October 2021: Practices for fostering lifelong cultural connections for Aboriginal children in care
On 27 October 2021, Family and Community Services Insights, Analysis and Research (FACSIAR) from the Department of Communities and Justice hosted a Research to Practice Webinar on family and cultural connections for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children. The session was introduced by Jayde Ward, Director, Aboriginal Strategy, Coordination & Evaluation.
Associate Professor Lynette Riley, Associate Professor Amy Conley Wright and Sarah Ciftci from Sydney University’s Research Centre for Children and Families (RCCF) provided insights on the Fostering Lifelong Connections project that explores how caseworkers can support positive relationships with family and culture for children in out-of-home care.
The webinar premiered two short films produced by Desert Pea Media and the RCCF in collaboration with six Aboriginal caseworkers from DCJ and Uniting in Dubbo. ‘The Bridge’ shares the importance of family and cultural connections from a young person’s perspective, while ‘Building Bridges’ explores how caseworkers can foster these connections for young people in care. An accompanying film guide contains reflective questions, activities and additional resources that can be used in teaching, training and group supervision contexts.
Trudy Everingham and Stephen Newman, Aboriginal caseworkers in Dubbo, reflected on their role in fostering family and cultural connections and the importance of actively listening to the voices of children and young people.
Missed the webinar? You can watch the captioned recording here
Webinar Resources
Presentation Slides
Links to films
Want more information about the projects?
- More information about the Fostering Lifelong Connections study
- Access practice resources from the Fostering Lifelong Connections study
- Learn more about Aboriginal Kinship systems
- Tip sheet about taking a trauma-informed approach to family time
Questions or Comments?
Contact: ResearchPartnerships@facs.nsw.gov.au