For a long time now GPV/KCV has called for financial assistance for kinship carers that will assist with travel costs for children in their care. Therefore, we congratulate the Victorian Government for making the cost of public transport free for all children under 18 years of age. Whilst this assistance does not come into force until 1 January 1 2026, it is nevertheless most welcome.

Anne McLeish

Director

Although this podcast is not a brand-new podcast for KCV it is still very relevant and important that kinship carers listen to it and are reminded to return to it if required.

KCV Director Anne McLeish encourages kinship carers to listen to the podcast, note where to find it to be able to easily refer back to it if required and says any carer can have a CIMS allegation levelled against them, so it is critical that carers take the time to understand the CIMS process.

In this podcast Lawyer Fleur Ward outlines the changes/updates to the new DFFH CIMS policy and what implications this has for kinship carers.

Dear Kinship Carers.

As a result of new requirements related to the care of children in out of home care recommended by the Royal Commission into Child Abuse, it is now important that carers follow the guidelines in relation to childcare. However, it remains easy to secure childcare for overnight stays for children with family and friends. Working with Children Checks are not required for this. The attached policy, which has very recently been checked by DFFH, should be of assistance to carers.

This policy is relevant to carers attending Carer KaFE retreats. Whilst Carer KaFE is not able to arrange childcare it is acceptable for carers to use the grant they receive when accepted for attendance to a retreat to subside this sort of family/friend overnight stay.

Cheers
Anne McLeish
Director

A new video from GPV/KCV on positive discipline

GPV/KCV is pleased to launch its video on positive discipline.  It is a feature in the GPV/KCV campaign to ensure that physical punishment of children is made illegal across Australia.

The video is a reminder that positive discipline can work and should be viewed in conjunction with reading written materials on positive discipline.

Non-physical types of discipline for children and young people (booklet)
Reasons not to hit children (article)
Physical punishment in Australia (video)

GPV/KCV commends signing the petition to have physical punishment made illegal across Australia.

This guide has been developed by KCV in response to previous nutrition seminars.

The articles in this magazine have been selected to reflect the conversations that took place at those seminars.