March 2025 update
Families ACT’s March update
March 2025 Update
Dear Families ACT members and subscribers,
Edition highlights include:
Families ACT’s Strategic Plan 2025-2030 release;
the Child First Forum;
an update on commissioning;
evaluation of the Workforce Development and Training Fund;
members’ training portal;
meet our new board member, Alex Nichols;
Families ACT membership update; and
help raise funds for local charities across Canberra - supported by Hands Across Canberra.
Welcome to Families ACT’s March 2025 update .
Since our last update in October 2024, Families ACT has been busy finalising its Strategic Plan, preparing for the Child First Forum and supporting members with the recent announcement concerning commissioning. This work is in addition to our ongoing engagement with members and other stakeholders on key developments and pressing issues faced by children and families in the ACT, and across the community sector.
Strategic Plan 2025-2030
Families ACT is excited to announce its Strategic Plan 2025-2030. This plan will guide our activities and priorities over the next five-years. The plan outlines our vision and priorities, which include:
Increase shared understanding of the drivers of and solutions to childhood vulnerability in the ACT;
Increase responses to childhood vulnerability in the ACT;
Support the development and growth of the community services working with children and families in the ACT; and
Provide leadership for a shared vision for the wellbeing of current and future generations of children and families in the ACT.
You can access Families ACT’s Strategic Plan 2025-2030 here.
The team here at Families ACT would like to thank everyone who were consulted as part of this Strategic Plan development process, and we look forward to working in collaboration with our members to progress our 2025-2030 priorities and vision.
Child First Forum
As many of you would be aware, Australian Early Development Census (AEDC) data has shown child developmental vulnerability in the ACT is increasing. In 2021, the ACT reported the second highest percentage of child developmental vulnerability of any Australian jurisdiction (26.7%), after the Northern Territory (39.2%) (AEDC, 2021). Further, it is reported that an estimated one in 12 children in Canberra are living in poverty, with families struggling to meet basic needs such as housing, food security and education opportunities (ACTCOSS, 2024). Anecdotally, service providers across the community sector, including Families ACT members, are reporting an increase in demand for services, driven by cost-of-living pressures, housing insecurity and increased instances of domestic violence. In addition, service providers are reporting an increase in complexity in case work presentations across the Territory.
Overall, Canberra is a great place to live, with high standards of living. However, the true extent of disadvantage in the ACT is underreported, because of the diversity of wealth found across many suburbs, with high numbers of both the most and least disadvantaged individuals living side by side.
It is for these reasons that Families ACT, in partnership with the ACT Commissioner for Children and Young People, Woden Community Services, YWCA, Capital Region Community Services and Barnardos, is hosting the Child First Forum on Monday, 13th May 2025. This forum provides a unique opportunity for service providers, researchers, government representatives, politicians and peak bodies to gather and assess existing measures to understand and address childhood vulnerability, disadvantage and poverty in the ACT. The Child First Forum will seek to establish a shared understanding of child vulnerability and poverty at a systems-level, including sharing effective strategies, drawing from innovative ideas and solutions to address these issues in the ACT.
We’ll be joined by the New Zealand/Aotearoa Chief Children’s Commissioner, Mana Mokopuna/Children and Young People’s Commission, Dr Claire Achmad, the Commissioner for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children and Young People, Vanessa Turnbull-Roberts, and the ACT Commissioner for Children and Young People, Jodie Griffiths-Cook. The event will also include a presentation of the latest AEDC data.
More information about the Child First Forum, or to register your interest, visit here.
Commissioning update
The Community Services Directorate (CSD) recently informed Child, Youth and Family Services Program (CYFSP) funded services that funding for the majority of CYFSP programs will be rolled over for an additional one to two years. This decision continues the pattern of commissioning rollovers that has been in place since 2015.
In response, Families ACT partnered with the Youth Coalition to gather feedback from child, youth, and family services, including both CYFSP and non-CYFSP providers. To provide stakeholders had an opportunity to share their perspectives, concerns, and questions about the implications of the funding rollover, Families ACT and the Youth Coalition hosted three online feedback sessions, creating a platform for discussion on service delivery and future commissioning.
Commissioning Information
CYFSP Commissioning update webpage - currently holds the draft Strategic Investment plan and information specific to CYFSP commissioning
Commissioning Conversations mailing list - subscribe to the ACT Government Commissioning email list for future updates
Evaluation of the 'WDT': Workforce Development & Training Fund and Sub-Committee
The Youth Coalition and Families ACT are conducting an evaluation of the ‘WDT’: The CYFSP Workforce Development and Training Sub-Committee and Fund, and its contribution to supporting the CYFSP sector.
The CYFSP (Child, Youth and Family Services Program) is a sub-sector funded through the Community Services Directorate, providing funding to 23 community organisations to deliver programs for children, young people and families across the ACT. View a list of CYFSP services here.
About the Evaluation
The evaluation seeks to better understand the role, value and benefits of the WDT; and the key learnings that can be drawn from its delivery, including potential improvements. It will deliver findings for the consideration of the CYFSP and Community Service Directorate, to inform future delivery of CYFSP system support functions. The evaluation will be completed by 30 June 2025.
Evaluation Survey
We invite CYFSP program staff to complete an online survey about the WDT. People working in child, youth or family sector programs that are not CYFSP-funded are also welcome to complete the survey (a limited version), if they would like to provide their views about the WDT as external stakeholders.
The primary target group is anyone currently working in or managing a CYFSP-funded program, or who has done so within the last 3 years. This includes people working at frontline, team leader, middle manager and executive levels.
No prior knowledge of the WDT is needed to do the survey.
More information about the survey, including management of confidentiality, is available at the survey link, prior to providing consent to proceed.
The evaluation will include a limited number of interviews, in March to May 2025. If you are interested in participating in a confidential interview, please contact erin@youthcoalition.net.
Machinery of Government changes and the ACT’s fiscal situation
The ACT Government has implemented structural changes to the ACT Public Service as part of its efforts to improve efficiency. The Machinery of Government changes include merging the Community Services Directorate with ACT Health, as well as combining Transport and City Services with Environment, Planning and Sustainable Development.
Additionally, on 30 January 2025, the ACT Government announced it would increase health services funding by $227 million to address growing demand for medical services across the Territory. This announcement brings the ACT’s deficit to almost $1 billion. At the time of this announcement, the Minister for Health Rachel Stephen-Smith noted that all directorates would be required to review their discretionary expenditure due to the financial impact of the increased funding for Canberra Health Services.
Families ACT continues to closely monitor the ACT Government’s fiscal situation and its potential impact on our members, as well as the broader community. We remain attentive to budgetary changes and funding allocations that may affect essential services, advocacy efforts, and community programs.
Government response to the Inquiry into Raising Children in the ACT
In February 2025, the ACT Government released its response to the 33 recommendations and three findings made by the Standing Committee on Health and Community Wellbeing Inquiry into Raising Children in the ACT.
Members’ Training Portal
Are you a Families ACT member offering training in 2025? If so, please let Families ACT know and we’ll include your training on our sector development webpage. Contact Joshua from Families ACT with a link to your training and it will made available on our webpage.
Meet Families ACT new Board member
The Families ACT Board is pleased to announce its new Board member, Alex Nichols.
Alex brings to the Families ACT Board skills in strategic communications, stakeholder engagement and business development experience. Alex has led large behaviour change strategies for significant national reforms including the Royal Commission into Institutional Response to Child Sexual Abuse, the National Broadband Network, the Digital Switchover and the Australian Government's response to the Gonski Review of School Funding.
Alex joins Families ACT’s incredible skills-based Board, which includes: Alison Lendon (President), Sarah Murdoch (Vice President), Andrew Stephen (Finance Officer), Anne Daly (Public Officer), Paul Carr and Zakia Patel.
New Families ACT members
Families ACT would like to acknowledge and welcome our new members:
ACT Down Syndrome & Intellectual Disability Association (ACTDSID)
ACT Playgroups
Kidsafe ACT
Families ACT looks forward to working closely with these new members, alongside our entire membership network to continue to advocate for children and families in the ACT.
Help raise funds for Families ACT’s members, with the Hands Across Canberra’s Canberra Day Appeal
A number of Families ACT’s members are seeking raising funds through the Canberra Day Appeal ran by Hands Across Canberra.
You can donate directly to the Canberra Day Appeal, or to any of the following member organisations:
comms@familiesact.org.au
Policy | Media | Research
24 October 2024
In this edition: register now for the next JCR on 13 November 2024, updates on Families ACT’s strategic planning, the results of ACT election and meet the dynamic duo – the new members of the Families ACT team!
Member Update
Dear Families ACT members,
In this edition: register now for the next JCR on 13 November 2024, updates on Families ACT’s strategic planning, the results of ACT election and meet the dynamic duo – the new members of the Families ACT team!
Spring Summary
Since July, Families ACT has been meeting with members and stakeholders to gather insights on how best to serve our members and the wider community. A dominant theme continues to be concerns about the increasing childhood vulnerability and entrenched disadvantage in the ACT. This has led us to deepen our understanding and engagement on the issues of child vulnerability and poverty in the ACT, as well as supporting our members with commissioning and sector development activities.
This consultation process is a key initiative to develop a Strategic Plan and will guide our activities in the years ahead. We look forward to releasing our Strategic Plan in early 2025. This and other sector development, policy and research updates and activities will be regularly shared via our website and Facebook – we recommend following us here.
ACT Election Update
On 19 October, Canberrans voted in the ACT election, with ACT Labor winning a seventh term. However, the make-up of the ACT Legislative Assembly will look different in the next term with vote counting is still being finalised and a final seat in Brindabella to be confirmed (Mick Gentleman). We also farewell Greens members and cabinet ministers Emma Davidson and Rebecca Vassarotti, both losing their seat and replaced by two new independents, Fiona Carrick (Murrumbidgee) and Thomas Emerson (Kurrajong).
While the composition of the new Legislative Assembly is being finalised, Families ACT continues to engage in early policy discussions with elected officials to help inform and advise how they might shape priorities focused on children and families in the years ahead.
The final result will be called by the Australian Electoral Commission on 30 October. Caretaker is expected to end 6 November.
What can we expect this Parliament?
Labor announced 100 policies during its campaign for the 2024 election. Some of the policy announcements relevant to children and families include:
Housing: 5,000 new public and affordable rental dwellings by 2030, alongside an additional 30,000 new homes across the territory by the end of this decade, including build-to-rent properties.
Cost-of-living: $800 energy rebate to one in five households experiencing financial hardship.
Public transport: Increased weekday local bus services to run every 20 minutes, along with a 12-month trial for free public transport on Fridays.
Health: The commencement of work on the new $1 billion northside hospital, along with funding an extra 800 more healthcare workers and additional surgical specialists. In addition, the Women’s Health Service will receive extra funding, along with a new six-bed perinatal mental health residential unit and the expansion of mid-wife services including the midwifery-led continuity of care program. Several of Canberra’s medical walk-in centres are set to receive specialist mental health nurses, and $11 million has been announced to a fund encouraging more GPs to bulk bill.
Education and children: ACT Labor will invest $150 million in public schools to improve infrastructure and accessibility, including heating and air-conditioning system upgrades. An additional 15 schools will receive funding for breakfast and lunch services for students, three days a week. Free preschool hours for three-year-olds will be doubled to 600 hours per year, as well as supervised before and after school care at public four-year-old preschools. Finally, first-time parents will receive a package of baby supplies needed for the first few years of life.
ACT Labor is in negotiations with the ACT Greens and independents, which will further shape and inform policy priorities of this parliament. We will provide further updates on the outcome of the 2024 election via our website and Facebook.
Advocacy activity
The ACT election period presented an excellent opportunity for Families ACT to engage with candidates and support the community sector's efforts to address the needs of the Canberra community. This has seen Families ACT engaging on issues such as:
Cost-of-living pressures many Canberra families face, detailed by the 2024 ACT Cost of Living Report.
The Act for Community campaign, which called for candidates and political parties to address the urgent need for sustainable funding to the community sector. This campaign highlighted that increased population growth in the ACT has placed unprecedented demand on community services, with current funding levels not reflecting need.
Poverty reduction - Anti-Poverty Week (13 to 19 October), including the Anti-Poverty Community Forum as part of coinciding with the ACT election period. The keynote presentation was provided by Associate Professor Ben Phillips from the ANU Centre for Social Research and Methods, who shared insights about the nature of poverty and financial distress within the ACT and across Australia, along with potential implications for policymakers should there be a formal definition of poverty in Australia. The forum was also attended by ACT election candidates, who shared their policy platforms relating to poverty, cost-of-living pressures and the community sector’s concerns about funding and service delivery. Labor also confirmed their commitment to a ACT Poverty Forum.
Other important policy issues highlighted during the election period included:
housing affordability and suitable social housing stock across the ACT;
support for First Nations-led service delivery;
reducing the number of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children in out-of-home care;
improving healthcare affordability;
eliminating domestic and family violence; and
increased investment in early learning services and out-of-hours school care.
Families ACT endorses these areas of reform, particularly those relating to children and their families. Finally, Families ACT congratulates everyone in the community sector for their hard work during this ACT election period!
Register now for our November Joint Case Review (JCR)
Our next Joint Case Review (JCR) on Wednesday 13 November from 9.30am to 11.30am at our office in O’Connor. Don’t miss out, register now to reserve your spot! Come and join us! You can register for free for the Nov session and for all remaining JCR via our Eventbrite account.
And please forward this email to interested staff and/or colleagues.
What is next for JCRs? In the new year, Families ACT will be evaluating the JCRs and explore how this program can further benefit services providing supports to children, young people and families in the ACT.
For more information about JCRs and our sector development opportunities visit our website. If you have any questions or want more information about JCRs, please email us at comms@familiesact.org.au
Meet the team!
Since the departure of Families ACT longstanding Executive Officer, Will Mollison, who retired in July 2024, Rebecca Zappelli joined as the new Executive Director. In late-July 2024, Joshua Wrest, joined the team as Research, Policy and Communications Officer. Both Rebecca and Joshua have diverse backgrounds, bringing new skills and vision to Families ACT. Learn more about them below!
Rebecca Zappelli
Rebecca brings over 17 years of experience to her role as Executive Director of Families ACT, working with governments, research and community organisations across Australia, the United Kingdom, and Canada. During this time, Rebecca has played a leading role in successful health policy reforms, programs and policy initiatives.
Before joining Families ACT, Rebecca was the Head of Stakeholder Engagement at the Australian National University College of Health and Medicine. She has also held leadership roles within Foundry British Columbia (BC), a province-wide network of integrated health and wellness services for young people, the City of Vancouver, leading their Healthy City Strategy and was the Director of the Community Action Initiative, a not-for-profit organisation supporting community-led projects focusing on mental health and substance use issues. She also brings extensive experience in working with applied research institutions, having worked for the Centre for Applied Research in Mental Health and Addiction (CARMHA) at Simon Fraser University.
Rebecca is committed to promoting equity and addressing the structural and systemic barriers that limit people’s ability to thrive. She keenly takes on the role of Executive Director, to work in partnership with the Board, Advisory, members, community, researchers and government to contribute to a Canberra where everyone can thrive!
Joshua Wrest
Joshua joins Families ACT with extensive experience working in the Federal Parliament. As a Senior Research Officer in the Australian Senate’s Committee Office, he has worked on a broad range of parliamentary committees, including: foreign affairs, legal and constitutional affairs, community affairs, anti-corruption, regional affairs, agriculture and transport. Prior to the Senate, Joshua worked in various project roles within the ANU’s Crawford School of Public Policy. He also runs a private therapy practice, offering breathwork and counselling/psychotherapy services.
Joshua joined Families ACT because it intersects with his research and writing experience, as well as his efforts to support cultural repair within our Canberra community. Outside of work, he’s often walking in any of Canberra’s beautiful nature reserves, or sitting by a river, in the sun, with a good book.
Joshua can be contacted at: joshua.wrest@familiesact.org.au
comms@familiesact.org.au
Policy | Media | Research
13 June 2024
In this edition: In this edition: register now for the next JCR on 26 June 2024 at our offices, meet our new Families ACT Executive Director, Will’s farewell and an update on mental health commissioning.
Member Update
Dear Families ACT members,
In this edition: register now for the next JCR on 26 June 2024 at our offices, meet our new Families ACT Executive Director, Will’s farewell and an update on mental health commissioning.
Register now for our June Joint Case Review (JCR)
We invite you to join us at our next Joint Case Review (JCR) on Wednesday 26 June from 9.30am to 11.30am at our offices in O’Connor!
Come and join us! You can register for free for the June session and for all remaining JCR via our Eventbrite account!
And please forward this email to interested staff and/or colleagues.
For more information about JCRs and our sector development opportunities visit our website! If you have any questions or want more information about JCRs, please email us at comms@familiesact.org.au
New FACT Executive Director
Welcome our new Executive Director, Rebecca Zappelli!
Rebecca has tertiary qualifications in Applied Science (Health Promotion) and Health Management. She has 17 years of experience working in the health and social services sectors, specifically in mental health and substance use, both in government and non-government settings in Australia and overseas in the UK, Canada and Vietnam. Most recently she has been employed by the Australian National University College of Health and Medicine as their Head of Stakeholder Engagement.
Rebecca joined Families ACT on 20 May 2024 and will continue transitioning into the role throughout June with the support of Will Mollison. As many of you may be aware, Will is retiring after 13 years of incredible service as Families ACT’s Executive Officer. Will’s last day will be Thursday 27 June.
Say hello, goodbye!
You’re invited to join us for a drop-in morning tea to bid farewell to Will as he embarks on his next adventure and retirement and welcome Rebecca to Families ACT!
Date: Monday 24 June Time: 10am - 11:30am Location: 46 Clianthus St, O’Connor
Refreshments will be provided. Come share your well wishes and memories!
Please RSVP for catering purposes by Wednesday 19 June via Eventbrite or email comms@familiesact.org.au
We look forward to seeing you there!
Mental Health Commissioning
ACT Health has published the Insights Report, reporting on the 'Design' phase of the mental health commissioning process. This report synthesises the feedback that was gathered during its consultation phase.
Based on the findings from this consultation, the commissioning team is now developing an Investment Strategy. This strategy will guide ACT Health's approach to investment in mental health NGO services through the commissioning process.
Individuals or services that would like to provide feedback on the Insights Report to inform the development of the Investment Strategy, may do so by emailing mentalhealthcommissioning@act.gov.au, by 1 July 2024.
You can access the Insights Report here.
Youth Coalition submission
The Youth Coalition will be providing a submission to ACT Health, to inform the development of their Investment Plan. To inform this submission, the Youth Coalition are convening an online discussion to gather sector feedback, insights and questions about the Insights Report and forthcoming Investment Plan.
Date: Friday 21 June 2024
Time: 9:30-11am
Venue: Online via Teams
Registration: Limited spaces available - contact erin@youthcoalition.net. If there is significant interest, a second session will be held on Tuesday 25 June.
If you are unable to attend the session but would like to provide feedback separately, please contact erin@youthcoalition.net prior to 21 June.
comms@familiesact.org.au
Policy | Media | Research
15 April 2024
In this edition: spaces still available for the next JCR on 30 April at our offices, updates on commissioning, the reform of the Children and Young People Act, the Therapeutic Support Panel, the Child & Youth Mental Health Sector Alliance, ACT Government grants and have your say on the Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence Strategy.
Member Update
Dear Families ACT members,
We hope you had a relaxing break over the Easter long weekend and enjoy reading this bumper update - a lot has been happening!
In this edition: spaces still available for the next JCR on 30 April at our offices, updates on commissioning, the reform of the Children and Young People Act, the Therapeutic Support Panel, the Child & Youth Mental Health Sector Alliance, ACT Government grants and have your say on the Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence Strategy.
Spaces still available for our April Joint Case Reviews (JCR)
We invite you to join us at our next Joint Case Review (JCR) on Tuesday 30 April 20224 from 9.30am to 11.30am at our offices in O’Connor!
Come and join us! You can register for free for the one on 30 April 2024 and for all remaining JCR via our Eventbrite account!
And please forward this email to interested staff and/or colleagues.
For more information about JCRs and our sector development opportunities visit our website! If you have any questions or want more information about JCRs, please email us at comms@familiesact.org.au
Commissioning
CYFSP Strategic Investment Plan
The draft Child, Youth and Family Services Strategic Investment Plan (the Plan) was released in early March for consultation. The plan reflects what was heard throughout the CYFSP Commissioning Process from stakeholders and how CSD plans to use this to shape the future direction and priorities of the CYFSP. Families ACT has provided feedback on the plan. You can find the draft plan here.
CSD’s transition approach
The transition of services to different models or service providers is supported by the draft Human Services Transition Policy, For CSD, it is a relational approach – discussions with providers, problem solving and planning together, and working through challenges for staff, systems, and clients. CSD aims to apply the Policy sector by sector in a way that is relevant to the scale of transition. For more information on ACT Government’s transition approach visit the Commissioning website.
2023 Commissioning Listening report and Improvement Action Plan
Last week, the 2023 Listening Report and Improvement Action Plan (the 2023 Report) was published by the ACT Government. It’s the second report of this kind reflecting what’s been heard about commissioning practice and experience from both the government and non-government sector. The 2023 Report provides practical actions to address challenges and continuously improve commissioning practice and experiences. It was drafted by a working group from government (Community Services and ACT Health Directorates) and the peak body for the community sector, the ACT Council of Social Service (ACTCOSS). For more information, visit the website.
Update on the Children and Young People Act reform
In October 2023, the ACT Government opened public consultation on its second stage of proposed changes to the Children and Young People Act 2008. This legislative reform is key to the Government’s broader reform of child, youth and family services aimed at strengthening families and keeping children and young people safe and connected. Families ACT made a submission to the consultation.
Before Easter, the consultation listening report was published. Based on the community’s feedback, CSD are adjusting the staging of proposed changes to better meet community expectations.
As a result:
A stage 2 set of amendments will be introduced in the Legislative Assembly’s next sitting week, delivering on specific Government commitments that had consensus support through the consultation. This will deliver on the Government’s commitments to external merits review of child protection decisions, extending care for young people in out of home care to the age of 21 and embedding requirements to develop and maintain Charters in the legislation.
Work will continue on a third stage of legislative change, allowing the ACT Government to consult on exposure draft legislation before it is introduced.
You can find more about the revised scope of stage 2 and the next steps in the fact sheet ‘What you told us and what we’re doing now’ available on the YourSay website at Changing the Children and Young People Act 2008 – Stage 2. This is also where you will find the listening report.
Therapeutic Support Panel for Children and Young People established
On 27 March 2024, the Therapeutic Support Panel for Children and Young People commenced marking the next step in the ACT’s youth justice reform journey. A critical element in raising the minimum age of criminal responsibility, the Panel sits at the core of the ACT’s nation-leading model of therapeutic support for children, young people and their families and carers. Families ACT welcomes the commencement of the panel and congratulates its chair, Dr Justin Barker on his appointment.
For more information including the panel membership please read the press release.
Have your say on the Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence strategy
The ACT Government is developing the ACT Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence Strategy to help Canberrans to be safe in their relationships, homes and communities.
CSD is seeking feedback from:
people who have been affected by domestic, family and sexual violence
organisations who respond to and support victim-survivors.
You can have your say on the strategy via this survey before Sunday 28 April 2024.
ACT Child and Youth Mental Health Sector Alliance update
At last week’s Alliance forum, the Youth Reference Group (YRG) released a new publication, the 'Our Say' - Youth Lived Experience FAQs resource. ‘Our Say’ compiles the broader, bigger picture questions that young people are often asked during consultations, or while engaged in advocacy work; along with some of the YRG members’ respective answers.
This document has been developed by the members of the YRG as a resource to ensure those who consult with the YRG can get the most out of their time and participate in effective, meaningful engagement. It is also available as a public resource that can be referenced, quoted and utilised in a variety of projects. You can find more information about the resource in the ‘Before you Start’ section of the document.
For more information about the Alliance, its projects and about the YRG, visit the Alliance website.
ACT Government grants
There are two community infrastructure and technology grant rounds currently open that you might be interested in. Both close on Monday 29 April, 3pm.
Community Support and Infrastructure Grants
Up to $10,000 funding available per grant to fund projects across 3 categories:
community support and capacity building
non-fixed infrastructure, furniture or equipment
minor capital works and fixed infrastructure.
More information about eligibility criteria and the application form can be found here.
Technology Upgrade Fund Grants
Up to $30,000 funding available per grant across 3 categories:
upgrade IT equipment
develop improved service provision through digital technology solutions
support those most at risk of digital exclusion
More information about eligibility criteria and the application form can be found here.
Best wishes,
Yvonne Gritschneder
comms@familiesact.org.au
Policy | Media | Research
07 March 2024
In this edition: spaces still available for the next JCR on 20 March at our offices, ACT Government’s 2024-25 budget consultation survey is now open, Capital Health Network has two open tenders, a new Family Support Services Directory 2024 has been published and the YouthCo will run another ‘Talk to Them’ training session in April 2024.
Member Update
Dear Families ACT members,
We hope you are well and enjoy reading this latest Families ACT member update.
In this edition: Spaces still available for the next JCR on 20 March at our offices, ACT Government’s 2024-25 budget consultation survey is now open, Capital Health Network has two open tenders, a new Family Support Services Directory 2024 has been published and the YouthCo will run another ‘Talk to Them’ training session in April 2024.
Spaces still available: Register now open for 2024 Joint Case Reviews (JCR)
Families ACT is pleased to announce that we scheduled six Joint Case Reviews (JCRs) for 2024 with the first JCR being held on Wednesday 20 March 20224 from 9.30am to 11.30am at our offices in O’Connor!
Come and join us! You can find the dates for all six JCRs and register for the one on 20 March 2024 for FREE via our Eventbrite account!
And please forward this email to interested staff and/or colleagues.
For more information about JCRs and our sector development opportunities visit our website! If you have any questions or want more information about JCRs, please email us at comms@familiesact.org.au
ACT Government’s 2024-25 budget consultation survey now open
Mid February the 2024-25 Budget Consultation survey opened on the YourSay panel. By joining the Panel, you can help shape the policies, programs and services that make Canberra a great place to live. To join the Panel so that you can take part in this survey, and others, click here.
The survey will remain open for 6 weeks, until 25 March 2024.
You are also able to provide your or your organisation’s input via a written submission. A form has been made available for written budget submissions if you wish to provide more detailed input. If you encounter any difficulties in using this form, your submission may still be emailed through to budgetconsultation@act.gov.au.
Additional details about the budget consultation process can be found on the ACT Government’s YourSay page.
Requests for Proposal: Capital Health Network (CHN)
Capital Health Network currently has two open tenders, closing in late March and early April:
1. Targeted Regional Initiatives for Suicide Prevention
Capital Health Network (CHN), the ACT’s primary health network, is seeking to commission suicide prevention services or initiatives from non-government organisations and community groups within the ACT. This funding is to support a wide variety of initiatives that directly support the local ACT region and communities, to take positive action in reducing the risk of suicide, stigma and promoting social inclusion.
These initiatives will be community-led and directed at those experiencing suicidal distress, and who are not currently part of the mental health system, and their families and carers. It is also focused on creating sustainable impacts on the support and wellbeing of this at-risk population.
CHN is inviting applications from potential providers to:
Build the capacity and capability of the ACT region’s suicide prevention workforce and relevant community members to respond to distress and link people with appropriate supports and services.
Initiate or adapt suicide prevention activities for at-risk cohorts in our community to identify and respond early to distress. This can include various channels including online, telephone, videoconference and face to face to meet community needs.
Improve care coordination and service pathways for people at risk of suicide ideation, attempted suicide or are bereaved by suicide.
Facilitate peer support and mentorship programs for people at risk or impacted by suicide.
The closing date and time for this RFP is 5pm Friday 5 April 2024. A briefing session will be held on Wednesday 13 March at 3pm. Register here
View the Request for Proposal documentation. Questions and request for information close at 5pm Friday 22 March 2024.
2. Family, Domestic and Sexual Violence Pilot
Capital Health Network is seeking to commission suitably qualified and experienced organisations to establish Family and Domestic Violence, Sexual Violence, and Child Sexual Abuse (FDSV) Link Worker/s in the ACT to:
Support primary health care professionals (general practice staff and allied health professionals) in recognising and responding to early signs of FDSV, via whole-of-practice tailored education and training opportunities, and resources.
Serve as a dedicated one-point-of-referral service for primary healthcare staff to refer patients experiencing FDSV.
Provide initial case coordination, timely risk assessment, and safety planning, followed by warm referrals to appropriate long-term supports and specialist services for victim-survivors of FDSV referred via primary care.
Improve integration between primary health care and FDSV services sector.
Enhance service navigation for victim-survivors of FDSV.
There is a total of $2.2 million available for these activities.
The closing date and time for this RFP is 5pm Friday 22 March 2024. A briefing session will be held 10am, Thursday 7 March, 10am. Register here
View the Request for Proposal documentation. Questions and request for information close at 5pm Monday 18 March 2024.
“Talk to Them” training - Responding to domestic & family violence (DFV) in youth work
The Youth Coalition of the ACT is holding another "Talk to Them" training session next month. The training takes place over 2 days on 11th and 12th of April 2024 from 9.30am - 4.30pm.
It will equip you with the necessary knowledge and confidence to initiate discussions about Domestic and Family Violence (DFV) with young people. Youth workers play a vital role in engaging with young people and providing them with support. This training will increase your capacity to understand, recognise and respond to DFV issues, safely refer the young person and/or family to specialist DFV services, and continue to support them as they navigate the specialist DFV support system.
To register and for more information on the 11 & 12 April 2024 training session, click here
New Family Support Services Directory 2024
The Southside Initiative aims to develop community driven solutions to better support vulnerable children 0-8 years and their families in targeted regions. This Initiative uses a collaborative and community focused approach to develop and trial practical activities and initiatives aimed at improving life outcomes for children and families who live in the southside. They have developed a new Family Support Services Directory to support community organisation, schools and early childcare centre who support families.
Best wishes,
Yvonne Gritschneder
comms@familiesact.org.au
Policy | Media | Research
22 January 2024
In this edition: the ACT Government’s 2024-25 budget consultation process, a Commissioning report, EOIs sought for Families ACT Executive Officer role and the Healthy Canberra grants are still open.
Member Update
Dear Families ACT members,
Welcome to our first member update for 2024! We hope you all had a restful break and enjoyed your summer holidays.
In this edition: the ACT Government’s 2024-25 budget consultation process, a Commissioning report, EOIs sought for Families ACT Executive Officer role and the Healthy Canberra grants are still open.
ACT Government’s 2024-25 budget consultation process
The ACT Government is seeking your views and suggestions as to how the Government should prioritise and efficiently allocate the Territory’s resources in developing the 2024-25 Budget. Its focus is on creating job opportunities, delivering high-quality services, and investing in the infrastructure needs of one of the fastest growing jurisdictions in Australia. The Budget consultation process provides an important opportunity for the community to be involved in the budget working together to ensure that limited resources are put to their most efficient use.
You are able to provide your or your organisation’s input via two main avenues. A form has been made available for written budget submissions if you wish to provide more detailed input. If you encounter any difficulties in using this form, your submission may still be emailed through to budgetconsultation@act.gov.au.
You are also welcome to participate in the 2024-25 Budget Consultation survey which will open in mid-February 2024 and be conducted on the YourSay panel. The survey will remain open for 6 weeks.
Additional details about the budget consultation process can be found on the ACT Government’s YourSay page.
Commissioning
Combined insights report
The discovery, strategies, and design phases of commissioning for the Child, Young People and Family Services Program (CYFSP) have been completed. CSD has brought together all the insights into a Combined Insights Report. The Report includes input shared across commissioning streams including Minimum Age of Criminal Responsibility, Child Protection and Out of Home Care and Child, Young People and Family Services Program and outlines the alignment of these insights and how they are informing the future state for support services for children, young people and families. You can read and download the report here.
Expressions of Interest sought for Families ACT Executive Officer role
Families ACT is seeking an Executive Officer to lead the organisation and its policy development, advocacy and professional development activities.
The successful applicant will have tertiary qualifications and/or extensive experience in a relevant human services field, excellent engagement, consultation and collaboration skills in addition to a well-rounded knowledge of the community sector. They will be a keen social advocate, able to develop policy and interpret the political policy arena. They will work closely with the organisation's skills-based board and Advisory Council.
The part-time position is for 28 to 30 hours per week (full-time 35 hrs).
For more information and a detailed position description, please go to the job ad on the Ethical jobs website.
Healthy Canberra Grants are still open: Focus on Vaping Cessation and Reducing Alcohol-Related Harm
Healthy Canberra Grants are now open for applications from community organisations. Up to $2 million is available for health promotion programs that reduce alcohol and vaping related harm in the Canberra community. Successful programs must run from June 2024 to December 2026.
For more information:
Applications close 4pm, Wednesday 14 February 2024. Late applications will not be accepted.
Best wishes,
Yvonne Gritschneder
comms@familiesact.org.au
Policy | Media | Research
13 December 2023
In this update: the ACT Government’s position statement on trauma informed practices for children and young people, an update on the ACT Child and Youth Mental Health Sector Alliance, the 2023 YOGIE awards, a Commissioning update, Healthy Canberra grants and registration for 2024 ‘Talk to them’ training now open.
Member Update
Dear Families ACT members,
We hope you are all starting to wind down for the holiday season and are able to find some quiet moments in this typically very busy time of the year!
In this edition: the ACT Government’s position statement on trauma informed practices for children and young people, an update on the ACT Child and Youth Mental Health Sector Alliance, the 2023 YOGIE awards, Commissioning reforms, Healthy Canberra grants and registration for 2024 ‘Talk to them’ training now open.
ACT Government’s Position Statement on Trauma Informed Practices for Children and Young People
On 29 November 2023, the Minister for Mental Health Emma Davidson tabled the ACT Government’s Position Statement on Trauma Informed Practices for Children and Young People in the Legislative Assembly. This represents a significant step towards ensuring all services that have interactions with children and young people in the ACT are trauma aware and understand how to respond in a safe way.
Families ACT was consulted during the development of the statement and congratulates the ACT Health Youth at Risk team for achieving this important milestone. The Youth at Risk team have also published the following two listening reports, the Youth at Risk of Developing Mental Ill Health Project - Listening Report 1 and the Youth at Risk of Developing Mental Ill Health Project - Listening Report 2
ACT Child and Youth Mental Health Sector Alliance
Families ACT continues to be an active member of the Alliance which aims to provide a structured, formal mechanism for government, community stakeholders, the private sector and people with lived experience, to connect and work collaboratively towards improving mental health service system responses for children and young people. The Alliance is led by OMHW, CHN and the Youth Coalition, with support from a Coordinating Committee of key stakeholders.
The next Alliance Forum is scheduled in April 2024. An Alliance website is currently being developed and should be live in early 2024. Meanwhile you can find more information about the Alliance’s work here.
Congratulations to the Annual YOGIE Award Winners for 2023
On Monday 11 December 2023, the annual YOGIE awards were presented by Rachel Stephen-Smith MLA at the Youth Coalition’s office in O’Connor. Awards were presented in 10 categories that recognise the work of groups and individuals. Nominations were invited from young people, workers, individuals, programs and services.
Families ACT congratulates all YOGIE Award winners and commendation recipients. It was fantastic to see so many of you at the event and a wonderful celebration of another busy year.
You can find out more about all the winners here.
Commissioning
2023 Commissioning year in review
Families ACT attended CSD’s update meeting last week which included a review of the 2023 Commissioning work delivered by the community and health sector. You can read more here.
JACS commissioning to commence in 2024
In 2024. commissioning will begin for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Justice Programs, signalling the first commissioning cycle for the Justice and Community Safety Directorate (JACS). Six Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander justice support programs will be the focus area for a commissioning cycle that will bring together the Aboriginal Justice Caucus, ACT Government, service providers, Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations, experts and people with lived/living experience from the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community. You can read more here.
Sector Sustainabilty program update
The Sector Sustainability Project (SSP) commenced in July this year, following the ACT Government’s response to the Counting the Costs: Sustainable Funding for the ACT Community Services Sector Report (the report). In the first six months, the SSP has started to turn the recommendations from the report into practical actions to strengthen the sustainability of human services in the ACT. The SSP is now in Phase B – Dec 2023-Jan 2024. In this phase, the project will undertake a first survey of NGO stakeholders to inform evaluation of the project in 2023-2024; development and advocacy of advice to ACT Budget 2024-2025 and manage the contract to develop Costing Tool. For more information, visit the SSP program website.
CSOG dialog forum summary published
A summary of the first Commissioning Senior Officials Group (CSOG) Dialogue Forum with non-government sector leaders which was held in September 2023 is now available here.
Other ongoing Commissioning cycles
There are currently over 30 active sub-sector commissioning cycles across the human service system. Each cycle moves along the commissioning phases of discover, strategise, design, invest, deliver & integrate. Regular updates on each cycle are provided on the Commissioning website.
Healthy Canberra Grants now open: Focus on Vaping Cessation and Reducing Alcohol-Related Harm
Healthy Canberra Grants are now open for applications from community organisations. Up to $2 million is available for health promotion programs that reduce alcohol and vaping related harm in the Canberra community. Successful programs must run from June 2024 to December 2026.
For more information:
Applications close 4pm, Wednesday 14 February 2024. Late applications will not be accepted.
“Talk to Them” training - Responding to domestic & family violence (DFV) in youth work
The Youth Coalition of the ACT is holding two "Talk to Them" training sessions in early 2024. The training takes place over 2 days in February 2024 and in April 2024. It will equip you with the necessary knowledge and confidence to initiate discussions about Domestic and Family Violence (DFV) with young people. Youth workers play a vital role in engaging with young people and providing them with support. This training will increase your capacity to understand, recognise and respond to DFV issues, safely refer the young person and/or family to specialist DFV services, and continue to support them as they navigate the specialist DFV support system.
To register and for more information for the 1 -2 February 2024 training sessions, click here and for the training on 18 - 19 April 2024, click here.
Another successful year of FACT sector development opportunities
Families ACT had another successful year of delivering sector development opportunities to community sector workers in the Capital region. We ran five Joint Case Review (JCR) sessions with more than 70 participants overall. Thank you to everyone for attending throughout the year and a special thank you to our JCR facilitators who make this program possible. We also undertook a review of our Casework Reflective Tool and are excited to offer more trainings in 2024 with our refreshed tool and a new participant workbook.
Together with the Youth Coalition of the ACT we are planning to hold further Reflective Supervision training in 2024. Our sector development planning has started and we will promote the dates for our 2024 opportunities as soon as they are confirmed.
Until then, you can read more about our sector development work on our website.
Best wishes,
Yvonne Gritschneder
comms@familiesact.org.au
Policy | Media | Research
15 November 2023
In this update: an update on some Health commissioning cycles, the Draft Service Transitions Framework and Policy, information about the ACT raising the MACR, the Next steps for Our Kids 2022-2030 4-year action plan, a survey on mental health services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in the ACT, the new Family connections program and the Solid Ground project!
Member Update
Dear Families ACT members,
Less than 6 weeks untill Christmas, which might explain this bumper edition of our member update!
In this update: a Commissioning update on some health commissioning cycles and the Draft Service Transitions Framework and Policy, information about the ACT raising the MACR, the Next steps for Our Kids 2022-2030 4-year action plan, a survey on mental health services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in the ACT, the new Family connections program and the Solid Ground project!
ACT raises the minimum age of criminal responsibility
In an Australian first, the ACT Legislative Assembly has passed legislation to raise the minimum age of criminal responsibility to 14 from mid-2025. The Justice (Age of Criminal Responsibility) Legislation Amendment Bill 2023 passed on 1 November 2023 represents a historic reform that will initially raise the minimum age of criminal responsibility from 10 to 12 on commencement – and then to 14 from 1 July 2025.
Families ACT joined the Youth Coalition of the ACT in congratulating the ACT Government for raising the minimum age of criminal responsibility. We welcome these important changes and look forward to continue working with the ACT Government to establish the service system to support them.
Next steps for Our Kids 2022-2030 4-year action plan released
Early November, CSD released the First Four-year Action Plan for Next Steps for Our Kids 2022-2030, the ACT strategy for strengthening families and keeping children and young people safe. The plan outlines the implementation pathway for Next Steps to 2026. It has been co-designed through a series of workshops and consultations throughout 2023 and outlines the shared work and accountability to keep children and young people safe, strong and connected.
Commissioning
Extension to the Sexually Transmissible Infections (STIBBV) and Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drugs (ATOD) commissioning cycles
As the Sexually Transmissible Infections and Blood Borne Viruses (STIBBV) and Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drugs (ATOD) commissioning cycles get to the pointy end of investment, and to support conducive timeframes for subsequent grant activity within these subsectors, the Minister for Health has agreed to further extend existing Service Funding Agreements (SFAs) with STIBBV sector partners for a total of four months through to 30 April 2024 (instead of 31 March 2024 as previously indicated) and with ATOD sector partners for a total of 7 months to 31 July 2024 (instead of 30 June 2024, as previously indicated).
ACT Health indicated that these variations are in the final stages of drafting and will be provided to relevant organisations shortly. More information on the STIBBV Commissioning, (including the STIBBV 2023 Grant opportunity) and ATOD Commissioning websites. Alternatively, email the team at HealthCommissioning@act.gov.au
Draft Service Transitions Framework and Policy
To inform and support the variety of transitions that may take place through commissioning, ACTHD and the Community Services Directorate (CSD) have developed the draft Service Transitions Framework and Policy. While ACTHD and CSD are working together to develop the Process, Capability and Monitoring packages which will sit alongside Policy under the Framework, a timely approach to transitions is required given a number of cycles are already in the Invest phase.
To this end, ACTHD launched the Health Commissioning Transitions Implementation Model which details how transitions (which take place in the first cycle of commissioning) will be managed and funded, particularly for incoming and outgoing providers. More information on the Model will be provided in the 28 November 2023 Health Commissioning Sector Update, please email HealthCommissioning@act.gov.au if you wish to attend.
Other ongoing Commissioning cycles
There are currently over 30 active sub-sector commissioning cycles across the human service system. Each cycle moves along the commissioning phases of discover, strategise, design, invest, deliver & integrate. Regular updates on each cycle are provided on the Commissioning website.
Yulang Survey on mental health services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People in the ACT
The Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Division (MHSP) within the ACT Health Directorate (ACTHD) is undertaking work to review government-funded mental health services available for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in the ACT and to identify approaches to enhance culturally appropriate care. MHSP has engaged Yulang Indigenous Evaluation (Yulang) to progress this work, information about Yulang is available at www.yulang.com.au
Yulang has created a survey to help gain a deeper understanding of how government-funded community organisations provide culturally responsive services to the ACT Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community. The information you provide will help shape mental health services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in the ACT.
You can access the survey here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/T6R6FSW.
Support for young people experiencing family conflict or violence
Solid Ground is a short-term program aimed at helping young people who've faced family conflicts or violence. The program, created by Canberra Police Community Youth Club Inc (PCYC), runs once a week during a school term. Participants learn about healthy relationships and handling their emotions, while also enjoying daily activities like kayaking, biking, hiking, rock climbing, and more. Referrals to the program are open for young people aged 11 to 18, of any gender, in the Canberra Region who have experienced family conflict or family, domestic, and sexual violence. Please note families must consent to the referral. For more information, click here.
Family Connections, new program launched by CRS and Mhub
The Family Connections Program provides early intervention support to assist young people aged 15–24 years of age and their families to improve family functioning, mitigate the risk of youth homelessness, and improve the overall wellbeing of participating family members.
The primary focus is on multicultural young people and families, but all young people are supported to create an inclusive and accessible service. The Family Connections program operates in partnership with Conflict Resolution Service (CRS) and the Multicultural hub (MHub). The program includes therapeutic case management support, family meditation, and counselling. For more information, contact David Pandey, Therapeutic Case Manager, Family Connections Program at CRS via email at davidp@crs.org.au
Another successful year of JCRs complete
Our last Joint Case Review (JCR) was held on Wednesday 8 November 2023 at our office with more than 18 participants. Thank you to everyone for attending throughout the year and a special thank you to our JCR facilitators who make this program possible. Planning for next year has started and we will promote the dates for 2024 as soon as they are confirmed. Until then, you can read more about our JCRs and other sector development opportunities we offer on our website.
Best wishes,
Yvonne Gritschneder
comms@familiesact.org.au
Policy | Media | Research
12 October 2023
In this update: Reminder about FACT AGM on 24 October, FACT supports the Uluru statement from the Heart, a short Commissioning update, Call for EOIs for ACT’s new Therapeutic Support Panel, the CYP Amendment Bill Stage 2 consultation, nominations now open for 2023 Yogies and the registration for our last JCR for the year on 8 November 2023!
Member Update
Dear Families ACT members,
It’s Mental Health Month and we hope you looking after yourselves while enjoying the warmer weather! In this update: Reminder about FACT AGM on 24 October, FACT supports the Uluru statement from the Heart, a short Commissioning update, Call for EOIs for ACT’s new Therapeutic Support Panel, the CYP Amendment Bill Stage 2 consultation, nominations now open for 2023 Yogies and the registration for our last JCR for the year on 8 November 2023!
REMINDER: Families ACT AGM on 24 October 2023
Families ACT’s Annual General Meeting will take place on Tuesday 24 October, from 12-1pm at our office at 46 Clianthus St, O’Connor. You can attend in person or join online.
All are welcome, but if you intend to join us please RSVP both for catering and to ensure we have a quorum to comms@familiesact.org.au.
Families ACT supports the Uluru statement from the Heart
Families ACT published a statement on its website supporting of the Uluru Statement from the Heart. We encourage our members, friends and stakeholders to inform themselves about the upcoming referendum on the First Nations Voice on 14 October 2023 and how to vote via the following links and resources:
www.ulurustatement.org/the-statement
www.reconciliation.org.au/support-a-voice-to-parliament
www.yes23.com.au
https://www.niaa.gov.au/indigenous-affairs/referendum-aboriginal-and-torres-strait-islander-voice
The SBS Voice Referendum portal at www.sbs.com.au/voicereferendum
Call for EOIs for ACT’s new Therapeutic Support Panel
Support Canberra’s at-risk young people
Are you or someone you know passionate about supporting young people? Do you have qualifications and expertise in areas like psychology, education, disability, criminology or social work? Are you experienced in working with Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander families?
Applications are now open for the ACT Government’s new Therapeutic Support Panel. The panel is being formed to support the raising of the minimum age of criminal responsibility in the ACT from 10 years to 12 years (and then 14 years in 2025) this year.
The role of panel members will be to facilitate therapeutic support for children and young people, instead of going through the criminal justice system. The panel will become operational by no later than 27 March 2024. For more information, visit the Diversity Register here. Applications close 5pm Monday 30 October 2023.
Commissioning
Central Intake and Referral Service commissioning underway
Families ACT attended the first Central Intake and Referral Service workshop at Nature Conservation House last month. Based on the feedback received, CSD has decided to postpone the second workshop to allow internal discussions to further consider the scope, and service delivery requirements across housing, homelessness, children, youth and family services. This includes consideration of other intersecting work that may impact on delivery solutions such as legislative changes and improved coordination across the service system to allow for these reforms. More information can be found on the Central Intake Service webpage on the Commissioning website.
Other ongoing Commissioning cycles
There are currently over 30 active sub-sector commissioning cycles across the human service system. Each cycle moves along the commissioning phases of discover, strategise, design, invest, deliver & integrate. Regular updates on each cycle are provided on the Commissioning website.
Children & Young People Amendment Bill Stage 2 consultation opens
The public consultation on stage 2 of the proposed changes to the Children and Young People Act 2008 is now open. An information paper summarises the changes aimed to strengthen families and keep children and young people safe and connected. The ACT Government is interested in your comments and feedback on the proposals in the paper. Submissions can be made via the ‘Have your say’ website with the consultation closing on 14 November 2023. For more information on changing the CYP Act, please click here.
Nominations open for the Annual YOGIE Awards 2023
The Annual Yogie Awards (the Yogies) recognise, celebrate, promote and reward outstanding practice in working with young people in the ACT and surrounding area. They also highlight the exceptional commitment, talent and innovation that exist in the youth sector. In 2023, the Youth Coalition of the ACT will be celebrating twenty years of the Yogies.
Nominations close 30 October 2023.
For more info and to nominate visit: www.youthcoalition.net/yogies
Mental Health Month in the ACT
Mental Health Month takes place over October, and includes the United Nation’s World Mental Health Day on 10 October. The Mental Health Community Coalition ACT organises Mental Health Month on behalf of the ACT. The 2023 theme for ACT’s Mental Health Month is: Awareness, Belonging, Connection. Mental Health Month is a time to celebrate the work of our community in creating connection and belonging, fostering the mental health of all Canberrans. A range of events are held during October, for more information click here.
Register now for our last JCR in 2023
Please join us for our last Joint Case Review (JCR) for the year on Wednesday 8 November 2023 at 9.30am - 11.30am at our office. JCRs are communities of practice (CoPs) with structured group learning activities providing opportunities for problem solving, sharing knowledge & collaboration. For more information about JCRs, click here. To register for the November JCR, click here.
Best wishes,
Yvonne Gritschneder
comms@familiesact.org.au
Policy | Media | Research
19 September 2023
In this update: FACT supports the Uluru statement from the Heart, FACT AGM on 24 October, an update on CYFSP Commissioning, the second MACR service design workshop, the CYP Amendment Bill 1 listening report and our September JCR has been cancelled but register now for our last JCR for the year on 8 November 2023!
Member Update
Dear Families ACT members,
We hope you are enjoying these sunny first days of Spring! In this update: FACT supports the Uluru statement from the Heart, FACT AGM on 24 October, an update on CYFSP Commissioning, the second MACR service design workshop, the CYP Amendment Bill 1 listening report and our September JCR has been cancelled but register now for our last JCR for the year on 8 November 2023!
Families ACT supports the Uluru statement of the Heart
Families ACT published a statement on its website supporting of the Uluru Statement from the Heart. We encourage our members, friends and stakeholders to inform themselves about the upcoming referendum on the First Nations Voice on 14 October 2023 and how to vote via the following links and resources:
www.ulurustatement.org/the-statement
www.reconciliation.org.au/support-a-voice-to-parliament
www.yes23.com.au
https://www.niaa.gov.au/indigenous-affairs/referendum-aboriginal-and-torres-strait-islander-voice
The SBS Voice Referendum portal at www.sbs.com.au/voicereferendum
Families ACT Annual General Meeting on 24 October 2023
The Families ACT Annual General Meeting will take place on Tuesday 24 October, from 12-1pm at our office at 46 Clianthus St, O’Connor.
All are welcome, but if you intend to join us please RSVP both for catering and to ensure we have a quorum to comms@familiesact.org.au. An email invite including an agenda will be send closer to the date.
Commissioning
CYFSP Commissioning
Yvonne and Will attended the CYFSP Outcomes and Service Delivery Design Workshop on 8 August 2023 to review and provide feedback on draft program outcomes for CYFSP. A listening report of this workshop is now being collated. More information can be found on the CYFSP commissioning webpage.
Community Central Referral Service commissioning underway
Will attended the Community Intake and Referral Service workshop last Tuesday at Nature Conservation House. The workshop built on the insights from related Commissioning workshops summarised in a discovery paper. At the workshop, participants were asked to explore the scope of a future Community Intake and Referral Service model and reflect on its functions. A second workshop is proposed for 10 October 2023 (tbc). More information can be found on the Central Intake Service webpage on the Commissioning website.
Other ongoing Commissioning cycles
There are currently over 30 active sub-sector commissioning cycles across the human service system. Each cycle moves along the commissioning phases of discover, strategise, design, invest, deliver & integrate. Regular updates on each cycle are provided on the Commissioning website.
MACR reforms
On 22 August 2023 Will and Yvonne attended the second MACR service design workshop at CSD. The second workshop looked at how the service system continues to support children and young people after the Therapeutic Support Panel makes its recommendations.
A listening report from both workshops is now being collated.
The Standing Committee on Justice and Community Safety published its inquiry report into the Justice (Age of Criminal Responsibility) Legislation Amendment Bill 2023.
Children and Young People Amendment Bill 1 listening report
A listening report of the Children and Young People Amendment Bill Stage 1 consultation has been published with our submission being referenced several times throughout the document. Work on stage 2 of amending the Children and Young People Act has commenced and the consultation on the stage 2 proposed amendments is scheduled to open soon. For more information on changing the CYP Act, please click here.
September JCR cancelled! Register now for our last JCR in 2023
We had to cancel the September JCR scheduled for this Thursday 21 September due to unforeseen circumstances and low registration numbers. However, we invite you to join us for our last Joint Case Review (JCR) the year on Wednesday 8 November 2023 at 9.30am - 11.30am at our office. JCRs are communities of practice (CoPs) with structured group learning activities providing opportunities for problem solving, sharing knowledge & collaboration. For more information about JCRs, click here. To register for the November JCR, click here.
Families ACT closed its Twitter (now X) account
We decided to discontinue using Twitter (now X) as one of our social media channels due to the changes in ownership and management of the platform. We deleted our account but will continue to communicate with our members and friends via our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/FamiliesACT.au
Best wishes,
Yvonne Gritschneder
comms@familiesact.org.au
Policy | Media | Research
14 August 2023
In this update: our 2022-23 annual report, an update on CYFSP Commissioning including the Sector Sustainability Program, the Next Steps listening report, the MACR service design workshops, our submission to the CYP Amendment Bill 1, spaces still available at the next Reflective Supervision training, our September JCR and ‘Talk to them’ training!
Member Update
Dear Families ACT members,
We hope you are avoiding all the winter illnesses! In this update: our 2022-23 annual report, an update on CYFSP Commissioning including the Sector Sustainability Program, the Next Steps listening report, the MACR service design workshops, our submission to the CYP Amendment Bill 1, spaces still available at the next Reflective Supervision training, our September JCR and ‘Talk to them’ training!
Families ACT’s 2022-23 annual report
Thank you to all our members who responded to the member survey in May 2023. Your feedback is reflected in our 2022-23 Annual report to the Community Services Directorate. This year we are also reporting against the four outcomes identified in our Deed of Grant. Please contact Will on eo@familiesact.org.au if you have any questions about our report.
Commissioning
CYFSP Commissioning
CSD continues to engage with the sector to inform the design phase of the Child, Young People and Family Services (CYFSP) commissioning process. The last Future Focussed Workshop on 23 May 2023 (see Future Focus Workshop listening report) started to explore possible program outcomes and future service delivery. Yvonne and Will attended the CYFSP Outcomes and Service Delivery Design Workshop on 8 August 2023 to review and provide feedback on draft program outcomes for CYFSP. A listening report of this workshop is now being collated.
Sector Sustainability Program
The first stage of the 2023-2028 Sector Sustainability Program has commenced, being co-led by ACT Government and Capital Region Community Services. The program was initiated following the clear view of sustainability challenges that were highlighted in the ACTCOSS and Government funded report: Counting the Cost: Sustainability funding for the ACT community services sector.
A Key focus areas and implementation plan was released to commence the program and nominations for the program’s governance committee are being sought (by 24 August 2023).
Community Central Referral Service commissioning underway
Commissioning for a central referral service for community services, supports and programs has commenced. The new service will refer those who need it to programs such as homelessness services; child, youth and family support services and the child protection sector. For more information on how you can provide feedback on the draft Community Central Referral Service Discovery document, please click here.
Other ongoing Commissioning cycles
There are currently over 30 active sub-sector commissioning cycles across the human service system. Each cycle moves along the commissioning phases of discover, strategise, design, invest, deliver & integrate. Regular updates on each cycle are provided on the Commissioning website.
Next Steps Listening report released
Last week, CSD released a Listening Report summarising the Next Steps focus group discussions and feedback received from 14 focus groups hosted by CSD’s Children, Youth and Families Division during April, May and June 2023. It also includes a summary of feedback from 7 written submissions received in May 2023. This feedback has been used to update the new service system and inform the approach to implementation. Feedback has also been used to inform the procurement program for the child protection, out of home care and support services. For more information on the child services reforms under Next Steps, please click here.
MACR Service Design workshops
On 26 July 2023 Yvonne attended the first of two MACR service design workshops at CSD. The first workshop looked at the function and responsibility of the multidisciplinary therapeutic panel under the legislative changes raising the minimum age of criminal responsibility. Another workshop is scheduled on 22 August which Will and Yvonne will attend.
Submission to Children and Young People Amendment Bill consultation
Families ACT’s submission to the Children and Young People Amendment Bill 1 Discussion paper is now available on our website. A listening report of the stage 1 consultation should be available late August. Work on stage 2 of amending the Children and Young People Act has commenced and the consultation on the stage 2 proposed amendments is scheduled to open soon. For more information on changing the CYP Act, please click here.
Register now for next Reflective Supervision training in September
Are you a team leader or manager within a Child, Youth and Family Services Program? Do you want to develop your skills as a supervisor? Learn about the supportive, educational, and reflective functions of supervision. Together with the Youth Coalition of the ACT, we have developed a reflective supervision training package specifically for local community sector services. The next training takes place over 3 days, consisting of 1 full day and 2 half days, on 14th September 2023 from 9:30am - 3:30pm; 28th September 2023 from 9:30am - 2:00pm and 12th October 2023 from 9:30am - 1:00pm. You will need to commit to attend all 3 sessions and complete the ‘take home’ tasks which support the reflective learning process.
For more information and to register, click here.
Join us for our next Joint Case Review (JCR)
Join us for our next Joint Case Review (JCR) on Thursday 21 September 2023 at 9.30am - 11.30am at our office. JCRs are structured group learning activities providing opportunities for problem solving, sharing knowledge & collaboration. For more information about JCRs, click here. To register for the September JCR, click here.
“Talk to Them” training - Responding to domestic & family violence (DFV) in youth work
The Youth Coalition of the ACT and the ACT Government - Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence Office (DFSVO) have two upcoming training "Talk to Them" training sessions. The training takes place over 2 days on the 29th and 30th of August from 9:30am -4:30pm. The training will equip you with the necessary knowledge and confidence to initiate discussions about Domestic and Family Violence (DFV) with young people. Youth workers play a vital role in engaging with young people and providing them with support. This training will increase you capacity to understand, recognise and respond to DFV issues, safely refer the young person and/or family to specialist DFV services, and continue to support them as they navigate the specialist DFV support system. To register and for more information, click here.
Best wishes,
Yvonne Gritschneder
comms@familiesact.org.au
Policy | Media | Research
12 July 2023
In this update: our commentary on the 2023-24 ACT budget, information about a consultation on the changes to the Children and Young People Act, the ACTCOSS’s 2023 Cost of Living report, the PERKS parenting seminars and HEARTFELT, support for children who have experienced domestic & family violence!
Member Update
Dear Families ACT members,
In this update: our commentary on the 2023-24 ACT budget, a welcomed pre-budget announcement, information about a consultation on the changes to the Children and Young People Act, the ACTCOSS’s 2023 Cost of Living report, the PERKS parenting seminars and HEARTFELT, support for children who have experienced domestic & family violence!
Families ACT commentary on 2023-24 ACT budget
Families ACT welcomes the 2023-24 ACT Budget which delivers much needed funding across a wide range of areas including community services, health care, education, homelessness services, public housing and public transport. We are pleased that most of our recommendations from our 2023-24 ACT budget submission were taken up by the ACT Government. For more information, please read our brief commentary on the 2023-24 ACT budget.
Interim Funding announced for Child and Youth Mental Health Programs in the ACT
In our 2023 -24 ACT budget submission we recommended the funding of the WOKE mental health program. Families ACT thanks Minister Emma Davidson and the ACT Government following the pre-budget announcement of a one-year funding extension for local mental health programs WOKE, UC; and Stepping Stones, CatholicCare in mid June.
Both of these programs were at risk of closure at the end of June, under their current Commonwealth funding. The ACT Government's interim funding for these programs provides an opportunity to explore opportunities for longer-term funding.
ACTCOSS releases 2023 ACT Cost of Living Report
The report by ACTCOSS released on 22 June 2023 shows particularly high increases in the costs of fuel, energy and housing over the past five years. It tracks the changes in the cost of living for low-income households in the ACT, highlights the gendered nature of the cost of living crisis and calls on the ACT Government to implement measures in the upcoming ACT Budget to alleviate cost of living pressures and address income inequality. You can find more information on ACTCOSS’s website.
Commissioning
Mental Health Subsector Commissioning
Families ACT made a submission to the Mental Health Blueprint document presenting the ACTHD’s vision for the NGO funded mental health sector. The initial consultation period was extended and closed on 27 June 2023.
Active Commissioning cycles
There are currently 34 active sub-sector commissioning cycles across the human service system. Each cycle moves along the commissioning phases of discover, strategise, design, invest, deliver & integrate.
Regular updates on each cycle are provided
on the Commissioning website.
Consultation on changes to Children and Young People Act 2008
End of June, Yvonne attended a face-to-face briefing regarding the proposed stage 1 amendments to the Children and Young People Act 2008 (CYP Act) as Families ACT is drafting a submission to this consultation. The ACT Government has made a commitment to establish a responsive, high-functioning legal framework for the ACT's child protection and family support system. The reform of the CYP Act aligns with Next Steps for Our Kids 2022–2030. It will also address recommendations from key reviews and reports regarding the ACT's child protection and family support system requiring legislative change. Due to the complexity of this reform, legislative amendments will occur over 2 stages.
Stage 1 is now open for consultation via ACT Government’s Your Say website – The Children and Young People Amendment Bill 1 2023. Stage 2 opens in the second half of 2023.
The consultation closes on Thursday 27 July 2023.
Register now for our next Joint Case Review (JCR)
Our next JCR will take place on Monday 31 July 2023 at 9.30am - 11.30am at our offices in O’Connor. Registrations are now open. We look forward to seeing you there.
Registrations now open via our Eventbrite account!
PERKS Parenting Seminars - 4 Week Course: Starts 24 July 2023
Parenting adolescents and pre-teens with mental health concerns - four free seminars over four weeks. Topics covered are adolescent development, anxiety, depression, self harm, family conflict, school refusal, safety planning. Parents will be provided with information, practical tips and tricks on all topics.
Dates: Monday 24 July to Monday 14 August 2023
Time: 4.00pm - 6.00pm
Location: Westfield Woden Keltie Street Phillip, ACT 2606
To register visit: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/perks-parenting-seminars-tickets-641700221637
HEARTFELT: Support for children who have experienced domestic & family violence
The Australian Childhood Foundation (ACF) is piloting a support group in Canberra for children aged 5- 12 years who have experienced domestic and family violence. They will be running two groups (North and South Canberra) in terms two and three 2023. The ages of children in each group will be kept within a developmentally comparable age range
(e.g. 5-7, 8-10 and 11-12).
This group program will support the children to:
Share their experiences with peers in a supported, validating and nurturing environment.
Experience a space in which they and their mother can share comforting and playful activities.
Actively participate in relational connection with their mother enabling a joint experience of safety and healing.
The Heartfelt children’s group incorporates an Australian Childhood Foundation therapeutic resource The Big Tree Dolls. These playful resources and related stories will accompany children through their experience with both peers and their mothers.
For further information or to discuss a referral, please contact Ariel or Elise at referralsact@childhood.org.au or call 0438 415 650.
Best wishes,
Yvonne Gritschneder
comms@familiesact.org.au
Policy | Media | Research
13 June 2023
In this update: spaces are still available at our next JCR, a brief update on Commissioning, a call for EoIs by the YouthCo to learn how to deliver “Talk to Them” training to youth workers, a consultation on CAMHS, information about PERKS parenting seminars and HEARTFELT, support for children who have experienced domestic & family violence!
Member Update
Dear Families ACT members,
We hope you have enjoyed the long weekend! Can you believe it’s already mid June? Time flies. In this update: spaces are still available at our next JCR, a brief update on Commissioning, a call for EoIs by the YouthCo to learn how to deliver “Talk to Them” training to youth workers, a consultation on CAMHS, information about PERKS parenting seminars and HEARTFELT, support for children who have experienced domestic & family violence!
Spaces still available for our next Joint Case Review (JCR)
Our next JCR will take place on 20th June 2023 at 9.30am - 11.30am and will be hosted by Woden Community Services at their Callam Offices in Woden. We look forward to seeing you there.
Registrations now open via our Eventbrite account!
Commissioning
Mental Health Subsector Commissioning
The Mental Health Subsector Commissioning Team has developed a Blueprint presenting the ACTHD’s vision for the NGO funded mental health sector. There are several questions through the Blueprint and areas that you can comments on. To provide feedback, head to YourSay and complete a survey, or send an email with your feedback to MentalHealthCommissioning@act.gov.au
The consultation will be open until 16 June 2023.
CYFSP Commissioning
With the CYFSP Commissioning moving into the Design Phase, the CYFSP Future Focus Workshop on 23 May 2023 provided a great opportunity to help shape what the CYFSP will look like in the future. A listening report of this workshop is now being prepared. Meanwhile, the listening report #5 of the Needs and Problem Framing Workshop on 10 May 2023 was published on the CSD Commissioning website together with listening report #4 of the Frontline Workers world café and a CYFSP Data Snapshot report. Contact Families ACT on eo@familiesact.org.au if you have any questions or comments regarding the CYFSP Commissioning process.
Call for Expression of Interest from individuals to learn how to deliver “Talk to Them” training to youth workers
The Youth Coalition of the ACT and the ACT Government – Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence Office (DFSVO) are seeking expressions of interest from individuals to learn how to deliver “Talk to Them” training to youth workers. The ‘Talk to Them’ training was developed and piloted last year. It aims to support youth workers with the knowledge and confidence needed to open a conversation with young people about DFV. Youth workers are trusted people that young people engage with for support. This training will increase the capability of youth workers to understand, recognise and respond to DFV issues, safely refer the young person and/or family to specialist DFV services, and continue to support them as they navigate the specialist DFV support system.
For more information visit https://www.youthcoalition.net/talktothem/
EOIs are due by 20th June 2023
Consultations about CAMHS: Young people and Parents/Caregivers
During June, the Youth Coalition is conducting focus groups and interviews to hear directly from young people aged 12-25, and also parents/caregivers, for their feedback about
(1) their experiences accessing and engaging with CAMHS and
(2) a new brochure developed for the upcoming adolescent mental health unit at Canberra Hospital.
Findings will be used to inform changes that CAMHS are trialling, to improve access and engagement processes within their service. Each participant will be reimbursed $50 for providing their time. To get involved, contact: projects@youthcoalition.net
For more information, including dates and frequently asked questions, visit: https://www.youthcoalition.net/camhs/
PERKS Parenting Seminars - 4 Week Course: Starts 24 July
Parenting adolescents and pre-teens with mental health concerns - four free seminars over four weeks. Topics covered are adolescent development, anxiety, depression, self harm, family conflict, school refusal, safety planning. Parents will be provided with information, practical tips and tricks on all topics.
Dates: Monday 24 July to Monday 14 August 2023
Time: 4.00pm - 6.00pm
Location: Westfield Woden Keltie Street Phillip, ACT 2606
To register visit: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/perks-parenting-seminars-tickets-641700221637
HEARTFELT: Support for children who have experienced domestic & family violence
The Australian Childhood Foundation (ACF) is piloting a support group in Canberra for children aged 5- 12 years who have experienced domestic and family violence. They will be running two groups (North and South Canberra) in terms two and three 2023. The ages of children in each group will be kept within a developmentally comparable age range
(e.g. 5-7, 8-10 and 11-12).
This group program will support the children to:
Share their experiences with peers in a supported, validating and nurturing environment.
Experience a space in which they and their mother can share comforting and playful activities.
Actively participate in relational connection with their mother enabling a joint experience of safety and healing.
The Heartfelt children’s group incorporates an Australian Childhood Foundation therapeutic resource The Big Tree Dolls. These playful resources and related stories will accompany children through their experience with both peers and their mothers.
For further information or to discuss a referral, please contact Ariel or Elise at referralsact@childhood.org.au or call 0438 415 650.
Best wishes,
Yvonne Gritschneder
comms@familiesact.org.au
Policy | Media | Research
10 May 2023
In this bumper update: our annual member survey, information about CYFSP commissioning, the MACR, our 2023-24 ACT Budget submission, upcoming sector development opportunities, a new Child & Family Service and Program Directory and a webinar on advocacy around the Voice referendum!
Member Update
Dear Families ACT members,
We hope you are keeping warm in this freezing weather! In this bumper update: our annual member survey, information about CYFSP commissioning, the MACR, our 2023-24 ACT Budget submission, upcoming sector development opportunities, a new Child & Family Service and Program Directory and a webinar on advocacy around the Voice referendum!
Families ACT 2023 member survey - we want to hear from you!
We really look forward to hearing from you through our Annual Member Survey. We appreciate that this is another task for you in a busy day, but your feedback helps us to evaluate and plan our work and more effectively respond to your priorities. It should only take 5 to 10 minutes of your time. As we did last year, for every complete survey we receive, we'll donate $20 to Beryl and Doris Women's Refuges.
Complete the survey here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/2BPZPSF
For any queries please contact Will on 0402 718 579 or eo@familiesact.org.au
Commissioning
CSD 2023 Commissioning Annual Survey
CSD wants to hear about your experiences of commissioning - what works, what is challenging and what you need to participate effectively.
You have until 14 May 2023 to take the 10-minute survey here.
Next Steps Focus groups
The Community Services Directorate is progressing its next round of sourcing and procurement for child protection, out of home care and support services planned to begin in June 2023. To support this, a series of focus groups with interested service providers were held on 26 April, 28 April and 1 May 2023. They focused on the draft new Child Protection and Out of Home Care Services System and its associated operating arrangements. Although the focus groups are now completed but you can still share your ideas by making a submission here.
CSD-led Government Interface Roundtable listening report
The listening report of the CSD-led Government Roundtable discussions is now available. This will inform the CYFSP Future Focus Workshop on 23 May 2023. The roundtable brought together staff from across ACT Government who support and interact with children, young people and families. The aim was to identify how our programs, and services connect, or don't connect, when supporting these groups and to identify where different government areas think the CYFSP should be focused in the future. The listening report outlines the activities undertaken throughout the workshop and presents 18 key insights that emerged.
Raising the minimum age of criminal responsibility
The Justice (Age of Criminal Responsibility) Legislation Amendment Bill 2023 (the Bill) was introduced in the ACT Legislative Assembly in its final form yesterday. The Bill will raise the age of criminal responsibility to 12 years with no exceptions and in due course (within 2 years) to 14 years with exceptions for four serious and intentionally violent offences. The Bill provides for an alternative service system for children and young people aged 10-13, who engage in harmful behaviour, to address their underlying needs and divert them from engagement in the criminal justice system. The Bill is available on the ACT Legislation Register
Families ACT submission to 2023-24 ACT Budget Consultation
This year’s submission reflects our current advocacy focus areas of housing and homelessness, the importance of the Middle Years and child protection reform. Our recommendations include funding for the therapeutic support system underpinning the MACR legislation, the secretariat of the Child and Young People Mental Health Services Network, the WOKE program, an interim youth and community space in Gungahlin and housing and homelessness services. You can find our full submission on our website.
Sector development: Register for our next Joint Case Review (JCR)
Our next JCR will take place on 20th June 2023 at 9.30am - 11.30am and will be hosted by Woden Community Services at their Callam Offices. We look forward to seeing you there.
Registrations will open on 22nd May via our Eventbrite account!
Call for Expression of Interest: Child and Family Reform Ministerial Advisory Council
CSD is calling for expressions of interest for membership of the Child and Family Reform Ministerial Advisory Council (the Council). The Council will guide and champion strategic planning and continuous improvement while providing strategic advice to the Minister on opportunities to improve outcomes for children, young people, and their families. There is an acknowledged need for broad and diverse representation on the Council and this is reflected in the draft Terms of Reference.
Please don’t hesitate to contact Jancye.Winter@act.gov.au with any questions. The advertisement, position descriptions, and details of how to apply are available on the Diversity Register https://www.diversityregister.act.gov.au
Recruitment for these positions will close 23 May 2023.
Free Webinar - Advocacy around the Voice Referendum on 16 May
Stronger Charities Alliance, in partnership with ACOSS and Australian Democracy Network, is hosting this webinar to help charities understand the legal and regulatory framework for advocacy around the Voice Referendum. The webinar will explain ACNC's advice on advocacy around the Voice Referendum and the referendum disclosure scheme as per Part VIIIA of the Referendum (Machinery Provisions) Act 1984 (Referendum Act).
This webinar is for Australian charities who are interested in advocacy, or planning to advocate around the Voice Referendum. The event will be held online via Zoom on 16 May 2023 from 11 am to 12 pm AEST. Please RSVP to receive joining instructions and help shape the webinar by submitting your questions in advance.
The Belconnen Child & Family Service and Program Directory launch
Last month, A Village for Every Child launched a Child & Family Service and Program Directory which is a new resource that has been developed to support improved access to services and programs for children and families (from pregnancy to school age). Belconnen but includes many ACT-wide services. The pdf version is available on A Village for Every Child’s website. An online, interactive version will be created over the coming months.
Best wishes,
Yvonne Gritschneder
comms@familiesact.org.au
Policy | Media | Research
13 April 2023
In this update: information about CYFSP commissioning, upcoming sector development opportunities including the next Joint Case Review (JCR) on 3rd of May 2023 and ACT Youth week!
Member Update
Dear Families ACT members,
We hope you had a lovely Easter! In this update: information about CYFSP commissioning, upcoming sector development opportunities including the next Joint Case Review (JCR) on 3rd of May 2023 and ACT Youth week!
Commissioning
Work with Peaks CEOs on effective and efficient outcomes reporting in Commissioning
As part of their advocacy work around commissioning, the CEOs of the Peaks have been discussing what effective and efficient outcomes reporting should look like. Representatives from the Health and Community Services Directorates were invited to a Peaks CEO meeting on this topic in mid-March. The discussion with Government about the difficulties with the current reporting requirements was full and frank. The Peaks’ CEOs agree that reporting needs to provide Government with assurance that the outcomes it has commissioned are occurring. However, this should be co-designed, with funded organisations taking the lead role and appropriate identified funding provided to cover monitoring, evaluation and reporting requirements. The discussion with Government is ongoing with the Peaks CEOs group working on a statement of principles underpinning Commissioning reporting. For more information, contact Will or Yvonne on eo@familiesact.org.au or comms@familiesact.org.au.
Child/Youth Mental Health Services (CYMHS) Network update
In March, the CYMHS network’s working group had its first online meeting being introduced to the three projects (Early Psychosis Youth Service, Youth at Risk Project and Head To Health Kids) it will be working on. The size of the working group (ca. 25 people), operational preferences, probity, Information sharing and forward planning were also discussed. FACT will continue to be a member of the working group and update its members. If you have any questions, please contact Yvonne at comms@familiesact.org.au.
Minister’s Critical Sector Friends Advisory Group
Will attended the Minister’s Critical Sector Friends Advisory group meeting on Thursday 6 April which focused on the development of a ministerial advisory council and provided an update on the feedback from the Child and Family Forum of 6 December 2022 . The group will meet again at the end of April. For more information, contact Will on eo@familiesact.org.au.
Sector development
Register now for our next Joint Case Review (JCR)
We held the first of our six Joint Case Reviews (JCRs) in 2023 in March. The next JCR will take place on 3rd May 2023 at 9.30am - 11.30am at our offices in O’Connor.
Please register via our Eventbrite account!
Registrations are still open for our Reflective Supervision training
If you are a team leader or manager within a Child, Youth and Family Services (CYFSP) program and want to develop your skills as a supervisor, then our reflective supervision training could be for you.
The training takes place over 3 days, consisting of 1 full day and 2 half days listed below:
Thursday April 27th: 9:30am - 3:30pm
Thursday May 11: 9:30am - 2:00pm
Thursday May 25th: 9:30am - 12:30pm
You will need to attend all 3 sessions and complete the ‘take home’ tasks which support the reflective learning process. Register via Eventbrite!
Visit our sector development webpage for more information about the training and sector development we facilitate.
ACT Youth Week - 14 to 24 April 2023
ACT Youth Week provides young people with the opportunity to express their ideas and views, and act on issues that impact on them and their peers. It is also a time to celebrate, to have fun and highlight the positive contributions young people make to their community. Each year, all over Australia, events are planned and organised to celebrate and recognise the contribution of young people. It is organised by young people, for young people, in communities across the ACT and Australia. Click here to see the event schedule for the ACT.
Final reminder: 2023-24 ACT Budget Consultation: open for submission until 28 April 2023
Families ACT is finalising its submission for the 2023-24 ACT Budget. The ACT Government is seeking views and suggestions as to how it should prioritise and allocate the Territory’s resources in the 2023-24 Budget. This consultation closes on 28 April 2023. For more information about the budget process and consultation visit the ACT Government’s Your Say website.
Best wishes,
Yvonne Gritschneder
comms@familiesact.org.au
Policy | Media | Research
14 March 2023
In this update: a brief advocacy update on CYFSP commissioning, information about the new ACT Youth Work Code of Ethical Practice, available ACT Government grants and current consultations as well as the date for our next Joint Case Reviews (JCRs) on 3rd of May 2023!
Member Update
Dear Families ACT members,
In this update: a brief advocacy update on CYFSP commissioning, information about the new ACT Youth Work Code of Ethical Practice, available ACT Government grants and current consultations as well as the date for our next Joint Case Review (JCRs) on 3rd of May 2023!
Advocacy update
Commissioning
Families ACT has provided feedback to CSD to inform the Government Interface Roundtable. The Roundtable involving different ACT Government directorates was part of the CYFSP Commissioning process and took place on 1 March 2023. A summary report of the roundtable discussions should be available before the 29 March – Child, Young People and Families – Needs and Problem Framing Workshop for which invitations have been sent out.
New ACT Youth Work Code of Ethical Practice
Families ACT attended the launch of the new ACT Youth Work Code of Ethical Practice (the Code) on 2nd March 2023 at the Youth Coalition of the ACT. The Code is accompanied by a toolkit to support youth workers and their employers to embed ethical youth work into their practice and programs. It articulates the principles and values that underpin youth work practice, the elements that characterise and distinguish youth work from other professions, and the responsibility of youth workers to maintain a high level of professionalism. Ethical practice is essential because youth workers often work with some of the most marginalised and vulnerable people in our community.
The Code has been developed for, by and with the ACT Youth Sector. It revises and builds upon previous work undertaken by the sector. The Code and supporting documents can be found here.
Reminder: 2023-24 ACT Budget Consultation: open for submission until 28 April 2023
The ACT Government is seeking views and suggestions as to how it should prioritise and allocate the Territory’s resources in developing the 2023-24 Budget. This consultation closes on 28 April 2023. For more information about the budget process and consultation visit the ACT Government’s Your Say website.
ACT Government grants currently open
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Women's Service Grant
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisations are encouraged to apply for a grant to establish a service to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women in Canberra. $530,000 is available for an organisation to provide legal, advocacy and practical healing activities for victim-survivors of family and domestic violence.
Applications close Thursday 23 March 2023 at 5 pm.
ACT Ministerial Advisory Council for Multiculturalism public consultation now open
In February 2023, the Multiculturalism Act 2023 became law. It supports the Territory's continuous growth and improvement as an inclusive city and celebrates our multiculturalism and diversity. The Act enshrines a new Ministerial Advisory Council for Multiculturalism (the Council) to advise the Minister for Multicultural Affairs on issues of importance for culturally and linguistically diverse communities. Have your say about the Council by visiting https://yoursayconversations.act.gov.au/multiculturalism-advisory-council where you can read the Discussion Paper and draft Terms of Reference, respond to a survey, upload a submission, participate in a consultation, or request a face-to-face workshop. This consultation closes on Monday, 10 April 2023.
Sector development
Registrations for our next JCR on 3rd May 2023 opening soon
We successfully held our first JCR last week. Overall, we have scheduled six Joint Case Reviews (JCRs) in 2023. You can register for the JCR online with registrations opening 4 weeks before each JCR. For more information and to register for the May JCR go to eventbrite.com/cc/2023-joint-case-reviews-jcrs-1721379
Visit our sector development webpage for more information about the training and sector development we facilitate.
Best wishes,
Yvonne Gritschneder
comms@familiesact.org.au
Policy | Media | Research
22 February 2023
Our refreshed website, a reminder to participate in the 2023-24 ACT Budget consultations, an advocacy update on CYFSP commissioning & the Child Young People Mental Health Services Network + the 2023 dates for our Joint Case Reviews (JCRs).
Member Update
Dear Families ACT members,
In this update: our refreshed website, a reminder to participate in the 2023-24 ACT Budget consultations, an advocacy update on CYFSP commissioning and the Child Young People Mental Health Services Network as well as the dates for our upcoming Joint Case Reviews (JCRs).
Website refresh
We have just completed a refresh of our website which improves its look and functionality. Apologies if you tried to visit the site over the past few days as it has been unavailable due to some maintenance required as part of the refresh. Happily it’s up and running again now and we invite you to visit and have a look at the changes.
Reminder: 2023-24 ACT Budget Consultation: open for submission until 28 April 2023
The ACT Government is seeking views and suggestions as to how it should prioritise and allocate the Territory’s resources in developing the 2023-24 Budget. This consultation closes on 28 April 2023. For more information about the budget process and consultation visit the ACT Government’s Your Say website.
Advocacy update
Commissioning
Families ACT has provided feedback to CSD to inform the Government Interface Roundtable. The Roundtable is a part of the CYFSP Commissioning and will take place on 1 March 2023. A summary report of the roundtable discussions will be available before the 29 March – Child, Young People and Families – Needs and Problem Framing Workshop for which invitations have been sent out.
ACT Government responds to Counting the Costs:
Sustainable Funding for the ACT Community Services Sector report
The ACT Government has tabled its Government Response to the Counting the Costs: Sustainable Funding for the ACT Community Services Sector report, agreeing or agreeing in principle to all recommendations.
To address multiple recommendations in the review, the ACT Government will support the first stage of a Sector Sustainability Program with an investment of $395,000 during the Budget Mid-year Review. The first stage will aim to identify how Government could work with the sector to ensure funding reflects real costs of services, and better understand the impact of increased demand. More information can be found here.
Child/Youth Mental Health Services Network
On 1 February, Families ACT attended a meeting to discuss the proposed structure and role of the Child/Youth Mental Health Services Network, a project led by the Office for Mental Health and Wellbeing in partnership with the Youth Coalition of the ACT and the Capital Health Network. Terms of Reference for the network are now being drafted and feedback will be sought on them in due course.
MACR
Families ACT has been asked to provide feedback to JACS on draft legislation to raise the minimum age of criminal responsibility. The legislation is expected to be introduced in the Legislative Assembly in March 2023. Following its introduction we expect the Bill will then be referred for inquiry before a Standing Committee of the Legislative Assembly. Through this process, there will be further opportunities for ongoing consultation and input as the inquiry seeks public submissions and undertakes hearings into the Bill. Families ACT will keep you informed about developments.
Sector development
Six Joint Case Reviews (JCRs) scheduled for 2023
First one happening – 7th March 2023
Families ACT has scheduled six Joint Case Reviews (JCRs) in 2023. We are changing the way you can register for the JCRS with online registrations opening 4 weeks before each JCR is being held. For more information and to register for the March JCR go to eventbrite.com/cc/2023-joint-case-reviews-jcrs-1721379
Best wishes,
Yvonne Gritschneder
comms@familiesact.org.au
Policy | Media | Research
9 February 2023
Families ACT has scheduled six JCRs in 2023! Register now!
Six new JCRs scheduled in 2023. Online registrations open soon!
Families ACT has scheduled six Joint Case Reviews (JCRs) in 2023! Please visit Families ACT’s Eventbrite account at eventbrite.com to register for the first JCR in March 2023. We look forward to seeing you there.
17 January 2023
2023–24 ACT Budget Consultation. Survey & Submissions. Advocacy Update. UnitingCare Kippax Parenting Engagement Program + more.
Member Update
Dear Families ACT members,
Happy New Year! We hope you all had a restful break. Our first update for the year provides some information on how you can participate in the 2023-24 ACT Budget consultations, some upcoming key dates for Commissioning and vacancies in the Parenting Engagement Program, run by our member UnitingCare Kippax.
2023–24 ACT Budget Consultation
Survey & Submissions
The ACT Government is seeking views and suggestions as to how it should prioritise and allocate the Territory’s resources in developing the 2023-24 Budget.
This consultation process provides an important opportunity for the community to be involved in the budget. You are welcome to respond to the 2023-24 Budget Consultation survey which closes on 28 April 2023. There is also a form for written budget submissions if you wish to provide more detailed input. For more information about the budget process and consultation visit the ACT Government’s Your Say website.
Advocacy Update
The latest Commissioning Conversations newsletter (yet to be uploaded on the Commissioning website) was sent on 22nd December 2022. It provides a summary of the year’s progress in Commissioning as well as the following upcoming key dates:
6 February - Seniors Card Review consultation closes
10 February - Child, Young People and Families – Input and Feedback due for Discovery paper and Government Interface Workshop
1 March – Child, Young People and Families – Government Interface Workshop
29 March – Child, Young People and Families – Needs and Problem Framing Workshop
April – Homelessness – First procurement process closes
April – Community Support – Procurement process opens
27 April – Child, Young People and Families – Current service user journeys and experiences World Café
May – Community Support – Procurement process closes.
Families ACT continues to also be involved in the implementation of Next Steps for our Kids, the raising of the minimum age of criminal responsibility and the establishment of a Child/Youth Mental Health Services Network, a project led by the Office for Mental Health and Wellbeing in partnership with the Youth Coalition of the ACT and the Capital Health Network.
Other Updates
UnitingCare Kippax Parenting Engagement Program has January vacancies
The Parenting Engagement Program has been designed by UnitingCare Kippax (UCK) as a unique alternative to the range of parenting programs offered in the Belconnen and Gungahlin area. The program works closely with individual families in their own homes to assist in the practical application of the advice and guidance offered in formal parenting education. With the help of trained Parent Mentors, it facilitates opportunities for positive, meaningful, and lasting change and development of ‘good enough’ parenting. UCK has vacancies for families who wish to receive individualised support to build on their parenting skills, including setting routines and preparing meal plans, to relationship enhancement between care givers and children. Spots are available from mid-January onwards. Further inquiries and referrals can be directed to the UCK Parenting Education Officer at Hemali@kippax.org.au
Best wishes,
Yvonne Gritschneder
comms@familiesact.org.au
Policy | Media | Research
20 December 2022
Commissioning Update - Child and Family Services Reform Forum. Refreshed Commissioning Roadmap. Investment in Parents with Disabilities Project. YOGIE Awards 2022. ACT Government Grants + more.
Member Update
Dear Families ACT members,
Our last member update for the year provides information about our advocacy work, ACT government grants and some members’ projects. We hope you all have a restful break over the holiday season and wish you a Happy New Year! Our offices will be closed from Friday 23 December 2022 and reopen on Tuesday 3 January 2023.
Commissioning Update
Child and Family Services Reform Forum - 6 December 2022
On 6 December 2022, Families ACT attended an ACT Government forum to progress the implementation of recent child and family services strategies, with a particular focus on the first 4-year action plan under the Next Steps for Our Kids 2022-2030 (Next Steps) strategy. The forum was the second in a series that brought together a wide range of partners, including government, academic and community sector representatives to discuss broader system reform. The first 4-year action plan under Next Steps is due for release in early 2023 and is currently being refined by the Next Steps Reform and Strategy Implementation team incorporating the feedback provided at the forum. The full analysis of the feedback will be available online in early 2023.
Refreshed Commissioning Roadmap 2022-24
On 13 December 2022, Yvonne attended the online launch of the refreshed 2022 -2024 Commissioning Roadmap. The stated intention of the refresh was to ensure that the roadmap remains valuable, useful and relevant. For more information see the updated Commissioning website.
Other Updates
Investment in Parents with Disabilities Project
We have been asked to promote this project to our members and other interested stakeholders who work with parents with disabilities. ACT Disability Aged and Carer Advocacy Service (ADACAS) and Advocacy for Inclusion have started a project to find the best ways to support parents with disabilities. The project will also look at the things that make it harder to be a parent with a disability. They have asked Dr Fiona Tito Wheatland to help them with this. Fiona wants to talk to parents with disabilities to find out what would help them. If you work with parents with disabilities, then please see below for more details on how to get in touch with Fiona. Alternatively, parents with disabilities can answer the questions via this confidential online survey at surveymonkey.com/r/LW2XVB9.
Annual YOGIE Awards 2022
On Friday 9th December 2022, Will attended the Youth Coalition of the ACT’s YOGIE awards ceremony which was presented by Yvette Berry, MLA, Minister for Education and Youth Affairs.
Awards were given out in 10 categories that recognise the work of groups and individuals, with young people, workers, individuals, programs and services invited to provide nominations. For more information and to read about the winners, read the winners booklet.
ACT Government Grants
The following ACT government grants are currently open, find more information and how to apply via the hyperlinked headings:
Community Support and Infrastructure Grants
These grants provide funding for community groups or organisations to improve their programs and services in the following categories:
community support and capacity building projects;
non-fixed infrastructure and equipment, except information technology and audio-visual displays; and
minor capital works and fixed infrastructure.
Applications close at 5 pm on Monday 6 February 2023.
Tenant Participation Grants
These grants give eligible ACT public and community housing tenants and their families the opportunity to take part in activities that can be costly by providing up to $400 per person for an activity of their choice. If you or your organisation knows a tenant who might be interested encourage them to visit the Housing grants page on the Community Services Directorate website.
Applications close at 5 pm on Monday 16 January 2023.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Grants
A total of $220,000 is available for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and organisations for projects in the following categories:
Cultural: supports the aspirations of all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and contribute to the building of respectful, fair and sustainable communities.
Leadership: supports Community Leadership, where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have a strong voice, are decision makers on issues that impact them and lead in the achievement of positive life outcomes.
Scholarship: supports Lifelong Learning, where respect is given to preserving the world’s oldest living cultures which enhances social inclusion and empowers Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to engage in lifelong learning and positive generational experiences.
Applications close 5 pm on Thursday 23 February 2023.
Reconciliation Day Grants
Community members and organisations can apply for a grant of up to $5,000 to run events and initiatives in the lead up to and during Reconciliation Day celebrations on 29 May 2023.
Applications close 5 pm on Monday 13 February 2023.
Disability Inclusion Grants
If you are part of a local club, group, community organisation or small business that wants to increase the opportunities for people with disability, apply for a Disability Inclusion grant. A grant will help you and your organisation address attitudinal, communication, and physical barriers to access and inclusion. This may include:
training programs
awareness raising and related materials
assistive technology
infrastructure modifications.
Applications are open until 5 pm Monday 6 March 2023.
Sector Development Update
Our sector development work for the year finished with a child protection training for team leaders and middle managers on 13 December 2022. The training was provided by CYPS and focused on the threshold for reporting and strategies for diversion. We have started planning our training and sector development for 2023 which will be listed on our webpage when finalised. Thank you to all our members, CSD and sector partners for your ongoing support. We look forward to seeing you and your teams in 2023 for more training and sector development.
Best wishes,
Yvonne Gritschneder
comms@familiesact.org.au
Policy | Media | Research