State Conference – Friday 12th & Saturday 13 Sept 2025 – Tailrace Launceston.

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 GravesBarrister, Michael Kirby Chambers
  • Helen BassettSolicitor, Walsh Day Mihal Bassett
    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 wellbeing of children and young people in care, and addressing areas for systemic improvement.
  • “Uplifting in Care” – Carer Advisory Panel
    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.

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)