Kinship Care Network Forum
Place-based knowledge and practice wisdom.
Last updated: 21 Nov 2024
Building capacity and alignment across the kinship care sector
The bi-monthly Kinship Care Network is hosted by the Centre in partnership with Kinship Care Victoria. The network’s statewide members represent 28 funded service providers, bringing together place-based knowledge and practice wisdom to build capacity and alignment across the kinship care sector.
Engaging in change
The Network offers the frontline workforce opportunities to be a part of the necessary change early and in a timely way, enabling them to:
- collaborate with fellow members and government
- Inform the implementation of, and advocate for, key reforms and policy changes
- engage with the latest research, practices, and policies shaping the kinship care landscape
The Kinship Care Network is a partnership between the Centre, Kinship Care Victoria and Kinship Care – Department of Families Fairness and Housing.
Kinship Care Week
During Kinship Care Week, we proudly celebrate the invaluable role kinship carers play. throughout Victoria, in the lives of children and within our communities.
In recent years, kinship care has gained unprecedented attention from decision-makers, particularly in response to the Victorian Auditor-General’s Office Report 2022 which pointed to the significance of supporting kinship families and recognising the challenges they face.
It’s vital for kinship families and their supporters to continue advocating for, promoting, and prioritising kinship care to raise awareness about the essential role they play and the challenges they encounter. Advocacy is essential for creating understanding and ensuring kinship carers receive the support they so desperately need.
‘Kinship Carers are important people in the lives of children and young people. They keep children connected to family, culture and community when they are unable to live with their parents'.
Deb Tsorbaris, Centre for Excellence in Child and Family Welfare, CEO
2020 VAGO Audit
The 2020 VAGO Audit assessed if the Department of Families, Fairness and Housing is supporting timely, stable and quality placements for children and young people through the new kinship care model.
CarerKaFÉ
The Carer KafÉ program is a collaborative initiative between The Centre, VACCA, and Kinship Carers Victoria, offering comprehensive learning and development opportunities to statutory kinship carers, accredited foster carers, and permanent carers across Victoria.
Led by expert trainers and grounded in principles of therapeutic care, trauma-informed practices, and cultural connection, Carer kaFÉ provides invaluable opportunities for individuals at every stage of their caregiving journey.
Support for kinship carers
Dedicated teams supporting Kinship Carers are located in divisions across the state.
North Division – 1800 319 503
East Division – 1800 931 757
West Division – 1800 319 510