Conference Program

This virtual conference will present a unique opportunity for all child protection stakeholders to learn from, and alongside, Foster and Kinship Carers, in a collaborative and creative environment. Delegates will hear from expert local, national and international keynote speakers on prime issues facing the Foster and Kinship Care space; with the primary focus on ensuring our children and young people thrive and reach their full potential.

Throughout this conference we intend to kick-start a national conversation regarding the needs of the Foster & Kinship Care sector, using the collective findings from all speakers and delegates to elevate Australia’s family based care to that of a world class model.

This conference will be culturally responsive, relevant and progressive in reflecting current caring trends and aim to attract participation from a diverse audience of Carers, professional stakeholders, researchers and young people in the Foster and Kinship Care sector.

Conference streams will focus on topics with a national lens, identified by the Carer community:

• Education: school transitioning & retention including building secure attachment
• Disability + NDIS
• Managing challenging behaviours and therapeutic parenting techniques
• Cultural connection + support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children/young people
• Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder and other co-morbidities
• Gender fluidity + LGBTIQ awareness regarding children & young people
• Mental health & wellbeing for Carers, children & young people
• How to advocate effectively
• Legal issues and how best to navigate
• Issues regarding regulation, sensory based support, “meltdowns” & fussy eaters due to trauma

Call for Abstracts are now open - click here to access the Speaker Expression of Interest of Interest Form