5 Weeks to go

Issue 5

Have you registered yet? With only 5 weeks to go now is the time to visit the ACWA 2008 conference website and register.

To register click here

To register you can either complete the online registration form or download a hard copy version of the registration form. Completed forms can be faxed or posted to the conference secretariat, whose contact details are at the end of this newsletter. Full entitlements for each registration type can be found on the website www.acwa08.com.

The conference program features more than 120 papers received from all over Australia discussing a variety of topics including:

Safety and wellbeing

• Child poverty and child wellbeing, Jonathan Bradshaw, Department of Social Policy and Social Work, University of York, England.
• Not one size fits all: Measuring the social and emotional wellbeing of Aboriginal children who have been abused or neglected, Jane Harrison, La Trobe University.
• Yes, but what works for kids with complex needs? - Practical models for working with young people in residential care with extreme behavioural and emotional difficulties, Rebecca Sng, Alternate Care Clinic Redbank House.

Social disadvantage

• Understanding grandparent care: Policy and practice implications of grandparents as primary carers of their grandchildren in the Australian context, Deborah Brennan, Social Policy Research Centre University of New South Wales.
• Bridging the gap: Addressing the poverty and disadvantage in NSW communities, Genevieve Nelson, The Benevolent Society.
• Delivery of culturally responsive early intervention and family support programs to Aboriginal children and families: An integrated approach, Muriel Bamblett, Victorian Aboriginal Child Care Agency.

Building community capacity

• Should Australian foster carers be entitled to receive a payment (eg. fee/salary/wage) as a reward/compensation for caring?, Marilyn McHugh, Social Policy Research Centre University of New South Wales.
• Building community capacity: Strategies and challenges for children, youth and families, Robert Chaskin, School of Social Service Administration, University of Chicago, Chapin Hall Centre for Children.
• Walking the Same Track - Building the relevance of a mainstream child welfare agency for indigenous children, young people and their families, Kerry Moore, Barnardos Australia.

Out of home care

• When should the state cease parenting: Lessons from the Midwest study, Mark Courtney, Partners for Our Children, School of Social Work, University of Washington.
• Kinship care as a challenge to child welfare constructs, Jan Mason, University Of Western Sydney.
• Transitioning from the state care system: The impacts of in-care experiences on the post-care outcomes for young people leaving care, Philip Mendes, Monash University.

These are just some of the papers being presented at the conference, to view the full program please click here.

Social Functions

Welcome Reception
Date: Monday 18 August 2008
Time: 1715 - 1900
Cost: AUD45.00 including GST per person
Location: Bayside Gallery, Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre

Set in the Bayside Gallery overlooking Darling Harbour please join the Organising Committee for welcome drinks. It is a great opportunity to re-acquaint with old friends and get ready for the remainder of the Conference.

Please book tickets using the Delegate Registration Form.

Conference Dinner and ACWA 50th Anniversary Party
Date: Tuesday 19 August 2008
Time: 1830 - 2230
Cost: AUD110.00 including GST per person
Location: Dockside, Darling Harbour
Dress: Smart Casual

It's time to celebrate! It is ACWA's 50th birthday celebration and the night promises to be something special. Julie McCrossin will be your host for the evening so come and join in the fun whilst we revisit some of the history of ACWA. Enjoy fine wine and food in the surrounds of Darling Harbour. We look forward to seeing you there!

Please book tickets using the Delegate Registration Form.

Sponsorship And Exhibition

It is not too late to be involved either by sponsorship or exhibiting at ACWA 2008.

ACWA 2008 will assist your company in achieving strategic goals by providing you with direct exposure to your target market.

The ACWA 2008 sponsorship and exhibition team would be delighted to discuss with you the promotional opportunities available and would be happy to tailor a package that suits your specific requirements.

Please contact the Sponsorship Manager at sponsorship@acwa08.com for further information.

For any further enquiries on any aspect of the conference please contact:

Hosts	Principal Sponsor	Major Sponsor
Supporters
Associate Sponsor
Keynote Speaker Supporter Mark Courtney

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