Presentation by Samantha Lukey & Lorna Downes Identifying Young Carers in Schools Project 1 Carers NSW Conference 2011
Jan 18, 2018
Presentation by Samantha Lukey &
Lorna Downes
Identifying Young Carers in Schools
Project
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Overview
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• Introduction• History of Identifying Young
Carers In Schools Project• “Mini” version of workshop • Discuss implementation of the
project• Highlight key learnings• Questions and resources
Objectives for workshop • Introduce the Identifying Young
Carers in Schools Project• Raise awareness & develop empathy
regarding young carers’ experiences through simulation
• Identify & reflect on the challenges in negotiating service systems as a young carer
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Introduction to the projectLead by School-Link, in conjunction with COPMI, Carers NSW Family and Carer Program, Young Carers NSW, Illawarra Commonwealth Carelink and Respite Centre Young Carers Project and Camp Kookaburra
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Pam Camp
Kookaburra
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The Project Players
Lorna D, Bec and Erika Carers NSW
Kerrie and Erin COPMI
Samantha School-Link
Ben Student
Rob and Mel CCRC YC Respite
Lorna C, Nigel and Godelieve Young Carer Program
Objectives of the projectIncrease support for young carers
through the school system by: 1. Educating school networks about
young carers.2. Identifying young carers within the
school system 3. Linking young carers to appropriate
services to meet their needs.6Carers NSW Conference 2011
Project Components• 2 hour training for School Counsellors in
DET, Catholic and Independent schools• "Young Carers packs" for every school
counsellor and key people within school • The pack included coffee mug printed
with definition of a young carer and contact details for referral services
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History of the Project
• Mug idea; School-Link Coordinator SSWAHS
• COPMI and School-Link funding application $1000.00
• Working Party
History of the project cont…
• Dual Diagnosis Referral Game• CNSW & MHCC partnership• “Through the Cracks” 90 minute
interagency training• DOCS new caseworker orientation• Presented at THeMHS 2006• School-Link Coordinator
participated in training 2010
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Workshop Outline• Introduction• Through the Cracks - The Young Carers
Dual Diagnosis Simulation• Reflections on needs of young carers• Strategies for addressing the needs of
young carers• Presentation by each of the services
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The Simulation
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Imagine you are a 12 year old child…
Project Implementation• Submission approved• Development of working party• Agreement of partnerships• Getting DET DGO’s, CEO &
Catholic Care on board• Mugs • Resource packs• Training
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Outcomes• Greater understanding of the
challenges Y/P face in navigating the service system
• Significantly raised knowledge of services and how to refer
• Collaborative strategies for flexible support within school environs
• Increased referrals• Future plans to keep up momentum
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The Partnership Game
Carers NSW
COPMI
School-Link
Student
CCRC YC RespiteYoung Carer Program
Camp
Kookaburra
Key learnings• Importance of clear lines of communication • School counsellors key personnel in schools• Importance of one person coordinating the
project• Service agreement ensured:
– “no wrong door”– partnership continued despite staff changes
• Have representatives from all partner organisations present
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For more information…• Samantha Lukey
School Link Coordinator ISLHN Ph: 4254 1500
• Young Carer Evaluation Report Completed by Ben O’Neill Social Work Student
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