A FOSTER family support program developed in the United States has made its way to Australia.
Mallee Family Care recently announced they would launch the Keeping Families Supported and Trained Program (KEEP), an initiative aimed at educating foster carers, which emphasises the importance of prioritising a foster child's wellbeing.
The program was developed in response to numerous studies, which highlighted the complex behavioural and mental health problems that many foster children face.
The KEEP incentive will feature 16 weekly 90-minute sessions that focus on practical, research-based parenting techniques, while also taking into account the specific needs and circumstances of those involved.
A recent visit from Oregon-based KEEP facilitators Rohanna Buchanan (Senior Scientist) and Katie Bennet (Clinical Director) ensured eight individuals at Mallee Family Care were adequately trained to deliver the program.
So far, six foster carers have completed the program.
Delivered in collaboration with Oregon Social Learning Centre Developments, Mallee Family Care is the only organisation in Australia delivering the program.
Mallee Family Care CEO Teresa Jayet said it was exciting to see the organisation move back into evidence-based programs.
"While the carers said it is a long period of time, I think what it also highlights is the value of the information that is being provided to them," she said.
"I think there's a real acknowledgement in the people that we look to recruit as foster carers.
"If you have enough room and enough love in your heart to care for another person, then you are well qualified to be a foster carer.
"However, what it also means is that the children that come into care are coming into it for particular reasons, and some of those reasons mean that they've experienced trauma and not every adult knows how to work with a child who has experienced trauma.
"We teach capacity-building, we talk about behaviour, we give them tips, and we're quite honest and open about what happens when a child comes into care, so there is no stone unturned in this training."
