Nationally accredited training for Residential Student Carers (House-parents, Supervisors, Youth Workers etc.)

NARSA now offers nationally accredited competency based training, for Residential Student Carers of children and young adults in a residential boarding environment. Dr Steve Florisson, Board Member of NARSA and coordinator of NARSA Training, has already commenced delivering the inaugural Certificate IV Community Servics Work - CHC40708 under the umbrella RTO Byron Region Community College.

This has been made possible through significant Federal Government funding, facilitated by the Community Services and Health Skills Council.

This AQTF Qualification has been tailored for employees of student boarding service providers across the country. There has been consultation and collaboration with experienced student boarding professionals to ensure that the training material is accurate, current and comprehensive. The Government sponsorship has been funded under the Enterprise Based Productivity Place Program (EBPPP).

For further details contact Dr Florisson -
Ph 08 9071 5337 or 0409 111 116
Email: narsatraining@westnet.com.au

Since its inception, the focus of NARSA has been on training and support for staff in student boarding facilities. This training has been provided in the workplace, at the regional level and at national conferences. The support includes the sharing of policies and practice, and working in close liaison with other organisations e.g. Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations [DEEWR]; Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs (FaHCSIA); Aboriginal Hostels Ltd [AHL]; the Isolated Children's Parents' Association (ICPA); the Country Women's Association (CWA); Australian Boarding Schools Association (ABSA); Australian Catholic University (ACU).

The objective of staff training is to provide a safe, healthy environment for young students living away from their home and families during the school term. This is reflected in the ongoing programs designed to develop specialised training for residential student carers, house-parents, other staff and committee members, for the unique roles they play in the lives of these students.

NARSA acknowledges, with appreciation, the ABSA "Duty of Care" course written by Dr Tim Hawkes. NARSA executive members have been involved in the delivery of this course in the past, and provision has been made in the Certificate IV Community Services Work - CHC40708 for credit transfer of the Duty of Care course. These qualifications articulate into the Diploma and Associate Degree in Social Science (Residential Care) offered by the Australian Catholic University (ACU).