1. 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

2. Association of Children's Welfare Agencies (ACWA) 2 The parable of the man, his son and the donkey pack horse

3. 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)

4. Association of Children's Welfare Agencies (ACWA) The Role of an Industry Peak Body Information dissemination Coordination Systems Advocacy Sector development- best practice Member support Research and policy development

5. Association of Children's Welfare Agencies (ACWA) 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. 5

6. Association of Children's Welfare Agencies (ACWA) 6 Board of Management Up to 14 (10 elected member organisations and 4 co-opted positions) ACWA Executive Policy, Membership & Research L&D/CCWT Information Management Systems Admin & Finance TPO Organisational structure

7. Association of Children's Welfare Agencies (ACWA) 2. Role in time of reform

8. Association of Children's Welfare Agencies (ACWA) 2. Role in time of reform Ministerial Advisory Group Transition Policy Office Regional Implementation Groups Member consultation Communications with stakeholders 8

9. 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

10. 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 2003 1989 2012

11. Association of Children's Welfare Agencies (ACWA) Strategic Plan 3. ACWA Strategic Directions Implementation Plan 2014-2016

12. Association of Children's Welfare Agencies (ACWA) 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 12

13. Association of Children's Welfare Agencies (ACWA) 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’ 13

14. Association of Children's Welfare Agencies (ACWA) Picture of boats at marina ‘A rising tide raises all boats’ 14

15. Association of Children's Welfare Agencies (ACWA) 15 ‘A rising tide raises all boats’