5th national Family & Community Strengths Conference

Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia (16-18 April 2008)

This conference was preceded by the inaugural Indigenous Family & Community Strengths conference (14-16 April, numbered days 1-3). Sessions at the national conference (16-18 April) are numbered days 3-5 (with day 3 overlapping). Please note that not all presentations are available for download.

Ren Adams and Elly Robinson, of Australian Family Relationships Clearinghouse, wrote an extremely comprehensive and interesting report on the conference. Clicke here to download a pdf of the article, which appeared in Family Relationships Quarterly, issue 9.

Jump to the following sessions:

Day 3 (am) | Day 3 (pm) | Day 4 (am) | Day 4 (early pm) | Day 4 (late pm) | Day 5 (morning) | Day 5 (afternoon)

Closing address: Dorothy Scott

Day 3: Wednesday 16 April 2008 (morning)
Concurrent 5a: Pathway to Rediscovery Panel Presentations

• Building Supportive Rolse on Peer Relationships: Jack Guillebeaux, Federation of Child Care Centres of Alabama, USA.

• Shaping and Responding to the Context of Indigenous Children: Not Blaming It!: Chris Sarra, The Indigenous Education Leadership Institute.

Concurrent 5b: Partnerships and Cultural Competency

• Sustainable Relationships: Indigenous Service Users, Staff and Carers Leading the Way in a Mainstream Organisation, Reg Humphreys, UnitingCare Burnside. (1.65MB)

• Aboriginal Cultural Support Planning: An Agency's Learning, Kerrie Clarke & Sean Tynan, Life Without Barriers.

• Indigenous Staff Network Working for Indigenous Community: Amy Creighton, University Department of Rural Health. (9.8MB)

• Service Provision for Aboriginal Community, John Gilroy, National Disability Services. (130KB)

Concurrent 5c: Research

• Fascination With What's Difficult: Di Grennell, Amokura. (73KB)

• Lessons Learnt from Using Strengths-Based Perspective in Research: Lindsay Smith, University of Tasmania.

• Developing Strengths-Based Domestic and Family Violence Resources: Potential and Challenges: Graeme Stuart, Dee Brooks & Craig Hammond, Family Action Centre, Univeristy of Newcastle. (767KB)

Concurrent 5d: Workshop

• Engaging with Young People and Families to Create Change: Andy Simpson, Birmingham Association of Youth Clubs.

Concurrent 5e: Strength-Based Practice

• Engaging Families and Effectively Working with Indigenous Families: Kerrie Doyle, Des Thompson & Angela Duery, Combined Universities Centre of Rural Health.

• Working in Partnership for Booris in Broadmeadows: Colleen Turner (Broadmeadows UnitingCare) & Melissa Bembo (Victorian Aboriginal Childcare Association).

• Children as Citizens: Athena Williams (St Luke's Anglicare) & Loretta Kingston-Brown (City of Greater Bendigo). (2.9MB)

Concurrent 5f: Workshop

• Strength-Based Supervision: A Resource for Fostering Resilience in Staff: Jenny Terry, Wanslea Family Services. (4.1MB)

Concurrent 5g: Workshop

• Practising the Strengths Perspective: Dennis Saleeby, University of Kansas.

Concurrent 5h: Workshop

• Beautiful Minds: Overcoming Oppression in Aboriginal Communities Using Mind-Brain Approaches: Michael Yellow Bird, University of Kansas Lawrence.

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Day 3: Wednesday 16 April 2008 (afternoon)
Concurrent 6a: Working Together

• Men, Violence, Brotherhood and Hope: Greg Telford (Indigenous Family Service) & Stuart Anderson (Men & Family Centre).

Concurrent 6b: Partnerships and Cultural Competency

• Partnerships for Impact and Change: Challenges and Learning: Katrina Bredhauer, Mission Australia. (326KB)

• Breaking Down the Barriers: Development of a Culturally Appropriate Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service for Aboriginal Families in South Australia: Stephen Meredith & Helen Wyld, SAHS-Child & Adolescent Mental Health Services. (390KB)

• Inter-Cultural Organisational Development: A Contribution to Aboriginal Social Justice: Rita Perkons & Sally Cowling, UnitingCare Children, Young People and Families Services Group. (446KB)

Concurrent 6c: Healing

• Marumali Program: Model of Healing to Improve the Quality of Support for Survivors of the Stolen Generations: Lorraine Peeters & Maurice Walker, Winangali-Marumali.

• Aboriginal Healing Project: Dorinda Cox, Women and Newborn Health Service. (96KB)

• Yarning Up on Trauma: Shaun Coade & Lisa McClung, Berry Street, Take Two. (412KB)

Concurrent 6d: International Perspective on Family Strengths

• Strong Families Around the World: A Global Perspective on Family, Community and Cultural Strengths: John de Frain & Sylvia M Asay, University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

• Dialogues Across Nebraska: John de Frain, Janet Hanna & Pam Bauer, University of Nebraska. (666KB)

• Strengthening Families in New Mexico Through Group-Based Parenting Education: Esther Devall, New Mexico State University. (555KB)

• A Longitudinal Study on the Healthiness of Rural Families in South Korea: Soon Mi Yang, Rural Living Science Institute.

Concurrent 6e: Cultural Care

• Engaging Culturally Diverse Families with Complex Adolescent Issues: An Integration of Two Programs: Lyndal Power (RAPS Adolescent Family Therapy & Mediation Service) &  Patrick Baffoun (Strength to Strength). (525KB)

• Interactive CaLD Parent Support Services: Ellen Cahill, Holroyd Parramatta Migrant Services. (48MB)

• Keeping Indigenous Ways Within Our Mainstream Service: Tess Ryan, Barnadro's. (439KB)

Concurrent 6f: Workshop

• Yarning About Social and Emotional Wellbeing with the Media: Challenges and Opportunities for Health and Community Workers: Jo Piggott & Michael Romeo, HIMH.

Concurrent 6g: Strengths-Based Cultural Alignment

• Growing Stronger Together: Vivianne Freeman & Kerry Moore, Barnardo's. (2.5MB)

Concurrent 6h: Workshop

• Building Connections: Jonathon Toussaint, Interrelate Family Services.

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Day 4: Thursday 17 April 2008 (morning)

Concurrent 7a: Diversity in Parenting

• Supporting Better Outcomes for Children and Families in the Early Years: Carolyn Adams, Anglicare.

• Seniors in Transition: The Family Group-Conferencing Approach Applied to the Elderly Population in an International Border Setting: Patricia Sandau-Beckler, New Mexico State University School of Social Work, USA. (1.6MB)

• Intergenerational Resilience and Strengths: Grandparents Raising Grandchildren: Alice Chornesky, New Mexico State University, USA. (334KB)

Concurrent 7b: Research in Strengths-Based Practice

• Researching Practice: Exploring Strengths-Based Approaches to Inclusion Support: Tamara Cumming, SDN Children's Service. (94KB)

• Building Community Connectedness in Broadmeadows (and paper 82KB): Cemile Yuksel & Colleen Turner, Broadmeadows UnitingCare. (248KB)

• Older People, Respect and Social Inclusion: Olivia Ng, University of Melbourne. (55KB)

Concurrent 7c: Community Connections

• Building Child-Friendly Communities: The Fablab Way (and paper 355KB): Jeevarani Munsamy, Central University of Technology, South Africa. (4.9MB)

• Supporting Caravan Park Residents: Principles of Promising Practice: Graeme Stuart, Dee Brooks, Cherie Stephens & Jacquie Howard, Family Action Centre, University of Newcastle. (1.4MB)

• "You Can't Hustle All Your Life!": Prostituted Women's Attempts to Exit the Sex Industry: Rochelle Dalla, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, USA. (283KB)

Concurrent 7d: Father-Inclusive Practice

• Antenatal Program for Fathers: Emmanuel Boultadakis, Child & Parent Services, Children's Protection Society.

• The "Other Half" Group: The Development of a Weekly Fathers' Group in a Residential Child and Family Setting: Leone Thomson & Linda Lennie, Karitane. (417KB)

• Father, Mother and Child: A Triadic Relationship: Sally Watson, Lady Gowrie Child Centre. (52KB)

• Engaging Dads in 0-5 Childcare Services: Grant Patterson, UnitingCare Burnside.

• Screening for Depression and Anxiety in New Fathers: Are We Missing Many Dads? Stephen Matthey, Sydney South-West Area Health Service.

Concurrent 7e: Workshop

• Using Appreciative Inquiry to Engage Whole-Service Systems in Creating Systems and Programs: Tanya James, Blue Mountains City Council. (2.6MB)

Concurrent 7f: Workshop

• Exploring Issues of Power in the Supervision Relationship (and paper 515KB): Anne Heath & Ross Smith, UnitingCare Burnside. (2.7MB)

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Day 4: Thursday 17 April 2008 (early afternoon)

Concurrent 8a: Partnerships, Management and Supervision

• Externalising the Problem in Supervision (Why is it so Difficult to put this Principle into Practice?): Anne Heath, Self-employed Consultant, Trainer, UnitingCare Burnside.

• Clinical Supervision: A Strengths-Based Approach to Facilitating Partnerships with Families and Colleagues: Diana Keatinge, University of Newcastle/Hunter New England Health.

• Creating Self-Sustaining Collaborative Service Structures Through the Application of Organisational Development and Conflic Resolution Approaches: Tanya James, Blue Mountains City Council. (175KB)

• Learning Together About Partnerships: Gus Eddy, Raymond Terrace C4C.

Concurrent 8b: Early Intervention

• Is Professional Home-Visiting the Only Answer? Enhanching Family Wellbeing Through Volunteer Home Visiting Programs: Kerrell Bourne, Family Action Centre, University of Newcastle. (722KB)

• New Mexico Home Visiting Evaluation: Patricia Sandau-Beckler, New Mexico State University School of Social Work, USA.

• "Community Bubs" and "Keith St": The "Grass Roots" Approach: Andrea Carrington & Tina Rowley. (45KB)

• Playgroups Rule, OK!!! Jeanette Hourani, Victorian Cooperative and Children's Services for Ethnic Groups.

Concurrent 8c: Creativity and Community

• Art, Connection and Community Engagement: Julie Johnstone, School of Nursing and Midwifery, University of Newcastle.

• From Marginality to Creativity: Wayne Richards, University of Birmingham, UK. (236KB)

• Engaging Families and Communities with Music Therapy: Results of the National Sing and Grow Project: Kate Williams, Playgroup Queensland.

• Connecting Communities Through Storytelling: Anna Jarrett, The Travelling Storyteller.

Concurrent 8d: Father-Inclusive Practice

• Community Engagement in Father-Inclusive Practice: University of South Australia Partnership with Nunyara Wellbeing Centre: Cynthia Ofner, University of South Australia. (576KB)

• The Journey of Fatherhood: Supporting the Experiences of Expectant Fathers in a Rural Setting: Ross Fairbank, Murray Mallee Community Health Service. (796KB)

• When a Baby is Born, a Father is Born: Sherrian Price, Maitland/Dungog Child & Family Health Nursing Service.

• Preparing for Fatherhood: Antenatal Education for Men: Stephen Gallagher, Ngala.

• Dads4Dads: Strengthening Father's Role in the World of His Baby: Reorientation of Maternity Units to Father-Inclusive Practice: Trish Ryan & Carol Stevens, SSWAHS Parenting Programs.

Concurrent 8e: Workshop

• Going for Gold: Taree Links to its Community: Alison Coster & Peter Glencross (Manning Uniting Church); Marie Atkinson, Pauly MacLean & Grant Patterson (UnitingCare Burnside); Suzi Rowe & Lesley Gould (Mission Australia); Sue Russell (ChildCare Services, Taree & District); Gaye Sheather (Family Action Centre, University of Newcastle).

Concurrent 8f: Workshop

• Valuing Diversity, Culture, Creativity, Spirituality and Wellbeing: Using Creative Ways for Community Engagement: Susan Klein & Patsi Mawn, Maruma-li Mari Outreach Service.

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Day 4: Thursday 17 April 2008 (late afternoon)

Concurrent 9a: Family Strengths

• Rural Low-Income Mothers' Investment in Family Fun: Changes over Three Years: Susan Churchill, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, USA. (316KB)

• Family Treasures: John DeFrain, Janet Hanna & Pam Bauer, University of Nebraska, USA. (2.1MB)

• Enhancing Stepfamily Resilience (and paper 106KB): Daniela Zimmermann, Stepfamily Association of Victoria Inc. (232KB)

• Valuing Diversity and Culture: The Impact of Australian Culture on Maltese Marriages: Carly Zammit, Monash University. (124KB)

Concurrent 9b: Building Child-Friendly Communities

• Children's Champions and Critical Friends: Strategies to Engage the Community in the Implementation of the Cairns South Communities for Children Initiative: Jane Markotsis, Mission Australia. (122KB)

• Preventing Child Abuse: Building a Child-Friendly Community: Pat Jewell, Pete Kennedy, Madelene McGrath & Lesley Taylor, NAPCAN. (275KB)

• Child-Friendly Communities: Reclaiming Our Common Ground: Deaynne Bourke (Port Stephens Council) & Gaye Sheather (University of Newcastle). (2MB)

• For the Want of a Nail: Putting "Parenting" Back into the Public Policy Agenda: Sue Edwards, Department of Education & Early Childhood Development.

Concurrent 9c: Fathers Workshop

• Working with Separated Men and Fathers Workshop in a "Generic" Community Service Centre: Steve Hackett, Zarine Chinwalla & Wayne Nugent, Relationships Australia, NSW.

Concurrent 9d: Father-Inclusive Practice

• Dads Connect: Results of a Randomised Control Trial of Men-Only, Male-Facilitated Sessions in Antenatal Education: Paul Prichard (Good Beginnings)  & Virginia Schmied (University of Western Sydney).

• What are the Successful Strategies for Engaging Fathers in the Perinatal Period? (and paper 110KB): Stephen Matthey (Sydney South-West Area Health Service); Richard Fletcher (Family Action Centre, University of Newcastle); & Rebecca Reay (ANU Medical School). (149KB)

• Services in Sync with Dads: Re-orientation of Child and Family Services to Father-Inclusive Practice: Carol Stevens (SSWAHS Parenting Programs) & Slyvia Sant (Anglicare).

• Collaborative Parenting? A Theme of Focus Groups with Both New Mothers and Fathers: Jenny Tohotoa, Curtin University of Technology. (120KB)

Concurrent 9e: Workshop

• Space for ME (Meaningful Engagement): Sally Carter & Lisa Santos, ACT DHCS.

Concurrent 9f: Workshop

• Implementing a Strengths Approach within Organisations: Leading and Facilitating Change: David Lees, Lighthouse Resources.

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Day 5: Friday 18 April 2008 (morning)

Concurrent 10a: Schools and Community

• Stepping Stones: From Caravan Park to School: Dee Brooks & Graeme Stuart, Family Action Centre, University of Newcastle. (206KB)

• Seasons for Growth: Fostering Care, Connection and Belonging Through Times of Change, Grief and Loss: Lyn Dowling & Benita Tait, Season for Growth, Hunter. (1.5MB)

• AusParenting in Schools: A Framework for Building Family-School Partnerships in Primary School: Rebecca Giallo, Parenting Research Centre.

• Building Child-Friendly Communities: The Role of Schools in Supporting Early Intervention Programs in the Early Years: Natalie Elysee-Shultz (Childrenfirst Inc); Julie Jasprizza-Laus (Mission Australia) & Belinda Bathis (Green Valley Primary School).

Concurrent 10b: Care, Connection and Belonging

• The Meanings of Home: Imelda Burgman, University of Newcastle. (520KB)

• Silent Sentences: Families of Offenders Resource Kit: Melanie Field-Pimm, Victorian Association for the Care and Resettlement of Offenders. (54KB)

• Working with the Community to Work for the Community: Eric Scott, Holdsworth Community Centre & Services. (3.4MB)

• Making a Life: Key Learnings for Practice: Ani Wierenga, University of Melbourne.

• Kids in Caravans: Reaching Parents and Children Through Playgroup: Renelle Harrison, University of Newcastle.

Concurrent 10c: Humanising Health Care

• Challenges for the Educator: Incorporating a Strengths-Based Perspective into Child, Family and Community Nursing Studies: Creina Mitchell, La Trobe University.

• Development and Clinical Application of the Australian Family Strengths Nursing Assessment Guide: Lindsay Smith, University of Tasmania. (2.7MB)

• Strengthening the Self-Care of Women Working in the Informal Sector: The Fabric Weaving Women in Khon Kaen Province (Phase II): Kessarawan Nilvarangkul, Community Health Nursing, Thailand.

• Bringing Our Dying Home: Creating and Building Social Capital Through the HOME Hospice Program: Kerrie Noonan, HOME Hospice.

Concurrent 10d: Universities

• Universities Engaging Communities: A World Perspective: Barbara Holland, University of Western Sydney. (528KB)

• Universities Community Engagement in Australia: A New Era: Martin Fitzgerald, University of Newcastle.

• Case Study 1: Community Engagement Grants Scheme: Supporting Research, Educational and Outreach Projects to Enhance the University's Engagement with the Communities it Serves: Monique Harper-Richardson, University of Wollongong. (375KB)

Concurrent 10e: Workshops

• Values Education: Teaching and Learning Values in K-6 Classrooms: Kerry Dally (University of Newcastle) & Tracey Lovat (Wallsend South Public School).

• Connecting Children to the Natural World: Supporting Development, Learning and Connections Between Families, Schools and Communities: Julia Torquati & Susan Churchill, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, USA. (6.4MB)

Concurrent 10f: Workshops

• The Fathers in Communities Project: Strategies for Increasing Father and Father-Figure Involvement in the Lives of Their Children: Victoria Clay & John Andriunas, Family Action Centre, University of Newcastle. (1MB)

• "Conversation Starters" Engaging Families in Education Settings: Pat Jewell (NAPCAN) &  Marika Miles (Jesuit Social Services). (65KB)

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Day 5: Friday 18 April 2008 (afternoon)

Concurrent 11a: Workshops

• Building Healthy Relationships: A Regional Schools Partnership: Joan Wiseman, Relationships Australia.

• When Healthy Start Came to Wanslea: Pauline Dixon & Claire Quenby, Wanslea Family Services. (2.1MB)

Concurrent 11b: Reading

• Holiday Reading is Rad: Margaret Hunter, NSW Department of Education & Training. (267KB)

• "Kids Who Read Succeed" Early Literacy Experiences in Port Stephens: Kris Abbott & Vicky James, Port Stephens Council. (911KB)

• Community Engagement Through Literacy: The Magic of ELF: Doss Duscher, ELF Strategy & Development, Berry Street.

Concurrent 11c: Workshops

• Ngala at Kwinana: Early Years Engagement: Tina Dean & Steven Gallagher, Ngala. (1.5MB)

• Radical Hospitality: Building Communities Where Everyone Leads to Address Poverty, Racism and Isolation: Lois Smidt, Beyond Welfare.

Concurrent 11d: Universities

• Case Study 2: Clemente Australia: A Transformative Program Aiming to Break the Cycle of Poverty, Inequity and Social Injustice for Disadvantaged: Peter Howard, Australian Catholic University. (56KB)

• Case Study 3: No Survey Without Service: A Unique Idea for a University: Judie Geggie & Penny Crofts, Family Action Centre, University of Newcastle.

• Case Study 4: Robust Community Engagement Within the South Western and Western Region of Sydney: Diana Whitton, University of Western Sydney. (45KB)

Concurrent 11e: Workshop

• Villupattu: "Let's Change the Fate": Ellen Cahill & Nadarajah Karunakaran, Holroyd Parramatta Migrant Services. (55KB)

Concurrent 11f: Workshop

• Doing Anger Differently: Helping Adolescent Boys: Michael Currie, School of Psychology, University of Newcastle.

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