Links: Gippsland Region Foster Parent and Caregivers' Association

Court ordered access may not be altered or withheld without a variation to the order granted by the court. Variations to access arrangements which remain compliant with the court ordered conditions may be negotiated with the family. All affected parties should be consulted and involved in decision making about changes to access. The reason for changes to access should be understood by children, their parents and carers. Changes at short notice should be avoided other than in response to unforeseen significant events.

http://www.dhs.vic.gov.au/cpmanual/out-of-home-care/the-placement-process/1426-access

It was brought to my attention that an Agency does not have funding specifically for training and carer support or placement support. It is built into their targets/ quota call it what you may. Each Agency has a service agreement with DHS to deliver a set number of targets while meeting the service agreement.

Please refer to

http://www.dhs.vic.gov.au/policy-and-funding-plans

7.3.2 Children Youth and Families pp 29

(Department of Human Services Policy and Funding Plan 2010-12 Page 184 of 381)

“Community service organisations are responsible for recruiting,

assessing, training and supporting carers and for case management.”

6 Funding 2010-11 pp 4-6

(Department of Human Services Policy and Funding Plan 2010-12 Page 73 of 381)

Child Protection andFamily Services

Specialist Support and Placement Services 31214

Home Based Care - General General Placements $13,339.00

Child Protection and Family Services

Specialist Support and Placement Services 31216

Home Based Care - Complex Complex Placements $26,677.00

Child Protection and Family Services

Specialist Support and Placement Services 31418

Home Based Care - Intensive

Home Based Care - Intensive Placements $20,009.00

It is up to Agencies to disseminate these funds as they see fit.

I hope that the information above clears up the issue around training and carer support that is available for foster parents via the service agreement each agency has with DHS.

Useful site http://www.familyrelationships.gov.au/

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