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The courageous way our staff responded to help people recover from the devastating bushfires of Black Saturday has consolidated our role in the region . Two years on from the fires , there are definite signs of regeneration . However many people will never be able to forget the horror and will continue to carry profound feelings of grief and loss .
Because of our strong community links in Alexandra , our dedicated local staff and our significant organisational capability , we were in the best position to respond to the multiple and varied needs of people in the Murrindindi Shire , including Marysville . Over the last two year period of funding for the Victorian Bushfire Case Management Service , our case managers supported nearly 600 people . By February 2011 , most felt they didn ’ t need ongoing help . However , we were pleased that the Victorian Government recognised that some people still needed support and enabled us to retain three people through the new
Our Hume
Bushfire Communities Support program .
Highlights included :
• Despite the real difficulties in attracting and retaining foster carers , our very successful therapeutic foster care program has demonstrated how we can achieve really good outcomes for the children and young people . Since its inception four years ago , 46 children have experienced stable , positive and enriching placements . All except two children have returned home and been able to do so safely and with parent ( s ) who can better meet their needs
• The success of the arts based program ( Cartwheels ), which we ran in partnership with the Royal Children ’ s Hospital , in engaging 1,000 students in 14 local schools to express and work through their response to the fires
• One hundred and ninety-two foster carers , children , volunteers and staff formed new friendships , challenged themselves and shared a week ’ s holiday together at the 24th Annual Foster Care Camp in Anglesea
• We grew our work in 49 schools and strengthened connections between parents , children and teachers
• One hundred and ninety-five young people were connected to education or employment through Youth
Connections . We provided education and learning programs to 139 young people who would otherwise have missed out
• Our Children ’ s Contact Service in Shepparton helped 578 children have more positive access with their nonresidential parent and we assisted 292 separated parents to understand how to meet their children ’ s needs and manage their own emotions
• Our kinship and foster care program supported 175 children . As well as working directly with children and advocating for their needs , we recruited and accredited 18 new foster carers to add to the group of 141 wonderful carers who provide a home for these children . Thirty-three relatives were also supported to care for 40 children
• Through our outreach , mentoring and L2P driving programs , we helped 170 young people who were struggling to make the difficult transition through adolescence
• Twenty-four children benefitted from our Kids Turn Around program , which helps children deal with the impact of their parents ’ separation or divorce . Feedback from parents highlighted the value of this innovative work , eg “ Is Amy able to do it again ? She loves coming so much ”, “ Jake has changed so much even the teachers noticed a difference ”
• We piloted a program with eight fathers in Dhurringle Prison to help them understand how to re-establish a relationship with their child and be a better father
Anita Pell , our inaugural Regional Director in Hume , decided to retire from her role after 12 years . We honoured Anita ’ s enormous contribution , her energy , absolute commitment to the children , young people and families , belief in her staff and the strong leadership role she played within Berry Street and the sector . We were fortunate that our experienced Deputy Regional Director in Hume , Patrice Jackson , moved into the role .
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