Kummara and Infinity Community Solutions (KICS) Kinship and Foster Care Service is a family base care support program that was founded in October 2017. In 2020 the successful partnership received funding for the KICS Kinship and Foster Care Service (KICS KFCS) with a child and young person centred, whole of family focused out of home care service resting on the foundation practice framework of the Family Partnership Model (FPM).
KICS KFCS works with children and young people (0 to 18 years) who require a statutory out of home care placement, with primary/short break Kinship and Foster Carers or extended kin families. The program is a collaboration with the whole family including parents and extended family, to secure a stable and enduring kinship and foster care placement while it is required.
One Grandmother has been supported by KICS KFCS since the service commenced describing KICS as her “service of choice”. “There is assurance in having an ongoing relationship with the proactive staff who support the Kinship and Foster Carers”. She said that “some days it is really hard being mum, dad and grandparent to children in care and the KICS program has been a wonderful link for additional support. The Grandmother said “the staff support carers and will listen to my concerns and suggestions”. She adds that “KICS will help put your case across and support better communication with the Department”.
For Kinship Care arrangements it is also been reassuring for the parents knowing that the child is with family, rather than being cared for by a stranger. The Grandmother said “this means the parents can focus on fixing up the issues and working to get their kids home safely”.
KICS believe the role of Kinship Carers is an important one and providing a service that focuses on supporting family to care for their family is critical for the children and the family. Particularly for Aboriginal and Torres Strait islander children as it means they maintain connection to family, country and culture.
If you have been thinking about becoming a Kinship Care, email foster@kummara.org.au for more information. For the full interview with the grandmother mentioned in this article please view it here. All personal information is kept confidential.