Dear Carers and Stakeholders,
You are warmly invited to attend this year’s State Conference during Foster Carers Week, proudly hosted in Launceston at the Tailrace Centre.
This important event brings together carers, professionals, and advocates to share insights, strengthen practice, and celebrate the vital role foster carers play in our community.
Our featured presenters and sessions include:
- Dr Amy Washington
Co-Director of Salamanca Psychology, Clinical Psychologist, and University Lecturer
Offering psychological perspectives on trauma-informed care and strategies for supporting children and families. - Caroline Graves – Barrister, Michael Kirby Chambers – (Saturday Morning)
- Helen Bassett – Solicitor, Walsh Day Mihal Bassett – (Saturday Morning)
A Child Safety Practice Update from a legal perspective, with insights into current legislation, casework, and implications for carers. Tasmanian Magistrate and Supreme Court Updates
A legal overview of recent foster care case developments, with legal insights affecting carers and the child protection system. - Tiffany Black
Executive Director, Child Safety and Out of Home Care
Presenting current developments within out-of-home care in Tasmania. - Peter Whitcombe
Deputy Secretary, Child Safety & Youth Justice Operations
Providing updates on operational priorities and systemic reforms in child safety and youth justice. - Chris Skinner
Life Without Barriers – NSW
Sharing innovative, national approaches to carer support and positive outcomes in foster care. - Louise Coe
Independent Regulator
Speaking on quality assurance, compliance, and the regulatory landscape in child safety and out-of-home care. - Isabelle Compton
Acting Commissioner for Children and Young People
Advocating for the rights, voices, and well-being of children and young people in care, and addressing areas for systemic improvement. - Child Advocates – Sonya Pringle-Jones, Anna King & Georgina Tindall – The who, what, why & where of Child Advocacy services for children/YP in care
- “Uplifting in Care” – Carer Advisory Panel (Saturday Morning)
A dynamic and heartfelt session featuring:- Cheryl Woolnough
- Michele Smith
- Nina McGuinness
- Dr Kim Backhouse (Chair)
Facilitated by Dr Julian Watchorn, this panel will elevate the voices of carers, highlighting real experiences, challenges, and opportunities to improve the system through lived expertise.
- SASS (Saturday Morning)
- Lived Experience Carer Journey – From Department to NGO (Chris and Carers – Baptcare) Lunchtime Saturday.
We look forward to welcoming you to a day filled with learning, connection, and recognition of the extraordinary work being done by foster and kinship carers across Tasmania.
Warm regards,
Kim (CEO)