MagazineIssue 5, 2017

Inside this issue :

Safe homes — the language of love

Healing childhood trauma to give children a Secure Base

140 Year HistoryRockstars for the day

140 years protecting Victorian children

This year we celebrate 140 years of protecting childhood and keeping children safe. What a privilege to share this milestone with you in our first 2017 edition of the Berry Street Magazine.

Inside, you’ll have a chance to read about our incredible carers, and the vital role they play in helping children heal from trauma.

Over the coming year, with the help of generous supporters like you, we are rolling out the Secure Base Model. Secure Base is

a framework that is helping our carers develop personalised strategies to help traumatised children feel safe, and worthy of love.

You’ll also see how activities we may take for granted, such as school sports days, are helping to inspire and engage young people in our Berry Street School, young people who were previously disengaged and excluded from the school system. And we’ll meet someone whose “Christmases all came at once."

In this 140th year of Berry Street's work, we want to acknowledge the support of people like you, now and throughout the past 140 years.

In each article, I hope you feel our gratitude. And I hope you also see something of our passionate commitment to stand alongside you for another 140 years and beyond to fight for children – and for childhood.

I know you agree, it’s something worth fighting for.

Sandie de Wolf AMChief Executive Officer

CEO's Message

Content

3 CEO's Message

4 Safe homes — the language of love

6 Healing childhood trauma to give children a Secure Base

8 140 Year History

10 Supporting Struggling Families — Berry Christmas

11 Knowledge development and advocacy — Equipping our Workforce

12 Advancing children's learning and development — Rockstars for the day

14 China Challenge

14 Run Melbourne for Berry Street

15 How to get involved

15 Berry Street 140

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email: supportus@berrystreet.org.au web: www.berrystreet.org.au

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Connect With Us

Berry Street would like to thank the models who appear in our publications to protect the identity of our clients.

Welcome to the Autumn issue of the Berry Street Magazine.

4 Berry Street Magazine

Safe homes — the language of love

“It’s like learning to read a language,” Megan says, “Somebody told me, they talk in opposites or they act in opposites.”

Megan is talking about foster care. And a little boy named Liam.

She’s learned that when it comes to kids with trauma, sometimes love is a language: “They might be pushing you away because they’re terrified of rejection, but what they need most is your love and compassion and care."

“So it’s sort of learning to read a language,” she continues, “And then that stability that comes with having them in your home and loving them unconditionally helps them to heal and new neural pathways develop.”

Megan began caring for Liam four years ago. It began as respite and turned into short-term placement. Now Liam has become a member of her family.

It’s wonderful for them both, yet as you can imagine, it hasn’t always been easy.

“When Liam came into my care, he was in flight or fight response – that’s the terror response. It’s a horrible place, and if you can imagine being in that more often than not, that’s a pretty awful place to be, and it is hard sometimes to calm a child.”

Issue 5, 2017 5

For a foster carer like Megan, welcoming a child into her heart and home also means understandng their story. “For children who have experienced trauma, it impacts on their brain and plays out in their behaviour. It can be very confusing at times. So they need a lot of therapeutic help to heal."

Our skilled case workers and clinicians work alongside carers like Megan, so children like Liam can build the security they need to recover from trauma.

“Sometimes we do exercises to try and get rid of that adrenalin to calm his mood. But there are lots of techniques and I’m still learning.”

Foster care is a lifeline for children like Liam. And it changes carer's lives too.

“I get wonderful hugs! And I get the wonderful satisfaction and reward of seeing a child healing from trauma, children who are carrying around burdens that they never should be carrying.”

They might be pushing you away because they’re terrified of rejection, but what they need most is your love and compassion and care...

“

6 Berry Street Magazine

Healing Childhood Trauma

The Secure Base model is a framework for caregiving that helps infants, children and young people to feel more secure and build resilience. The model has been founded by Professor Gillian Schofield and Dr. Mary Beek of the Centre for Research and Families at the University of East Anglia, UK.

Berry Street will be the Australian flagship organisation for implementing the Secure Base model of therapeutic care.

The model proposes five dimensions of caregiving, each of which is associated with a developmental benefit for the child. These dimensions overlap and combine, to reinforce a child’s sense of safety and self-worth, invaluable to any developing child, but all the more difficult (and vital) to instill in a child who have backgrounds of abuse and neglect, as well as separation and loss.

© University of East Anglia

The Secure Base model is widely used and delivering results throughout the UK, Norway and other parts of the world.

Issue 5, 2017 7

When eight-year-old Isabella came into foster care, she had experienced severe neglect. Ben and Helen welcomed her into their home, and were given training in the Secure Base Model. Staff worked with them to look at Isabella’s history and reflect on what the challenges might be for her coming into their family.

They discussed fears and uncertainties. And because it is a deliberately fluid model, they could respond to the specific needs of the child. Ben and Helen together with Isabella’s case manager, developed strategies that were tailored especially for Isabella.

By doing this, when she arrived, Ben and Helen were prepared and ready to meet her needs. And when challenges arose (which they always do!) they were not overwhelmed.

“We made sure that Isabella felt like part of the family, not a guest,” says Ben, “We wanted her to know this was her home. She was safe and could have ownership of her space."

It was also very important for Isabella to feel safe with a male carer; as this had been a challenge in her past. Using the Secure Base model, Ben was able to build a confident relationship with Isabella. He was empowered to take on roles, like bringing Isabella to school or appointments.

“This change of routine gave me opportunities to connect with her, and she began to trust me!” He says with a big smile.

Helen agrees, “At first she was shy and seemed a bit uncertain about it all. If I am honest, so were we. But the training prepared us to be comfortable with our doubts, and just trust in the process of giving this precious girl a secure base. And in just a few months, we saw her confidence grow.”

Training and preparing foster carers for the challenges they may face is vital, if we are to provide these traumatised children with safe, long-term homes.

The Secure Base model provides the necessary framework and practical help for carers, and their case managers, to ensure that every child placed away from their family has a secure base they can build on.

Implementing Berry Street’s Secure Base model can only be made possible with the generosity of people like you. Thank you for helping children like Isabella and her foster carers become a family.

We wanted her to know this was her home. She was safe and could have ownership of her space.

“

— to give children a Secure Base

8 Berry Street Magazine

140 Year HistoryFor 140 years Berry Street has chosen to work with the most vulnerable children and families.

In Melbourne in the 1800s, pregnant unwed women often found themselves and their babies destitute on the streets. Their babies suffered and many died – abandonment, neglect and death from exposure was all too common.

In 1877, a group of strong and visionary Melbourne women decided to take matters into their own hands. They provided shelter and support for these women and babies who had nowhere else to go, and prevented them from dying on the streets.

Since then, Berry Street has been at the forefront of protecting children in Victoria. We’ve worked with tens of thousands of children and families across many generations.

Today, the threats to childhood are different but still very real. In our early days, a good childhood started by simply surviving through infancy. Now we are determined to see every child we work with thrive.

Berry Street continues to work with the most troubled families and vulnerable children. We have chosen to never give up on those who need our help.

We’re proud of what we’ve achieved so far with the help of generous Victorians, but we’ll keep working until every child has the opportunity to have a good childhood.

140 Years and thousands of stories...

To mark this significant milestone, we are producing a lively and engaging book spanning the 140 years of Berry Street’s history. This book will highlight Berry Street's founders, offer insights into the lives of women and children who needed our help and into the changing attitudes of our society over 140 years. The book will be published later this year.

1

2

Issue 5, 2017 9

2 Late 1910s. Beaconsfield Property.Berry Street opened a country home in Beaconsfield to provide pre and post maternity care and healthy, fresh air for babies.

3 1920, Beaconsfield Property.45 babies cared for under the dedicated care of nursing staff.

1 1877, Hanover Street, Fitzroy.The first Berry Street property before moving to East Melbourne, known as the Victorian Infant Asylum

4 Circa 1940s Sutherland HomesStaff and children on the front steps of Sutherland Homes, who later merged with Berry Street.

3

4

10 Berry Street Magazine

Supporting Struggling Families At Christmas, children from families in crisis can feel especially lonely. So during this time we run a very special appeal to reach over 2,000 children with a simple, yet powerful sign that some one is thinking of them… a Christmas gift.

It may not seem like much in the face of the trauma or abuse these children have seen. Yet we’ve seen that a well-placed gift can bring a smile to a child’s face, and a light of hope to their eyes.

Why Berry Christmas is differentBecause of the challenges the little people and young adults in our care face, we match gifts with the individual wishes of each child. Our wonderful carers get the inside scoop (being very clever Christmas elves!) and donations from generous supporters like you enable us to buy exactly the right gift to bring joy.

So when you give to our Berry Christmas appeal, you’ll know that your gift will light up a child’s face when the wrapping is torn off!

Our wonderful Case Manager, Melissa, says the children in her care were buzzing with excitement to receive the Snakes & Ladders game they’d longed for! Another little boy said he was thankful for the scooter he received because so many of his friends had one. And he desperately wanted to join in with them.

As you can see, a Berry Christmas means more to children than just ‘getting a present’. It’s about belonging. Being able to make friends. And feeling like a ‘normal kid’. It’s about childhood.

Taking time to hear a child’s needs takes commitment. So we are deeply grateful for your ‘Santa’ support. You helped Berry Christmas wishes come true!

— Berry Christmas

Issue 5, 2017 11

A key role of the Berry Street Childhood Institute is to help workers within our sector improve their practice. We know that to ensure the best outcomes for the children and families we work with, workers need to be continuously learning, experiencing new ideas and gaining practical strategies that they can implement immediately.

Through the work of our Training & Development team, we partner with local and international subject matter experts to share innovative and best practice through workshops, forums, accredited courses, consultancy and conferences.

In the past year, the Berry Street Childhood Institute has delivered a variety of different training and events across Australia to a large cross-section of workers within Government, Education, and Child and Family Services.

Two of our innovative programs include the inaugural Australian Professional Diploma in Therapeutic Life Story Work delivered by UK expert, Richard Rose and the Certificate IV in Child Youth & Family Intervention (Residential & Out of Home Care).

It is this kind of feedback that reinforces the positive impact that our work contributes to, in improving outcomes for vulnerable children and their families.

— Equipping our workforce

Knowledge Development and Advocacy

I am looking for new strategies and tools that I can use to help the young people and families that I work with.

“Participant in Life Story Work

Thank you so much for making me a better carer. Every training I go to I give feedback that I need more practical ideas I can use — today has been the training I’ve been dreaming of!

“Participant in Cert IV in Child Family Intervention

12 Berry Street Magazine

Advancing Children's Learning and Development

Supporters hang over the grandstand barriers, screaming him on and waving homemade banners of encouragement.

At the half way point, Jayson can run no more. He is spent and has never run as far as what is being asked of him.

But the crowd weren’t prepared to give up on him.

“C’mon Jayson, you got this.”

“You can do it…. we know you can do it.”

“You’re nearly there, don’t give up now!”

A solitary figure climbs down from the grandstand and starts to jog alongside the walking athlete. Jayson’s walk slowly picks back up into a jog.

Together Jayson and his father jog the last 400 metres to the finish line together, all eyes on the duo as the crowd support provides them a tail wind.

Competitors and supporters flood the track offering handshakes, hugs and pats on the back.

“We all need support sometimes,” beams Jayson’s proud dad.

The event was Olympic themed, but the athletes are our Berry Street School students. Many are participating in their first ever school sports day.

Teacher Mat Lyons says the inaugural sports day was a proud moment for all involved with the Berry Street School, which caters for students who have been excluded or disengaged from mainstream schools.

“Physical activity is a really important tool we can help young people use to self-regulate their behaviours — we use it a lot in our classes at the School to help our students focus their energy positively and build their stamina for learning.”

The display of support for Jayson was emblematic of the resilience, courage and character strengths on display during the day. Students, parents, carers and teachers all contributed to making the day really inclusive, respectful and most of all — fun!

“It was such a supportive atmosphere, and it was great to see these young people really feeling like rockstars for the day.”

School sports days are an opportunity open

— Rockstars for the day

Issue 5, 2017 13

Advancing Children's Learning and Development

to most children in mainstream schools. But for the young people Berry Street works with who have had disrupted schooling, sports days are something they simply haven’t had a chance to be part of. Berry Street think it’s an opportunity all young people should have.

Berry Street School has now opened a new campus in Ballarat, adding to existing campuses in Morwell, Noble Park and Shepparton.

The new campus could not have been possible without the generous assistance of our funders and supporters. Berry Street is very grateful for this support and looks forward to sharing the successes of our students in years to come.

It was such a supportive atmosphere, and it was great to see these young people really feeling like rockstars for the day.

“

Amazing, flexible school suited to this young person. Ability to settle and check in at the start of the day really impacts on their ability to learn and stay at school.

I can't thank the Morwell campus staff enough for the work and effort they have given my son, a completely different child to who he was nearly two years ago. He now has a bright positive attitude to life and his future. Again thank you so much.

I really appreciate the communication morning and afternoon, allowing us to provide wrap‑around support to my child and communicate clearly and openly with each other. This has been important to the developing relationships and my child is aware of this each day and it provides security. I also like that incidents are dealt with and reflected on appropriately and restorative practice is used.

My son was barely able to function by the time he came to Berry Street. He was no longer able to attend mainstream school. Now he rarely misses a day. He is growing and improving everyday. His confidence continues to steadily rise and he is achieving so much thanks to your wonderful school. Words can't express how very grateful I am. Thank you so much.

The communication and concern for the students is amazing — I couldn't be happier with Berry Street Noble Park.

Source: LEAD School Effectiveness Survey 2016,Independent Schools Victoria’s Research Department.

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Berry Street School Feedback

— Rockstars for the day

14 Berry Street Magazine

Nani McMullin is taking part in Berry Street’s China Challenge, tackling the Great Wall of China to raise an incredible $6,564 so far for Berry Street.

On the 30th March 2017, I will be embarking on an epic challenge, trekking across the Great Wall of China to support the incredible work of Berry Street for their Wilderness program.

The Wilderness program is an 8 day excursion into the extreme wilderness for 12-18 year olds who have become disengaged and lost hope, because of the trauma, neglect and abuse they have experienced.

The Wilderness program challenges them to achieve something they never thought they could, and come out the other side stronger, more resilient, and able to see themselves change for the better. It takes them out of their comfort zone, challenging them to put one foot in front of the other.

Participating in the China Challenge has taken me out of my own comfort zone - I haven’t ever fundraised before, or trained for such an extensive, amazing trek. I believe that every child deserves hope and a future, and I want to help Berry Street in their work with at-risk teenagers.

Nani McMullin

R u n Me lb o ur ne for Berry StreetRun Melbourne is on July 30th, and with the countdown underway, there’s no more putting off that training regime!

Be part of the Berry Street team, running to help raise funds for vulnerable children who can't live safely at home.

Call Beth in the Development team on 1800 237 797 to find out how you can be a part of the fun, or email us at supportus@berrystreet.org.au.

Or just head to the Run Melbourne website, www.runmelbourne.com.au, sign up and nominate Berry Street as your team.

China Challenge

“Nani McMullin (pictured right)

The need for Safe Homes is rising

7.3 kids

2012 2016

increase in 5 years

56%

are under 5

Victorian children

Nearly

10,000cannot safely live with their own parents.

This equates to

7.3 children

in every 1,000.

Since 2012, the number of children

in care has

increased by 56%

in Victoria vs. a 17% increase nationally.

42% of all Victorian children going into Care are

under 5 years old

Source: AIHW Child Protection Collection 2016

Online:

berrystreet.org.au

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1800 237 797

Mail:

1 Salisbury StreetRichmond VIC 3121

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