Transforming Lives Through Family Partnership Model
Seeing the young person plan for a future they had hoped for but never thought possible and helping them realise they can succeed is why we do what we do
At the Kummara Limited and Infinity Community Solutions Ltd (KICS) Kinship and Foster Care (KFC) Southeast program, Clinician, Donna Hall recently shared her experience working with a family. This was a journey of connection, growth, and hope.
A young person (YP) in the family had spent a few years moving from one home to another. Most recently, the YP moved in with family through the KICS kinship care program. The YP was hoping to have somewhere they could call home. At first, things were hard. Because the YP had moved around a lot, they weren’t going to school regularly and there was a lot of adjusting for everyone. This made it tough to settle in and enjoy the stability and connection that living with kin could bring.
From the start, Donna felt it was a privilege to walk alongside with the family. During the first meeting, she asked some hard questions but made sure to do it respectfully. “As a carer and a young person in care, opening up to a lot of people takes courage. Delivering those questions required a tone of deep respect,” Donna explained.
Donna was able to connect the carer to ongoing training to build new skills and strategies around caring for a young person. This training was provided at the request of the carer and helped them better understand how to provide stable, nurturing care while everyone was still adjusting to the new arrangement. The family went from strength to strength with the commitment and dedication of everyone in the home.
At KICS we recognise that young people need that connection to family. Reflecting on the experience, Donna shared, “It’s been a privilege to see the relationship between the kinship carer and young person move from strength to strength. Watching them grow and change through this positive process has been inspiring.”
Donna and the support team, made up of KICS Support workers, the Department and other external non-government organisations, celebrated each small victory with the family along the way. From the carer’s willingness to learn about being a kinship carer to the YP’s steady re-engagement with school, progress was evident. From only attending sporadic classes to being fully engaged the YP now is talking about a brighter future —a future their support team is wholeheartedly encouraging them to pursue.
A big part of the Family Partnership Model is helping families take charge of their own lives. This means supporting them to set goals that help them build skills and confidence for the future they want. Donna worked closely with the family to support their goals of better communication and setting healthy boundaries. She also encouraged the carer and young person to create a plan together for their future. As time went on, the plan changed and grew as the family gained more confidence.
As the primary support person for the family, Donna worked closely with them to find creative solutions led by their needs and priorities. The family guided the outcomes, and Donna provided reassurance and support when it was asked for. Practical support included yard maintenance, household management, and managing emotional and financial challenges. With Donna’s guidance, KICS partnered with the family to take the lead while ensuring they felt supported every step of the way.
Connection to family is often a key goal for KICS KFC. And one of the most meaningful parts of this family’s journey has been the carer’s commitment to maintaining the young person’s connection with their biological parents and siblings. Donna and the KICS team truly only played a minor role in facilitating this. However, KICS continues to encourage and ensure the young person and kinship carer both feel supported in every area of maintaining that connection.
Today, the young person has a safe and supportive home. They’re thriving in school and continues to envision a bright future. “Seeing the young person plan for a future they had hoped for but never thought possible and helping them realize they can succeed is why we do what we do,” Donna said.
This story highlights how KICS provides personalised, intensive support to families when they need it most. It’s not just about solving problems—it’s about building strong partnerships, encouraging open communication and empowering young people to thrive.
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.