Wednesday 8July 2009
Our guest speaker was Rosemary Hamill who is a senior manager at Barnardos Childrens Family Centre at Auburn. Rosemary was introduced by Tony Lanzafame.
Barnardos commenced in London in the 1800’s. The government at that time asked Doctor Barnardo to do something about the hundreds of homeless children and young people living on the streets. He accepted this challenge and provided them with education and training as well as a safe place to live.
Barnardos in Australia is operated separately to, but is affiliated with, Barnardos in England. It has been operating in Australia for over 120 years. Auburn is the oldest centre in Australia.
Rosemary pointed out that Barnardos operate at the “hard end” of providing services to children and families in need of assistance. They assist children who live in poverty or are otherwise disadvantaged and children who are abused or neglected. They try to get involved as early as possible and provide services for as long as the child and the family require them. Working in the interest of the child frequently involves assisting the parents address problems they are experiencing. If the Childrens Court determines that a child should be placed outside the family Barnardos can arrange foster care.
Rosemary advised us that Auburn is one of the most culturally diverse areas in Australia. Whilst the government assists new arrivals in Australia with initial accommodation and provides some initial information the new arrivals are then left to work things out for themselves. These people are typically on low incomes and when problems arise they are unable to access services that are available.
When Barnardos come into contact with such families they initiate a program of intense home visitation and assess which services the family requires and the provision of this “bundle” of services is then implemented. A significant benefit of proceeding in this way is that the family do not have to go over their “story” a number of times to different service providers. The services provided may range from something as simple as arranging “day care” or counselling to enrolment in domestic violence or sexual assault programs.
Barnardos runs the largest permanent care program in the state. Research has clearly shown that non-government agencies do a better job with looking after children placed in long-term foster care. This conclusion has been reached after looking at indicators such as education, preparation for life after school and long-term stability. One third of long-term foster placements progress to adoption which provides a greater level of stability.
Barnardos operate in New South Wales and the ACT and employs 350 staff. It is also supported by 400 volunteers and foster carers. It has influence throughout Australia as an authority on what works in the areas of child poverty and child welfare.
In conclusion Rosemary noted that whilst significant funding is provided by the federal and state governments Barnardos also relies on community support. Rosemary was thanked by Trevor Duxbury.