association of children's welfare agencies (acwa) what is a peak body? the association of...
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Association of Children's Welfare Agencies (ACWA)
What is a Peak Body?The Association of Children’s Welfare Agencies as a case example at a time
of sector reform.
Dr Wendy Foote D/CEO ACWA
UNSW Adjunct Lecturer Social Work Practice
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The parable of the man, his son and the donkey
pack horse
Association of Children's Welfare Agencies (ACWA)
1. What is a peak?
“What peaks do, when properly resourced and functioning, is to synthesise the experience of their member groups with their own policy expertise to provide a uniquely representative perspective on policy.”
SACOSS “Unique Peaks” (2011)
Association of Children's Welfare Agencies (ACWA)
The Role of an Industry Peak Body
Information dissemination
CoordinationSystems Advocacy
Sector development- best practice
Member support
Research and policy
development
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Who we are• Vision
A truly civil society based on equal opportunity and social inclusion that actively nurtures the wellbeing and civic contribution of all children, young people, families and communities.
• Purpose
To bring about effective reform that will strengthen the capacity of the community sector to achieve better outcomes for communities, families, children and young people, particularly those living in out-of home care.
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Board of ManagementUp to 14 (10 elected member organisations and 4 co-opted positions)
ACWA Executive
Policy, Membership & Research
L&D/CCWTInformation
Management Systems
Admin & Finance TPO
Organisational structure
Association of Children's Welfare Agencies (ACWA)
2. Role in time of reform
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2. Role in time of reform
• Ministerial Advisory Group • Transition Policy Office• Regional Implementation Groups • Member consultation• Communications with
stakeholders
Association of Children's Welfare Agencies (ACWA)
Investigation –‘Industry body’
• ACWA was provided with a grant in 2012 to investigate the possible role of ACWA as an industry body
Association of Children's Welfare Agencies (ACWA)
Partnerships/projects
Development of original standards for OOHC (“Principles for Substitute Care”)
Step by Step and Shared Stories, Shared Lives
Transition Program Office
Fostering NSW
Legal training-new casework responsibilities
Therapeutic Care Project
2013
2013
2003
1989
2012
2012
Association of Children's Welfare Agencies (ACWA)
Strategic Plan
3. ACWA Strategic Directions Implementation Plan 2014-2016
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3. ACWA Strategic Directions Implementation Plan 2014-2016
• Best Practice Unit – strengthening practice
• Strengthening governance of agencies
• Strengthening sector governance • Forging partnerships with gvt. &
members
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Self funded areas of work
• Industrial Relations advice (in place for 2015)
• Group purchase of legal advice (current investigations)
• Ethical framework for ACWA members
• Media comms – protecting the sector ‘brand’
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Picture of boats at marina
‘A rising tide raises all boats’
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‘A rising tide raises all boats’