New Chapter for Foster Carers in Tasmania

Support for foster and kinship carers in Tasmania will be strengthened following the appointment of the first CEO of Foster Carers Association of Tasmania (FCAT).

Today I met the new CEO, Kim Backhouse, who has an extensive background in corporate governance and outstanding legal and business management skills.

This Government recognises and values those people who step in to care for children who cannot live at home and our support of the newly created CEO role is a demonstration of our respect for the vital contribution provided by foster carers across the State.

The Government’s current reform of the Out of Home Care system will also deliver improved recruitment, training and support to carers.

This will be achieved through the introduction of a more rigorous assessment and approval process for foster carers based on identified standards, and introduction of a new carer agreement supported by targeted training.

Respite care arrangements will also be strengthened to support caregivers and children who are in care.

I look forward to continuing to work with FCAT to support its efforts to grow membership and strengthen advocacy for a very important group of Tasmanians – our foster and kinship carers.

Kim Backhouse
Kim Backhouse has recently submitted her PhD in corporate governance. She graduated from the University of Tasmania with a Master of Business Administration and a Bachelor of Laws. Kim was admitted as a Barrister and Solicitor of the Supreme Court of Victoria, Supreme Court of Tasmania and High Court of Australia. Kim has also completed a Diploma with the Australian Institute of Company Directors.

In addition, she served two terms as Trustee of the Retirement Benefits Board, was a member of the RBF’s Audit and Governance Committee and spent over a decade as member of the Electrical Licensing Board. Kim has also served two terms as a Member of the Department of Primary Industry and Water’s Internal Audit Committee and is currently the Chair of the Code of Conduct Panel for Clarence City Council. Kim continues to serves as a board member for the Property Agents Board.

Kim worked as Assistant Ombudsman at the State Ombudsman’s office for nine years and has other legal experience including with the Australian Securities and Investment Commission, and two top tier commercial law firms in Victoria.
Jacquie Petrusma, Minister for Human Services