Changemaker Spotlight – Melanie Dolman: Leading with Compassion “When we invest in our people, we invest in the future of the sector.” For Melanie Dolman, making a difference means seeing an important need and meeting it. From volunteering in the not-for-profit sector to her current role as KICS Kinship and Foster Care (KFC) Program Manager...
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...
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...
“Hope, Healing, and Systemic Change in Trauma-Informed Therapeutic Residential Care for Vulnerable Children and Youth” When it comes to residential care for children and young people, creating environments that nurture safety, growth, and resilience is at the forefront of international discussions. This goal has been powerfully underscored in a chapter co-authored by Infinity Community Solutions...
A good news story has unfolded through the work of a Kummara Limited and Infinity Community Solutions Ltd (KICS) Support Worker, Davina and a remarkable family. Over the past eight months, Davina has been supporting a large kinship care family led by a devoted Great Grandparent (GG). With children ranging from prep to high school,...
A Kummara Limited and Infinity Community Solutions Ltd Kinship and Foster Care (KICS KFC) Support Worker has been able to champion for a kinship carer to access animal therapies to be included as part of a child’s NDIS plan. And following a proactive suggestion from the NDIS Support Coordinator during a stakeholders meeting, equine therapy...
In the realm of disability, the voice of the caregiver can sometimes go unheard. Add in the complexities of being a kinship or foster carer where authority for decision making passes through the Chief Executive, or The Office of the Public Guardian and if can feel very disempowering. Every day the carer of a child...
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...
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...
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...
