What We Do
Karla Kuliny’s community foster care program
In 2024, we are excited to announce that we have become a therapeutic foster care provider in Western Australia.
Karla Kuliny has recently been awarded a contract by the Department of Communities to offer community foster care to First Nations children and young people in care arrangements on Boorloo, Whadjuk Boodjar (land) (Perth Metropolitan region).
We are committed to improving outcomes for children and young people in our care. Our approach focuses on understanding and responding to their unique needs, strengths and cultural identities.
It is our aim for First Nations children who cannot live with their birth parents to remain in the care of their extended family or with members of their community. When this is not possible, we support foster carers to understand the cultural identity of the child or young person they are caring for, providing opportunities for them to develop and maintain cultural connectedness. We do this by bringing together the child’s care team and collectively developing an extensive cultural plan.
Where it is in their best interest, we will support children and young people to be reunited with their families as soon as possible.
To deliver this service, we walk alongside our long-standing allies and colleagues at the Australian Childhood Foundation (the Foundation). Karla Kuliny and the Foundation have a strong, longstanding corporate relationship that spans more than 11 years. Together, we share a commitment to culturally strong, trauma-informed therapeutic care for children, families, carers, and communities.
It is all about the quality of relationships for us at Karla Kuliny.
First Nations children and young people who have experienced trauma need relationships with carers that are safe, adaptable, flexible, fun, nurturing, and supportive of cultural connectedness. We offer support that is responsive and adapts to the changing needs of children and carers.
We believe in true partnership with carers, valuing their knowledge and expertise recognising that the people closest to the child know them best. With the right support and training, it is the relationship between carers and the children they care for that truly changes lives.
‘Dabakan Kooyliny’
Go Slowly, Walk Slowly, Walk Together
In Western Australia, First Nations children represent 58% of the total number of children in out-of-home care. This over-representation means that a significant number of First Nations children are at risk of losing their cultural connection to their families, communities and country.
Karla Kuliny, through our CEO, Dr Glenda Kickett, has held a longstanding relationship with the Australian Childhood Foundation (the Foundation). We began our partnership journey 12 years ago to develop and deliver culturally strong, therapeutic care for First Nations children in WA.
Karla Kuliny and the Foundation work in a third cultural space that recognises Katitijin, the centrality of knowledge and culture, alongside trauma-informed healing approaches, as evidence of what works for First Nations children alongside mainstream theories and approaches.
It takes a community
First Nations children and young people in foster care need culturally safe strengthened relational networks that will journey with them over their lifetime. From long term, short term to short break care, there are many ways you can make a difference.
Community Foster Care
To support healing and growth, every child in our care receives a therapeutic assessment, a cultural plan, and ongoing cultural and therapeutic support. Carers are provided with wraparound assistance to understand the child’s needs and implement strategies that make a meaningful difference. (Kwabba Moorditj Bidi – Good Strong Pathway)
Home Stretch
Connecting Our Way
At Karla Kuliny, we believe that understanding identity and building a connection to culture are vital for the wellbeing and development of our children. Funded by the University of Sydney, the Connecting Our Way program supports children aged 5–12 in our care, providing a culturally grounded space for them to explore and connect with their heritage in a way that feels meaningful to them. Guided by our cultural navigator and supported by Elders, this program honours each child’s unique journey while fostering a deeper connection to culture and identity. With a focus on healing and empowerment, Connecting Our Way is designed to create lasting impact, with the potential to extend to other agencies in the future.