affairs Legislation Committee, for inquiry and report by 31 October 2024.

The bill would primarily amend the Family Law Act 1975 and is intended to make the family law system safer and simpler for separating couples to navigate, to ensure the property and financial aspects of relationship breakdown are resolved safely and fairly, and to provide for the accreditation of Children’s Contact Services.

You can find out more about the inquiry here.

The Albanese Government is committing more than $23 million over three years to 2026-27 to 12 organisations across states and territories for a trial supporting young men and boys at risk of engaging in family, domestic and sexual violence.

Twelve organisations across states and territories will be funded to provide supports including one-on-one counselling, case management and youth mentoring along with personalised safety plans and assessments.

The trial was announced by the Minister for Social Services Amanda Rishworth on 24 September 2024.

Last month CatholicCare Social Services – Toowoomba Region said goodbye to their Executive Director, Kate Venables after 10 years with the organisation.

The organisation dedicated a post on Facebook to her leadership and time with the organisation:

“Under her guidance, CatholicCare Social Services – Toowoomba Region has flourished, expanding our reach and deepening our support for those who need it most. From championing innovative programs to fostering an inclusive environment for our staff, volunteers, and the people we serve, her leadership has established CatholicCare as not only a great place to work but as a highly regarded for purpose community services organisation in southwest Queensland.

Through her compassion and drive, Kate has touched the hearts of so many – always leading by example, finding a way, and showing that real change is possible when we work together. We will forever be grateful for the legacy she leaves behind and the strong foundation she has built for our future.”

Kate has been appointed as General Manager of TAFE Queensland Southwest Region. FRSA wish her all the best in this next chapter.

Anti-Poverty Week is coming up from 13 to 19 October 2024.

More than 1 in 6 Australian children are growing up in poverty. Growing up in poverty is simply bad for children, it diminishes their physical and mental health, reduces their readiness for school and attainment in school, and the effects can last well into adulthood. Let’s make sure that all Australian children and families can cover the basics and have a secure roof over their heads. All children can thrive and be healthy when they have what they need to develop well.

Submit your Anti-Poverty Week events and activities now and email apw@antipovertyweek.org.au once submitted to get up on the Anti-Poverty Week calendar. There are also a range of resources available to download from the APW website.

National Carers Week 2024 is coming up on 13-19 October.  It is a time to recognise, celebrate and raise awareness about the 3 million Australians who provide care and support to a family member or friend.

Help raise awareness this National Carers Week by inviting workmates, friends and family to an event to raise awareness of the diversity of carers and caring roles in Australia.

Organise a morning or afternoon tea, fundraiser or workshop to help recognise carers, identify what caring looks like, and find out what supports and services are available to carers. Click here to find out more about the week and how to get involved. And use the hashtags #NationalCarersWeek, #MillionsOfReasonsToCare and #NCW24 on social media.

October is Mental Health Month and World Mental Health Day on 10 October is just around the corner. Mental Health Australia has launched their 2024 campaign website with this year’s theme, “Meaningful Connections Matter”.

Sign up via their website to join their campaign and receive tips, ideas, and key facts to help you improve your mental health, and promote good mental health awareness at work, at home and within your communities.

Earlier this week, Relationships Australia announced the launch of its Neighbours Every Day 2024/2025 campaign, with next year’s annual day of action set for Sunday, 30 March 2025. The theme, “Create, Share, Grow Belonging,” calls on all Australians to strengthen community ties and foster a sense of belonging in their neighbourhoods and beyond.

The Neighbours Every Day 2025 campaign aims to tackle the growing issue of loneliness across Australia.

“Neighbour Day is a powerful reminder of the importance of social connections  in our lives. Our research shows that when people engage with their communities, they experience improved mental well-being and reduced loneliness. This is crucial, as recent research reveals that nearly one in three Australians report feeling lonely, with over 15% saying they often or always feel lonely,” said Relationships Australia’s National Executive Officer, Nick Tebbey.

Visit neighbourseveryday.org for ideas and free resources.

If you have any events you’d like listed on the FRSA Events and Training Calendar or job vacancies you’d like listed on the FRSA Jobs Board, email Communications Officer, Vanessa Lam at communications@frsa.org.au. Please note that posting onto the FRSA website is reserved for FRSA Members only.

If you have an news item or event that you would like to be featured in a future eBulletin please submit your announcement via the form below or email communications@frsa.org.au with the subject “FRSA eBulletin submission”.

Please note FRSA members receive priority for items posted in the eBulletin. And to keep information current, relevant and useful, submissions will not be repeated from week to week.