Training

Applied Behaviour Analysis Ongoing Training was a great way to ease back into face-to-face training! Seher Suhail and Trisha Hanrahan presented relevant training that carers and staff could relate to and incorporate into the care of their child or young person. Sadly, we forgot to take photos so here are some carer comments about the day:

“Very beneficial to be able to go over the strategies again. It was great to meet other carers and share ideas”. Sarah - Respite Carer

“Nice to be back! It was exciting for our Case Worker who hasn’t been to an ongoing training yet. My favourite part of the training was the trivia competition. We didn’t win the chocolates, but it was fun. It was just nice catching up with other carers.” Sharnee-  Full-time Carer

“Good. Lots of content. Probably too much content to remember but Seher and Trisha knew their stuff. Enjoyed the day and will come to every training you run.” Paul - Respite Carer

What was the training about? Applied Behaviour Analysis is founded in research and science. It is one of the most effective approaches for kids with autism in particular but also for kids without. 

ABA empowers you by demonstrating that the variables responsible for a person’s behaviour are found in the environment and that if we change the environment, we can change behaviour. Therefore your responses can influence the young person’s behaviour, in turn affecting his/her learning and growth. 

The slides from the ABA training have been uploaded to the Online training platform for carers to access: LMS Sign In (allambicare.org.au)

Positive relationships & staying connected

“Every child who winds up doing well has had at least one stable and committed relationship with a supportive adult”. Josh Shipp

Staying connected with your teenager is about building closeness into the relationship you have with them by being available and responsive.

Connecting can be casual. Use of everyday interactions or plan scheduled time to do things that you both like together.

If you stay connected, this will put you in a good position to pick up on any problems they may be having and they are also more likely to come to you with problems.

Casual Connecting - The best opportunities for casual connecting are when your teenager starts a conversation with you.

Tips for casual connecting:

• Stop what you are doing and focus on the moment. Give your teenager your full attention, even if it’s for a few seconds. You need to give them the message that in that moment, they are the most important thing to you.
• Look at your teenager while they are talking and really listen to what they are saying. This tells them that what they have to say is important to you. 
• Show interest and encourage your teenager to expand on what they are saying. Explore their views, opinions, feelings, expectations or plans.
• Listen without judging or correcting. Only give advice or help if they ask for it.
• Just be there. You might be in the kitchen when they are in their bedroom, but teenagers benefit just from knowing that you’re available.
• You can actively try to create casual connections but don’t push it if they don’t want to talk.
  
  

Planned Connecting - This involves planning to do things with your teenager that you both enjoy. 

• Find a time that suits you both and book it. Keep the time short to start with.
• Let  your teenager choose what you will do and follow their lead. This will motivate them to spend more time with you.
• Concentrate on enjoying your teenagers company. The activity itself is less important than shared fun and talking with your teenager.
• Be interested and accepting, rather than correcting your teenager or giving advice. It’s not easy to give up the teaching and coaching role, but this is a time for building and improving your relationship. So if you see a mistake or an easier way to do something, let it go without comment.
• Your teenager may not be keen at first. Don’t give up, keep trying and stay positive. Keep your planned times brief at first and your young person will come to enjoy this time with you.
  
  

“When you stop what you’re doing and really listen to your teenager, you’re telling them that they are important, respected and worth your time.”

Article courtesy of Raisingchildren.net.au

Meet Laura George

Supervised Contact Coordinator - Fostering & Permanency

Favourite Food: A grazing plate or as my kids call it, a mixer plate…*MUST include cheese and olives!

To relax I: Go for an early morning or late afternoon walk and a glass of nice red wine.

Currently listening to: A podcast called “You’re wrong about”.

Best thing about my job is: The opportunities, the staff and the kids 

School Holiday Fun

Allambi Care Outreach run school holiday programs for our young people. These days are amazing and everyone involved always have a fabulous time. Please join us on Tuesday 29th June from 10am to 2pm at Richley Reserve Blackbutt, Freybert St, New Lambton NSW 2305.

The day will include Aboriginal cultural activities, scavenger hunt, and arts and crafts. This fun day is open to all children, young people and carers and we look forward to you all attending. In the instance that it's raining on the day, we will contact you prior to 10am on the day. Please RSVP to your Case Worker prior to Wednesday 23rd June.