Presentation by Samantha Lukey &

Lorna Downes

Identifying Young Carers in Schools

Project

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Overview

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• Introduction• History of Identifying Young

Carers In Schools Project• “Mini” version of workshop • Discuss implementation of the

project• Highlight key learnings• Questions and resources

Objectives for workshop

• Introduce the Identifying Young Carers in Schools Project

• Raise awareness & develop empathy regarding young carers’ experiences through simulation

• Identify & reflect on the challenges in negotiating service systems as a young carer

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Introduction to the project

Lead by School-Link, in conjunction with COPMI, Carers NSW Family and Carer Program, Young Carers NSW, Illawarra Commonwealth Carelink and Respite Centre Young Carers Project and Camp Kookaburra

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Pam Camp

Kookaburra

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The Project Players

Lorna D, Bec and Erika Carers NSW

Kerrie and Erin COPMI

Samantha School-Link

Ben Student

Rob and Mel CCRC YC Respite

Lorna C, Nigel and Godelieve Young Carer Program

Objectives of the project

Increase support for young carers through the school system by:

1. Educating school networks about young carers.

2. Identifying young carers within the school system

3. Linking young carers to appropriate services to meet their needs.

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Project Components• 2 hour training for School Counsellors in

DET, Catholic and Independent schools• "Young Carers packs" for every school

counsellor and key people within school • The pack included coffee mug printed

with definition of a young carer and contact details for referral services

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History of the Project

• Mug idea; School-Link Coordinator SSWAHS

• COPMI and School-Link funding application $1000.00

• Working Party

History of the project cont…

• Dual Diagnosis Referral Game• CNSW & MHCC partnership• “Through the Cracks” 90 minute

interagency training• DOCS new caseworker orientation• Presented at THeMHS 2006• School-Link Coordinator

participated in training 2010

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Workshop Outline

• Introduction• Through the Cracks - The Young Carers

Dual Diagnosis Simulation• Reflections on needs of young carers• Strategies for addressing the needs of

young carers• Presentation by each of the services

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The Simulation

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Imagine you are a 12 year old child…

Project Implementation

• Submission approved• Development of working party• Agreement of partnerships• Getting DET DGO’s, CEO &

Catholic Care on board• Mugs • Resource packs• Training

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Outcomes• Greater understanding of the

challenges Y/P face in navigating the service system

• Significantly raised knowledge of services and how to refer

• Collaborative strategies for flexible support within school environs

• Increased referrals• Future plans to keep up momentum

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The Partnership Game

Carers NSW

COPMI

School-Link

Student

CCRC YC RespiteYoung Carer Program

Camp

Kookaburra

Key learnings• Importance of clear lines of communication • School counsellors key personnel in schools• Importance of one person coordinating the

project• Service agreement ensured:

– “no wrong door”– partnership continued despite staff changes

• Have representatives from all partner organisations present

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For more information…

• Samantha Lukey School Link Coordinator ISLHN Ph: 4254 1500

• Young Carer Evaluation Report Completed by Ben O’Neill Social Work Student

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