Recorded Webinars

Fostering Lifelong Connections

Prof. Amy Conley Wright (University of Sydney), Iman Aziza and Hayley Ralphs (Care South) and Daisy Gandazha (Wesley Dalmar)

Amy, Iman, Hayley and Daisy will talk about this action research project and how the findings are supporting and sustaining relationships for children in permanent care with the family members they aren’t living with.

Prof. Amy Conley Wright

Amy is Professor of Child and Family Social Work and Director of the Research Centre for Children and Families at the University of Sydney. Her research contributes to building the evidence base on promoting children’s best interests in out-of-home care, family support and disability services, within Australia and internationally. She leads a significant portfolio of externally funded research, including the ARC Linkage project Fostering Lifelong Connections for Children in Permanent Care, evaluation of NSW Family Connect and Support, and research on the child and family workforce.

Daisy Gandazha

Daisy Gandazha has experience working as Wesley Dalmar Program Manager in Out of Home Care and now as Program Manager for Wesley Dalmar STEP- Central Coast Hunter Region, supporting young people that require short term emergency placements. Daisy’s passion is supporting case management teams with family finding to help children in care develop and maintain family connections with emphasis on identity and cultural connections.

Hayley Ralphs

Hayley is an Aboriginal woman who identifies with the Wiradjuri peoples of NSW. Hayley is a dedicated practitioner in the field of Permanent Care, Restoration, Adoption and Foster Care. Hayley is a Senior Caseworker, working with both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal children, young people and families in Out-of-Home Care. Hayley is passionate about working within a trauma informed framework and ensuring our kids remain connected to family and culture. Hayley is currently working in therapeutic homes, keeping siblings together while working with their families inside the home.

Iman Aziza

Iman Aziza has had a career spanning almost 30 years, working across areas including community development, early intervention, disability support and child protection. For the last 12 years, Iman has been with CareSouth’s OOHC program (now Permanency Support Program) as a generalist casework practitioner, in carer recruitment and support and for the last 6 years, has been a member of the leadership team.