I have enjoyed being a carer for 23 of my 45 years and have been the FCAV Secretary for the last 2 years. I am a foster and permanent carer and assist as a lead trainer with Good Shepherd Y&FS and coordinate the pre-accreditation training and an infant support group for our agency. I also sit as a regular member of our agencies Carer Accreditation Panel. I am passionate about getting a better deal and more respect for foster and permanent carers. I have contributed significantly to advocating for our members. I have been confident in my representations on your behalf with both DHS and the Office of Child Safety Commission. I am not afraid to advocate strongly for your needs and I recognise the importance of carers feeling supported and respected by Agencies and DHS. My working history of some 20 years was almost entirely in the Youth and Family Services Government and Non-Government sector. At DHS, I managed four specialist rostered Residential Services, and was Reception Services Coordinator, and Senior Training Consultant in Placement and Support, Child Protection and Juvenile Justice Training units. I led redevelopment training for three Juvenile Justice custodial settings. I am interested to explore post accreditation training for carers to give us the tools to better respond to our children and to help navigate the complex systems. I look forward to contributing to the FCAV team and representing the views and needs of a wide variety of carers across the State.