WR Black Shared Care & Family Support Service Robyn Jackson “an activity of Lifeline Community Care” WR Black Shared Care & Family Support Service Robyn Jackson W R Black Shared Care & Family Support Service Reflections on “What works” for

WR Black Shared Care & Family Support Service Robyn Jackson “an activity of Lifeline Community Care” Who are we? We are a service that supports families to care for children & young people with disabilities Birth Families Shared Care Families Children with disabilities

WR Black Shared Care & Family Support Service Robyn Jackson “an activity of Lifeline Community Care” What do we believe? Children should and will live with families Permanency Principles Guide us *Primary place Of residence *Emotional Commitment *Time *Relationship *Belonging We all need to work in collaboration Because we only have each other And have to work it out for the best Possible outcomes in the current climate

WR Black Shared Care & Family Support Service Robyn Jackson “an activity of Lifeline Community Care” What do we do? WELL Support families to Support children & Young people with Disabilities to have A quality Family life WANT TO DO WELL *Support children with Challenging behaviours *Support relinquishing Families *Identify support needs - child & carer *Support young people with Dual diagnosis DON’T DO *Basic child Welfare *Centre based care *Emergency care

WR Black Shared Care & Family Support Service Robyn Jackson “an activity of Lifeline Community Care” How do we do it? Recruit families Lengthy preparation Process Several interviews Many forms of checking Careful matching process & Support families financially emotionally practically physically information

WR Black Shared Care & Family Support Service Robyn Jackson “an activity of Lifeline Community Care” Support works! Support is and must be seen as the most important factor in ensuring the ongoing success of the care arrangements Carers must feel that they are supported

WR Black Shared Care & Family Support Service Robyn Jackson “an activity of Lifeline Community Care” How do we support families? financially emotionally practically physically information Modest Income Expenses Home mods Problem solving Advocacy Co-ordinator - Champion to family On call Listening ear Ironing Cleaning Mowing Support Workers Transport Medical Appointments Collecting Collating Sharing Training opportunities

WR Black Shared Care & Family Support Service Robyn Jackson “an activity of Lifeline Community Care” What doesn’t work? Cutting corners on a proven method Bowing to external pressures Time & Money is False economy to save