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 projectLead 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 projectIncrease 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.6Carers NSW Conference 2011

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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