Changemaker Spotlight: Paula Lloyd demonstrates Inspiring Leadership in the Family Services Sector
“Solving the problems is not helpful. Giving families the skills they need to support themselves is the only way forward.”
Paula Lloyd stands out as a changemaker who leads with a deep commitment to putting families, children, and young people first. As the Program Manager of the KICS South-East Intensive & General Kinship and Foster Care Program, Paula’s leadership is rooted in trust—trust in her team, her managers and the people she serves.
Growing up in what she describes as an “unremarkable” childhood, Paula was profoundly influenced by her mother, a foster mum who primarily cared for teens. Watching her mother provide a safe space for vulnerable young people planted the seed for Paula’s own journey into fostering and working within the Family Care sector. Growing up in a large family, including a sibling with a complex disability, gave Paula valuable insight into the challenges families often face. These experiences shaped her empathy, respect, and resilience—skills that now help her guide families in overcoming their own obstacles.
For Paula, working within the Family Care sector is not about fixing problems for families. “Solving the problems is not helpful,” she explains. “Giving them the skills they need to support themselves is the only way forward.” She works to equip families, carers, children and young people with the right tools to build their own capacity for success.
Paula also recognises the unique struggles kinship carers, especially grandparents, face. Grandparents often grieve the change in relationships with their children when they become Kin Carers. With the complexities of working with the Department and other external organisations, Grandparents must navigate new dynamics in relationships. However, Paula sees this as a chance for healing and growth. “We are able to encourage them to move from grief to excitement by giving them support and helping them find their own power in the role of Kinship Carer,” she says.
Her leadership style is collaborative and hands-on. “I’m not above doing anything I expect my team to do,” Paula explains. Built on fostering a culture of learning and trust, Paula leads her team to take ownership of their work; while ensuring they feel valued in everything they do. The importance Paula places on building self-determination for families, extends not only to her team but also into how she manages her own well-being.
In conversation, Paula reveals a deep sense of self-awareness, emphasising the importance of open communication and setting clear boundaries. Reflecting on this within the context of her work, she highlights the value of maintaining a strong support system professionally and personally. “I’ve learned to understand my own limits and ensure balance in everything I do.” Paula explains, “Leading with confidence, compassion, and collaboration begins with embracing the opportunities and changes that come our way.”
This philosophy is also at the heart of the advice Paula has for emerging leaders “Embrace the opportunities and create the change needed”.
Ultimately, what makes Paula a true changemaker is her focus on families, children, and young people. She leads with care and ensures every decision is made with their best interests in mind. Paula shows that positive outcomes in care happen through teamwork and collaboration. By building trust, encouraging growth and open communication and promoting self-determination, she helps her team and the families she supports create meaningful and lasting change.
The KICS Kinship and Foster Care (KFC) Southeast program provides both general and intensive support to children and young people with varying levels of support needs from moderate to complex medical and disability needs, placed with kinship and foster carers. The program focuses on nurturing positive family experiences that support cultural, social, and emotional development, while ensuring carers are well-resourced to meet the child’s needs. A key priority is maintaining connections with families, culture, and communities, with special emphasis on honouring the identity and belonging of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and young people.