Feedback on September – October Consultation (Part 1)

Thank you to the carers who provided feedback for the Carer Council’s consultation from September – October 2024.

 

We are pleased to provide an update on how your feedback was used regarding:

1. Mental health and peers support for carers, and
2. Workforce consistency and communication with carers

 

*Please note we intend to provide an update on how consultation feedback for the outstanding topics was used in due course*

 

Feedback provided through the recent consultation informed and was incorporated into 31 recommendations to the Hon. Katrine Hildyard, Minister for Child Protection, which include:

• 20 recommendations on workforce consistency and communication with carers, including:
  • 3 on reimbursements and funding requests
  • 5 on Carer Reference One: Carer Support Payments – Who Pays for What
  • 2 on property damage
  • 8 on information sharing
  • 2 on complaints processes
• Eight recommendations on mental health and peer support, including:
  • 4 on mental health
  • 4 on peer support
• Three recommendations on narrative work, which includes:
  • 1 on complaints narrative
  • 1 on the Statement of Commitment narrative
  • 1 on mental health narrative

 

Mental health and peer support

The Carer Council was pleased to elevate the carer voice on this topic as a critical support to carers that is largely absent in departmental policies and procedures.

 

Please see two word clouds below that represent some key wording from the consultation feedback the Council received on mental health and peer support from the community.

 

 

 

 

Workforce consistency and communication with carers

The Carer Council recognises workforce consistency and communication with carers as a critical priority for carers. This topic has been central to the Council’s focus throughout its inaugural year, and feedback from the recent consultation has highlighted key areas for further discussion. In 2025, the Council intends to continue its work on this important issue, with a specific focus on:

1. Complaints and accountability, and
2. Adherence to the Statement of Commitment to foster and kinship carers.

These priorities reflect the voices of carers and aim to address their most pressing concerns.

Please find word clouds below that represent some key wording from the consultation feedback received.