The Permanency Reforms – Information Sessions

DHHS are running a series of Information Sessions regarding the Children, Youth and Families Amendment (Permanent Care and Other Matters) Act 2014 – the permanency reforms. The reforms intend to strengthen responses to children subject to child protection involvement by simplifying court orders and removing barriers to achieving permanency for children. The information session will provide an overview of the reforms including the background, an explanation of the new children’s court orders, case planning changes, and the intended outcome of the reforms.

The target audience is senior staff from community service organisations and peak bodies providing out-of home care services, case contracting services, family services, and advocacy groups.

This information session follows on from consultation with community service organisations, peak bodies, and Aboriginal Controlled Community Organisations in 2014 regarding the legislative amendments. Further information sessions and training will be provided to your staff throughout the year as part of the ongoing preparatory work for the permanency reforms which commence on 1 March 2016. Concurrent information sessions are being provided separately for additional stake-holders, and additional information sessions are currently being organised for contracted case managers regarding informing parents of the legislative changes.

Three information sessions will be held:

Friday 1 May 2015: 3.00 -5.00 Department of Health and Human Services, 50 Lonsdale Street – room 1.03 with Video Conferencing available – please advise Vanessa Thompson if you wish to attend via Video Conferencing.

Monday 4 May 2015: 1.00 – 3.00 Centre for Excellence in Child and Family Welfare, Level 5, 50 Market Street, Melbourne.

Friday 8 May 2015:  3.15 – 5.15 Centre for Excellence in Child and Family Welfare, Level 5, 50 Market Street, Melbourne.

RSVP:  Please RSVP to Vanessa Thompson at vanessa.thompson@dhs.vic.gov.au by Wednesday 29 April 2015.

PLEASE NOTE: RSVP’s are essential – thank you.

For further information about the session, please contact Amanda Mason on 03 9096 0905 or via email at amanda.mason@dhs.vic.gov.au