The Changemaker: The Quiet Leadership of Ange Tyson In the heart of Queensland’s family services sector stands Ange Tyson, someone who embodies the ethos of listening with respect. As the Kinship and Foster Care Team Leader, Ange’s career with Kummara Limited and Infinity Community Solutions Ltd (KICS) over the last decade reflects commitment and dedication to...
Category: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders
Kummara Limited Celebrating 25 Years of Service: The Legacy of Community
Readers are advised that this article contains the name of an Aboriginal person who is deceased Marian Wright Edelman once said, “Service is the rent we pay for being. It is the very purpose of life, and not something you do in your spare time.” These words were echoed by Dr Gerald Featherstone during...
Art for Change: Jarryd’s Journey of Connection and Healing Through Art
Jarryd Lawton, a proud Ghungalu–Bidjara man and Youth Justice Worker, has a unique approach to making a difference in the lives of the young people he works with. By blending his passion for art and his commitment to community, Jarryd provides a space for youth to connect with their heritage and process their experiences. Working...
Overcoming Barriers for Keeping Kids Kinnected
Family connections are crucial for children or young people who can’t live with their parents, providing a sense of belonging and stability. Living away from parents can be traumatic, especially when transitioning between caregivers. This disruption can lead to overwhelm, emotional distress, anxiety, and fear. Approaching these transitions with sensitivity and providing appropriate support is...
Empowering Futures: The Art of Championing for Kids in Kinship and Foster Care
Every Child Deserves a Champion. At the heart of KICS Kinship and Foster Care (KICS KFC) Service is the belief that every child deserves a champion. But what does it mean to be a champion for a child? It’s not about leading the way but allowing the child to take the lead. As a carer...
Supporting Family to Care for Family
Children belong with family. At times when children are unable to live with their parents, it is critical to maintain a connection with family supports. Family help build a strong sense of identity, belonging and wellbeing for a child or young person which results in better life outcomes for both them and their families. KICS...
Family-Led Assessment – a Key Component to Stable Statutory Kinship Care
Kinship care plays a vital role in ensuring the cultural preservation and well-being of First Nation children. Kinship Care involves family members or close community members stepping in to care for a child when their biological parents are unable to do so. Families want to play an active role in caring for and providing for...
Recruiting and Engaging Family as Kinship Carers
At the heart of KICS’ mission lies a focus on recognising family as the most important aspect in the life of a child. We place an emphasis on identifying, connecting with, and engaging families to be kinship carers for children where it is appropriate. This places families at the centre of decision-making, valuing their expertise...
Kids in Care and Crisis Receive Community Support
From humble beginnings over 5 years ago for a small sewing group, packing care kits to a registered charity with over 2000 volunteers now shipping boxes of backpacks full of essential items for kids across Queensland, Care Kits for Kids has created a legacy that even the founder Ann George could not have imagined. It...
Importance of Kinship Carers for the Community
Kinship carers, including grandparents, aunts, uncles and family friends, play an important role in the community by providing a supportive and stable home environment for children who may have experienced difficulties or disruptions in their lives. Kinship care arrangements can help prevent children from entering the foster care system, helping to minimise stigmatise of being...