CONCURRENT SESSION 1A - stream 3
Tracks
Track 3
| Monday, May 15, 2017 |
| 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM |
| A2 |
Speaker
Dr Yvonne Parry
Senior Lecturer
Flinders University
Reviewing policy changes to Child Aware Approaches in the Homelessness sector: lessons in policy driving practice and service delivery
Abstract
The National Framework for Protecting Australia’s Children outlines the importance of Child Aware Approaches for community service providers. In accordance with CAA principles the SA government changed the homelessness services sector policy and practices to incorporate CAA modes of operation. For the homelessness sector this has entailed a range of changes. This session addresses 'Does policy really drive what we do or is it something else? Does it really influence service delivery?'
The changes are required in recognition of the risks and vulnerabilities faced by children in homeless families and the need to change policy to improve sector practices and minimise the risk.
Internationally, the fastest growing area of homelessness is homeless families and often services are ill-equipped to deal with the needs of homeless. Children living in homelessness face multiple adversities related to inadequate food, nutrition, poverty and lack of parental knowledge of child development.
Research conducted in this area has highlighted the gaps in the policy implementation, profession practice of front-line workers, and how these have been addressed.
This Policy Think Space Session will provide a discussion based on the translation of this major policy change into practice, the identification of remaining policy to practice gaps and the implementation processes. A research evaluation of policy change has provided insight into implementation gaps. The format used in this Policy Think Space Session will allow the interactive, practical implementation of CAA policy change to be applied to other services and areas of CAA policy and practice.
The changes are required in recognition of the risks and vulnerabilities faced by children in homeless families and the need to change policy to improve sector practices and minimise the risk.
Internationally, the fastest growing area of homelessness is homeless families and often services are ill-equipped to deal with the needs of homeless. Children living in homelessness face multiple adversities related to inadequate food, nutrition, poverty and lack of parental knowledge of child development.
Research conducted in this area has highlighted the gaps in the policy implementation, profession practice of front-line workers, and how these have been addressed.
This Policy Think Space Session will provide a discussion based on the translation of this major policy change into practice, the identification of remaining policy to practice gaps and the implementation processes. A research evaluation of policy change has provided insight into implementation gaps. The format used in this Policy Think Space Session will allow the interactive, practical implementation of CAA policy change to be applied to other services and areas of CAA policy and practice.
Biography
Dr Yvonne Parry is a Senior Lecturer in the School of Nursing & Midwifery, at Flinders University. She has many years of research experience in: vulnerable and at risk children; children's access to health services; and the influence of the structural and intermediary social determinants on children's service provision. Prior to joining Flinders University she worked with vulnerable families and as a researcher with the Australian Centre for Child Protection. Yvonne is a member of: ARACY, ACCYPN, ICCHNR, and the APHN. Yvonne actively promotes the inclusion of children’s and parent's experiences in research activities. Yvonne has also provided accredited interdisciplinary courses and topics for; health, education, and human services undergraduates and postgraduates, in the areas of: 'child development', 'working collaboratively with vulnerable families', 'child aware approaches', and 'working with vulnerable children'. She spends a significant amount of her time working with community partners and community based services to improve the health outcomes and service provision for children. To ensure that children have the best start in life and have the best chance of reaching their potential. Yvonne's goals of improving outcomes for at risk children and strengthening at risk families informs her research and interdisciplinary education practice.
Chair
Alison Brook
National Executive Officer
Relationships Australia
