New foster care model trialled BAYSIDE foster carers may soon have the opportunity to transform the way vulnerable children and young people are supported under a new model of foster care. Under the internationally-recognised model, professionalised foster carers will be trained to provide intensive support for children and young people who experience significant emotional or behavioural problems. The state government is investing $5.6 million to trial a ‘Treatment Fos-
ter Care Oregon’ program, which supports the state’s child protection and family services system and aims to keep young people out of residential care. Professionalised foster carers will work with at least 28 children over two years, under the guidance of a team of practitioners who provide weekly training and support. More than $20 million for nine specific initiatives will be tested in southern Victoria.
OzChild and Anglicare Victoria will recruit and train carers to deliver the program in the bayside, peninsula and southern Melbourne areas. There will be at least 14 new, professionalised foster care placements a year, with OzChild to focus on children aged 7-11 years and Anglicare working with young people aged 12-18 years. The model has been successful in New York, where figures show it has reduced the number of children and young people in residential care.
State Families and Children Minister Jenny Mikakos said the model has the potential to completely transform the way vulnerable children and young people are supported, with “life-changing impact”. Anglicare Victoria CEO Paul McDonald said it was expected that the majority of children and young people would be reunited with their families, where safe, or supported to reach their full potential “with loving kinship or foster care families”.
Police patrol
Man dies following crash
AN Edithvale man died in hospital following a crash in Aspendale last week. Emergency services were called to Station St after his car crashed into three parked cars about 9.45am, Thursday 6 October. The 38-year-old was injured and taken to hospital but died later. He was alone in the car and no one was in the parked cars at the time. Anyone who witnessed the crash is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or visit crimestoppersvic.com.au
Caravan blaze
Residents last week used garden hoses and fire reels to fight a caravan fire at a Bonbeach holiday park which police believe was deliberately lit. They jumped into action, 6.30am, Friday 7 October, after seeing thick black smoke and the glow of flames engulfing the unoccupied caravan in The Broadway park. Fire crews from Patterson River and Edithvale arrived to find the roof collapsed and flames three metres high roaring through the top of the van. Arson squad chemists and Kingston CIU detectives are investigating.
Man dragged from car, attacked
A couple sitting in their car in Edithvale last week were dumfounded when a man approached saying he had a gun and demanding they hand over their vehicle. The brother and sister, aged in their 50s, were at the Station St servo, 9.30pm, Tuesday 4 October, when the man casually walked up and asked for the time. As the driver was replying the man demanded he hand over the car’s keys and then dragged him out and assaulted him. The driver managed to throw the keys away from the car without his attacker seeing. When the man got in and realised they were missing, he jumped out and ran south on Station St. The driver received lacerations to his face after being hit with what turned out to be a metal file, but the woman was unharmed. The assailant left behind a T-shirt and the file. He is described as being in his 20s, thin build, wearing dark clothing and either a hood or other form of headwear. Witnesses saw him running into a nearby driveway. A second man seen running down Rae Av may have been a lookout, police said. The victim was taken to Dandenong Hospital by ambulance. Call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential crime report at crimestoppersvic.com.au with any information.
Face fit: Police have released a computer generated face image of a man that they want to talk to.
Twilight market HOMEMADE items from local artisans will be the feature of the Aspendale Gardens Community Service annual twilight market on Saturday 22 October, 4-8pm. President Kirsten Newell said the market is the centre’s biggest annual fundraiser; with all proceeds feeding directly back into the centre and its preschool. “In our first year, approximately 1000 people attended, which was amazing - this year we are expecting that number to grow to 1500-2000 people,” she said. “It’s the centre’s biggest fundraiser and it’s also a wonderful opportunity to support local craftspeople, purchase quality handmade items and enjoy an evening out with the family.” The market will also feature a barbecue, food and beverages/quality coffee, mobile animal farm free face painting, Edithvale CFA fire truck and ten-minute massages for $10. The centre’s fundraising coordinator Catherine Pinches said she was excited about one of the projects that the Twilight Market will help fund this year. AGCS a not-for-profit organisation run by a volunteer board of management and a team of staff. It has been running for 22 years and provides programs and services, including preschool, occasional care, playgroup and school holiday activities. There is also a ‘youth cove’ drop-in centre and youth activities. The centre is currently expanding the range of programs for adults and seniors, including, health and wellbeing programs, life skills workshops and many more. See agcsinc.org.au for full details.
2018 Scholarships Years 4 to 9 Her future STARTS NOW Applications Now Open
Close: Friday 4 November 2016 Testing date: Saturday 12 November 2016
Open Morning
Thursday 13 October 2016 Tours 9:00am and 10:00am Visit website for more details.
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www.toorakcollege.vic.edu.au | 9788 7234 Chelsea Mordialloc Mentone News
12 October 2016
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