Can parent advocates change the way we view social services?
David Tobis, Senior Partner - Maestral International
An article detailing the impact of poverty on parents' ability to care for children leading to child removal, the importance of listening to parents in policy change, and the work of parent advocates in New York City, Finland, London and Queensland.
In late 2018 and early 2019, Family Inclusion Network (FIN) invited parents to small forums to discuss developing a permanent mechanism to engage with the Queensland Department of Child Safety, Youth and Women.
This document is the starting point which lead to publishing Shared Strength: Parents taking their place at the table
On 1 June 2018, the Honourable Di Farmer MP, Minister for Child Safety, Youth and Women, and Minister for the Prevention of Family and Domestic Violence made an Australian-first announcement: "We are committed to working with parents in developing the policies for this department..."
The 2018 Parent Leadership Training Institute (PLTI) graduates book gives an outline of classes completed during the training and celebrates the parent projects presented during the second PLTI program in Brisbane.
Since completing Parent Leadership Training, these parents continue on their leadership journeys and continue to influence change in their families and communities.
Feel free to contact us if you have an interest in any of the projects listed or if you would like to mentor emerging parent leaders in future classes.
This report has been written for DHHS workers, NDIS workers, families, health workers, disability workers, advocates and anyone interested in the rights of parents with an intellectual disability.
"This report shares our stories so that people know what is happening to parents with intellectual disability. It is a true reflection of parents’ lived experiences. We want the community to know that parents with an intellectual disability can be good parents when they have the support they need."
"When parents with intellectual disability come together we help each other and we try to change the way child protection sees us."
Family Inclusion Network is a network of parents and Brisbane non-government organisations who believe the voices of families matter.
How can you make your voice heard?
We facilitate opportunities for parents and kin to be advocates for children and themselves on issues that affect their lives.
The Family Matters Community Resource kits were developed in 2018 by SNAICC – National Voice for Our Children, in close consultation with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leaders, community-controlled organisations and campaign committees in all Australian jurisdictions.
The Resource Guide covers:
This fellowship has explored a range of initiatives and programs that aim to build a family inclusive approach to child protection and out of home care (child welfare) practice especially when children have been removed by statutory child welfare agencies and placed in care.
This article evaluates the American Family Leadership Training Institute which the Parent Leadership Training Institute (PLTI) in Queensland, is based on.
“In this efficacy trial, the Family Leadership Training Institute was found to have a substantial impact on civic knowledge, confidence, and engagement; effects related to civic engagement endured for as much as 5 years…
This is the only evaluation so far of a family leadership program to include a comparison group and assess long-term outcomes. Thus, a case can be made that participation in FLTI—which emphasizes empowerment, leadership development, civic engagement, and collective well-being—does contribute to greater social capital (Van De Valk & Constas, 2011) as well as community health (Bloemraad & Terriquez, 2016).”
This report and its recommendations have been prepared by the Brisbane Partnerships (a partnership between Kyabra, Micah Projects, the Community Living Association and Jabiru) and the Family Inclusion Network SEQ. We welcome the opportunity to work with the Department of Communities, Child Safety and Disability Services, in their review of out-of-home care for children, with this contribution on the views of birth parents.
Micah Projects and the Family Inclusion Network welcome the opportunity to provide this submission to the Health, Communities, Disability Services and Domestic Violence Prevention Committee regarding the Child Protection Reform Amendment Bill 2017.
