P8 | Workshop | The Importance of Play in Developmental Relationships
Tracks
| Thursday, June 12, 2025 |
| 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM |
| P8 |
Synopsis
This 60-minute interactive workshop explores innovative practices in UnitingCare’s Family-Based and Non-Family Based programs, emphasizing the importance of safe, developmental play in building positive relationships between children and caregivers. The workshop connects CARE Playshop theory to practice, offering strategies for engaging children with trauma histories through play.
Participants will explore their own "Play Style" through an interactive quiz and review the YAG’s "Boredom Busters Booklet" to do a deep dive into how play fosters connection and resilience. The session also highlights the use of sensory toys to support emotional regulation and improve outcomes for vulnerable children. Ultimately, the workshop demonstrates the power of play in enhancing relationships and the overall care environment.
The "Dodge, Duck, Dip, Dive, and Dodge: The Importance of Physical Play for Trauma-Affected Children" presentation explores how physical play can support healthy growth and development for children. It highlights potential risks and benefits, as well as some guiding principles, trying to find a balance where we can provide safety as well as opportunities for social, physical, and emotional development.
As a practice example, we draw on a case where a group of children living in residential care, and their support workers, took part in a community dodgeball competition, illustrating how we can capture the benefits of physical play. Through developmental relationships, intentional programming, and emotional support, a group of children and adults enjoyed not only growth and development, but shared in successes, stumbles and joy.
Speaker
Mr Dominic Roth
Practice Training Lead
UnitingCare
Dodge, Duck, Dip, Dive and Dodge: The Importance of Physical Play for Trauma-Affected Children
Biography
Dominic Roth is a Practice Improvement Advisor with UnitingCare, with experience in youth services since 2014. He is a trainer in the Three Pillars, CARE, and TCI, and holds qualifications in psychology, social work, and mental health. Dominic also serves as a Crisis Support Officer with Lifeline and has worked in refugee support.
Mr Brett Wilcock
Practice Improvement Advisor
UnitingCare
The Importance of Play in Developmental Relationships
Biography
Brett Wilcock is a proud identified First Nations descendant of the Arabana People of Kati Thanda-Lake Eyre, South Australia with over 25 years of experience in child protection, primarily in Residential Care. He holds a degree in Psychological Science and has a strong interest in brain development and childhood trauma. Brett is a TCI and Three Pillars trainer, a CARE Educator since 2012, and was appointed a CARE Consultant in 2024.
Ms Phoebe Kennedy
Youth Consultant
UnitingCare
The Importance of Play in Developmental Relationships
Biography
Phoebe Kennedy began her journey with the Youth Advisory Group in 2018 as a volunteer while living in a UnitingCare residential house. With lived experience in both family and non-family care, she now works as a paid Youth Consultant, driven by a passion for improving the Child Protection system.
Hannah Ziebarth
Youth Consultant
UnitingCare
The Importance of Play in Developmental Relationships
Biography
Hannah Ziebarth has advocated for young people in Out of Home Care since she was 17, starting with the Youth Advisory Group while living in a UnitingCare residential house. Now 22, she continues to contribute as a paid Youth Consultant for YAG and CREATE.
Mr Andre Anders
Placement Worker, FKC
UnitingCare
The Importance of Play in Developmental Relationships
Biography
Andre Anders has been with UnitingCare since 2017, working across family support, foster care, and therapeutic services. He is a facilitator of CARE, Three Pillars, Triple P, Circle of Security, and TCI-Families. Passionate about safety, connection, and improving outcomes, Andre focuses on strengthening relationships and communication for foster children and families.
Mrs Larnie McDonald
Practice Improvement Advisor
UnitingCare
The Importance of Play in Developmental Relationshipsw
Biography
Larnie holds a BA in Psychology and Education & post-graduate qualification in Counselling. She's worked in various roles as a counsellor, and led teams in the Child & Family Protection space. She's a trainer for the Safe & Together model and focuses on best outcomes for vulnerable children by empowering and hearing client voices, and promoting the wellbeing of staff who deliver community services. She is currently a Practice Improvement Advisor at UnitingCare and supports the Youth Advisory Group (YAG).
