The Reily Foundation
The Reily Foundation News
Keep up to date with the latest news from The Reily Foundation.
For media enquiries please contact Rebecca St Clair, Communications and Marketing Manager rebecca@thereily.foundation
ABC Interview
ABC Interview with Nadia Bergineti
Statement from The Reily Foundation regarding Lauren Novak’s recent article, ‘Very traumatised: child runaways fleeing care at staggering rate’ in The Advertiser, 17 October
THOUSANDS OF SOUTH AUSTRALIAN CHILDREN & ADOLESCENTS RUNNING AWAY FROM STATE CARE EVERY YEAR HIGHLIGHTS “CRITICAL GAPS” WITHIN THE SA CHILD PROTECTION SYSTEM.
Lauren Novak’s recent article, ‘Very traumatised: child runaways fleeing care at staggering rate’ in The Advertiser, 17 October, reveals the troubling reality of thousands of children running away from state care each year.
Nadia Bergineti, The Reily Foundation’s CEO said: “While a significant number of children are returned to care, the fact that so many repeatedly leave care highlights deep problems within the South Australian child protection system.”
“While we recognise the efforts of Child Protection Minister Katrine Hildyard and the Department for Child Protection, we also acknowledge the critical gaps that persist. Initiatives like SAPOL’s Blue Rose Project are helpful and making an impact, but without a comprehensive approach that includes therapeutic care and, crucially, involving the voices of families, we risk continuing this cycle,” said Mrs Bergineti.
Research shows that involving families in child protection decisions leads to better outcomes for children. According to the Australian Institute of Family Studies, family-inclusive decision-making can reduce the time children spend in out-of-home care and increase the likelihood of reunification by up to 25%.
The Reily Foundation works directly with families who have been through the system, and understands the importance of including their voice in shaping decisions about their children’s futures. Reily’s highly experienced social workers provide free support and education to parents – listening to them and empowering them so they are better able to make child-focused decisions and choices.
Mrs Bergineti said: “Children are not just statistics – they deserve to be heard and supported in safe environments that promote healing, not inflict further trauma. The Reily Foundation remains committed to advocating for systemic change that enables family involvement in decision-making throughout the child protection process.”
About The Reily Foundation
The Reily Foundation Incorporated is an independent, not-for-profit organisation offering free education and advocacy support to parents navigating the Child Protection System in South Australia. We are committed to working towards ongoing connection and reunification of families and building parenting capacity by offering practical, solution-focused support, and working with parents to identify and overcome barriers that hinder their ability to care for their children.
Contact
Nadia Bergineti, CEO, The Reily Foundation
Email: nadia.bergineti@thereily.foundation Phone: 0434 197 581
Statement from The Reily Foundation regarding the ABC article, ‘Baby removals trigger whistleblower to tell of “inhumane” practices and mothers’ trauma’, Thurs April 11 2024
The ABC article describes “damning” claims by an SA government whistleblower about the way SA child protection authorities remove newborns from their mothers at public hospitals.
The removal of babies and children from their biological parents undertaken by the South Australian Department of Child Protection is a multi-faceted and emotionally charged issue. Breakdowns in these processes, such as those highlighted in this article, are a symptom of the misworkings in a number of government and non-government processes including lack of funding and lack of capacity in early intervention work with vulnerable families.
The Reily Foundation’s CEO Nadia Bergineti said: “Child removal can cause life-long trauma to both children and parents. Ways of managing this process better should be, and are being, explored -– with the safety of children at the forefront of all discussions.”
The Reily Foundation is a not-for-profit organisation that supports families navigating the SA child protection system. In our experience working with families, in most cases the wellbeing and safety of children is in the minds of their parents.
Reily works with families pre and post removal to build on the strengths and capacity of parents and families to be the best version of themselves for their children.
“Families we have worked with have demonstrated that when presented with the right information and tools, coupled with the right support, they are able to make child-focused, safe decisions that are in the best interest of their children,” said Nadia.
“Changes to the processes under which babies and children are removed requires a whole of government and community response with a focus on early intervention programs, like those we have at Reily, that have proven to be successful in building the capacity of families and keeping children safe and in their homes or able to return to their homes.”
Child protection is complex, each case is unique, and there is no one solution. Although the practice of child removal has been in existence for a number of years, The Reily Foundation believes more should be done through both government and non-government collaboration to make this process less traumatic on children and their families. We would welcome the opportunity for the sector to come together and make decisions on a better way forward for vulnerable families and children.
Nadia Bergineti (Bch Psych, MSW)
CEO
The Reily Foundation Inc
About The Reily Foundation The Reily Foundation is an independent, not-for-profit organisation offering free education and advocacy support to parents navigating the Child Protection System in South Australia. Reily is committed to working towards ongoing connection and reunification of families and building parenting capacity by offering practical, solution-focused support, and working with parents to identify and overcome barriers that hinder their ability to care for their children.
The Reily Foundation is thrilled to announce to appointment of Mark Day as Chair of the Reily Foundation Board.
The Reily Foundation is thrilled to announce to appointment of Mark Day as Chair of the Reily Foundation Board.
Mark is a seasoned professional in the financial services industry, bringing a wealth of expertise in business planning, investment advisory, management and risk management. With a demonstrated history of successful leadership, Mark is recognised for his strategic vision and effective decision-making.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Mark is known for his philanthropic spirit and unwavering commitment to social responsibility. His involvement with the Reily Foundation reflects his belief in using his skills and experience to make a positive impact on society.
Mark will be supported by a formidable team of existing board members, including Sarah McGregor, Kate Sharrad, and Liz O’Connell. Together, they form a dynamic ensemble committed to the Foundation’s mission of creating innovative strategies, community-centric initiatives, and a steadfast commitment to positive change in the child protection space.
Give a Gift of Love to Children Separated from Their Parents This Christmas
In an extraordinary collaboration, Build-A-Bear Workshop and The Riley Foundation are teaming up to create heartfelt connections between parents and children separated by the child protection system. This initiative aims to bring joy and comfort through the creation of personalized, one-of-a-kind furry friends.
For a donation of $50 a parent who is engaged with support services from the Reily Foundation will be given the opportunity to take part in one of a kind personalised build a bear experience to share with their child during access visits.
Upon entering the Build-A-Bear Workshop, Reily parents are warmly welcomed by friendly Bear Builders who guide them through a unique and magical experience. The process begins with the selection of a Furry Friend, followed by a trip to the Sounds station, where parents record a personalised message that will be lovingly placed into the bear’s paw. At the stuffing station, the Furry Friend comes to life, a big cuddle ensures the perfect feel, and adjustments can be made to suit the guest’s preferences.
The highlight of the experience is the heart ceremony, where each Furry Friend receives a special red heart. Parents will participate in warming the heart, tapping it for a strong heartbeat. A heartfelt wish and kiss seal the ceremony before the heart is placed inside the bear.
After choosing an outfit and personalizing their bear, parents proceed to the Birth Certificate Station. Here, they name their bear, provide details such as height, weight, and colour and acknowledge who the bear is for and who helped stuff it with love.
For guests coming in from The Riley Foundation, special care is taken to transfer the unique connection between parents and their children onto the bears. These bears become more than just cuddly companions; they carry the warmth of a parent’s voice, providing comfort and joy during moments of separation.
Build-A-Bear Workshop encourages Reily parents to take their time during this experience, offering a space where they can spend as little or as much time as they desire. The partnership with The Riley Foundation adds an extra layer of significance, ensuring that these furry friends become cherished keepsakes for families facing unique challenges.
This collaborative effort between Build-A-Bear Workshop and The Riley Foundation exemplifies the power of compassion, creativity, and community coming together to make a positive impact on the lives of families in need.
For anyone interested in learning more about The Reily Foundation’s mission or getting involved with Build a Bear’s efforts, visit thereily.foundation or buildabear.com.au
Media Contact: Rebecca St Clair, Communications & Marketing Manager of The Reily Foundation rebecca@thereily.foundation.
About The Reily Foundation
The Reily Foundation is a non-for-profit organisation who offers free educational workshops, counselling support and advocacy services to parents navigating the child protection system and have had children removed from their care.
Website: thereily.foundation
The Reily Foundation take home a $100,000 grant from Impact100 South Australia.
CEO of The Reily Foundation, Nadia Bergineti accepting the Impact100 South Australia 100,000 grant
The Reily Foundation is thrilled to announce taking home one of the $100,000 grants from Impact100 South Australia. This recognition highlights the foundation’s tireless efforts and commitment to fostering positive change in the lives of parents who are navigating the child protection system.
The grant awarded to Reily Foundation holds the promise of making a profound impact on the local community. With this financial support, the foundation will hold 14 parenting workshops in 2024, benefiting more than 120 parents. In addition, Reily will offer one-on-one support to 100 parents, ensuring personalised assistance to those in need. The foundation also aims to evaluate the effectiveness of its programs, facilitating a better dialogue with the government to optimise its initiatives to identify early intervention opportunities and create programs that offer children and families the support they need to stay together.
Reily shared the stage with three other commendable organisations: Multicultural Communities Council of SA, Ngutu College, and Second Chances SA. Each finalist embodies a shared commitment to effecting positive change and contributing to the betterment of our society.
In addition to the financial windfall of the Impact100 grant, Reily Foundation is also set to expand its volunteer base. The foundation is actively seeking individuals willing to take on various volunteer roles, including becoming members of the Reily Board, social workers, bookkeepers, and event support staff. This expansion in the volunteer network underscores Reily’s commitment to making a tangible difference at the grassroots level in addressing societal issues.
If you or someone you know is interested in volunteering for an organization dedicated to tackling the pressing challenges faced by the most vulnerable members of our community, please do not hesitate to reach out to Nadia Bergineti at nadia.bergineti@thereily.foundation.
The Reily Foundation’s success in securing the Impact100 South Australia grant is a testament to their dedication to the betterment of the community and their commitment to creating lasting positive change in the lives of those who need it most. With this grant, they are poised to make an even greater impact in the years to come.
The Reily Foundation and MumKind Join Forces to Bring Joy to Reily Kids and Families
The Reily Foundation, a South Australian not-for-profit committed to assisting parents facing challenges within the child protection system, is excited to announce a partnership with MumKind, an incredible volunteer-run non-profit dedicated to supporting vulnerable families across South Australia.
MumKind will sponsor educational toys and gifts for Reily Kids, whose parents participate in The Reily Foundation’s workshops, including “Showing Up for Your Kids” and “Be Present for Life.” These workshops are designed to empower parents in navigating the complexities of the child protection system and to establish strong, positive connections with their children.
Monitored contact visits can sometimes be a stressful and traumatic experience for children in care. The incorporation of gifts acts as a catalyst for positive interactions not only to alleviate stress but also to foster positive relationships, ultimately allowing parents to create meaningful memories with their children.
MumKind’s ethos of supporting agencies and non-profit organizations aligns seamlessly with The Reily Foundation’s mission. With a dedicated base of volunteers and minimal overheads, MumKind has proven its commitment to uplifting the lives of families in need.
Collaborating with a network of support agencies such as St Vinnies, Women’s Safety Services, Hands of Hope, and Centacare, MumKind has consistently bridged funding gaps and provided practical aid while treating recipients with the dignity and care they deserve.
“We are thrilled to embark on this partnership with MumKind,” says Nadia Bergineti, CEO of The Reily Foundation. “Their track record of meaningful contributions to families in South Australia speaks volumes about their commitment to creating positive change. By combining forces, we can enhance the impact of our services and offer parents and children lasting memories that outweigh difficult circumstances.”
Since 2014, MumKind has undertaken over thirty successful campaigns and events, transforming transitional housing environments, establishing educational funds, supporting education and employment programs, and distributing over 100,000 material items directly to families in need. Their enrolment of thirty local children in the Playford10 co-curricular programs exemplifies their dedication to fostering holistic growth in communities.
For individuals interested in learning more about The Reily Foundation’s mission or getting involved with MumKind’s efforts, visit thereily.foundation or www.mumkind.com.au.
Media Contact: Rebecca St Clair, Communications & Marketing Manager of The Reily Foundation rebecca@thereily.foundation.
About The Reily Foundation
The Reily Foundation is a non-for-profit organisation who offers free educational workshops, counselling support and advocacy services to parents navigating the child protection system and have had children removed from their care.
Website: thereily.foundation
About MumKind
MumKind is a volunteer-run registered non-profit organisation, dedicated to positively impacting the lives of the thousands of women across South Australia who are facing extreme and often long-term adversity. By collaborating with support agencies, MumKind bridges funding gaps and provides practical aid, always with a focus on preserving the dignity and well-being of recipients. Their tireless efforts have positively impacted thousands of families and transformed communities.
Website: www.mumkind.com.au
The Reily Foundation, featured in the latest edition of Community Voices.
We’ve been featured in the Multicultural Communities Council of SA Latest winter edition! Page 33 😁 .
MCCSA is excited to share with you the latest edition of the Community Voices magazine. This edition is packed with stories, articles, and updates from diverse communities across South Australia.
Read how The Reily Foundation is helping our Multicultural Communities in South Australia to navigate the child protection system.
Read the article here: https://lnkd.in/gmFZHABE
Media Release: The Reily Foundation announced as one of the four finalist in the Impact100 South Australia grant.
MEDIA RELEASE
Adelaide, South Australia August 18 2023
The Reily Foundation is thrilled to announce its selection as one of the esteemed finalists for the Impact100 South Australia grant. This recognition highlights the foundation’s tireless efforts and commitment to fostering positive change in the lives of the most vulnerable members of our community.
“We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Impact100 South Australia for affording us this incredible opportunity to showcase the Reily Foundation’s journey and potential impact,” expressed Nadia Bergineti, CEO of The Reily Foundation. “This recognition reaffirms our dedication to making a meaningful difference in the lives of those who need it most.”
The Impact100 initiative showcases the remarkable potential of collaborative giving circles. Through the generous contributions of its members, Impact100 South Australia demonstrates the significant impact that can be achieved by supporting deserving charities and organisations, while simultaneously raising the visibility of lesser-known groups that serve the local community.
As finalists, The Reily Foundation joins three other commendable organisations: Multicultural Communities Council of SA, Ngutu College, and Second Chances SA. Each finalist embodies a shared commitment to effecting positive change and contributing to the betterment of our society.
“We extend our heartfelt congratulations and best wishes to our fellow finalists,” remarked Nadia Bergineti. “Multicultural Communities Council of SA, Ngutu College, and Second Chances SA, your dedication and unwavering efforts to create a positive impact are truly inspiring.”
The Impact100 South Australia grant represents not only a potential source of financial support but also a platform to amplify the causes and stories of organisations that are making a difference. The Reily Foundation remains dedicated to its mission and looks forward to the opportunity to continue its transformative work.
Media Release: The Reily Foundation partner with Life Without Barriers and DS Consultancy in a ground-breaking collaboration that offers a unique opportunity for those impacted by the child protection system.
MEDIA RELEASE
Adelaide, South Australia June 16 2023
The Reily Foundation partner with Life Without Barriers and DS Consultancy in a ground-breaking collaboration that offers a unique opportunity for those impacted by the child protection system.
The Reily Foundation, a respected South Australian non-profit organisation dedicated to empowering parents navigating the State’s Child Protection System, is pleased to announce a transformative partnership with Life Without Barriers and DS Consultancy.
Together, they will facilitate a Direct Experience Group, providing a critical platform for parents and individuals who have engaged with the South Australian child protection and Family support system.
This ground-breaking collaboration offers a unique opportunity for those impacted by the child protection system to share their experiences and perspectives, contributing to policy and practice development. The aim is to inform system-level changes and ultimately enhance the welfare of children and families across South Australia.
“As advocates for the safety and well-being of children, we at The Reily Foundation are steadfast in our belief that to invest in parents is to invest in our children,” said Nadia Bergineti, CEO of The Reily Foundation.
This initiative is a crucial step towards understanding the full-circle impacts of the child protection system on families, and effectuating positive changes based on these insights. The Reily Foundation is committed to its four pillars of connection, communication, collaboration and capacity building in parenting. By offering practical, solution-focused support, the organisation aims to assist parents in identifying and overcoming barriers that hinder their ability to foster sustainable relationships with their children. This support ranges from advocating for housing, arranging for interpreters in court meetings, and enabling access to family support counselling services, among other provisions.
“This collaboration with Life Without Barriers and DS Consultancy is a testament to our shared commitment towards empowering parents and safeguarding the welfare of children,” added Bergineti. “We look forward to the actionable insights and meaningful changes this Direct Experience Group will bring to the child protection and family support system in South Australia.”
The Reily Foundation is dedicated to making a real impact in the community and encouraging a brighter future for all children and families in South Australia.
About The Reily Foundation. The Reily Foundation is a not-for-profit organisation that provides practical support, education, and advocacy for parents navigating the Child Protection System in South Australia. It is committed to fostering connection, communication, collaboration, and parenting capacity, working towards ongoing connection and the reunification of families.
2022 Review of the Children and Young People (Safety) Act 2017
The Reily Foundation Inc welcomed the discussion paper prepared by The Department for Child Protection. Nadia Bergineti, Chief Executive Officer, and Maree Cutler-Naroba, President, submitted a submission to the Minister for changes to the Child & Young Persons safety Act.
CLICK HERE to view the final report.
Submission to the Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of People with Disability
CLICK HERE to view the final report.
Parent & Family Peer Advocacy Sector Forum Report
It is with our great pleasure that we post here the document which has been put together by Jessica Cocks from Life Without Barriers from the Peer Support Forum that was hosted by our Foundation, Child and Family Focus SA and Life Without Barriers together with our other partners and members of the lived experience community. We will be working towards bringing everyone together again in the New Year on a regular basis to develop a plan to continue to raise the important contribution of lived experience. Watch this space. “Learning from lived experience to protect children – together.
CLICK HERE to view the final report.
Aboriginal Artwork Piece – Charlie Griffiths (Artist)
Charlie is a Barkindji and Buandig artist who has partnered with The Reily Foundation Inc to create a piece of art that symbolises the journey of our Foundation, entitled ‘Kumangka’ – Coming Together.
Charlie created a piece of art that symbolises the essence of The Reily Foundation’s vision and mission to help parents to pull together all resources so families can remain connected.
Tabitha Broxholme nominated for the Joy Noble Medal at the DHS SA 2022 Volunteer Awards
Our brilliantly fabulous Tabitha Broxholme was nominated for the Joy Noble Medal at the DHS SA 2022 Volunteer Awards. Tabitha has been the driving force in the creation, implementation and facilitation of our Showing up for your Kids Workshop, together with her tireless commitment to our Foundation. Words can’t express our gratitude to this amazing advocate for change.
The Reily Foundation partnering with Life Without Barriers and Child & Family Focus SA in Sector Forum & Workshop
The Reily Foundation is proud to be partnering with Life Without Barriers and Child and Family Focus SA in an important Sector Forum and Workshop focused on the way practitioners and organisations can work towards empowering parents to support each other to make change for the sake of their children, 27 June, 10am to 2pm.
Schools Ministry Group Conference and Well-being Expo / 10th May 2022
The Reily Foundation was invited to have a booth at the Schools Ministry Group Conference and Well-being Expo, which was attended by over 300 chaplins and ministry workers. Our CEO Nadia Bergineti was there to explain our organisation and how we support families navigating the child protection system.
SOL Results | Training - Mentoring - Coaching International Women's Day Lunch Fundraiser / 15th April 2022
Thank you to the generosity of those that attended the SOL Results | Training – Mentoring – Coaching International Women’s Day Lunch. The $700 that you raised from this raffle will go towards our program and projects that support parents navigating the child protection system.
Thank you to Carmel Scicluna and Sarah Reimann for organising allowing our Foundation to be the charity of choice at this event. Thank you to those that attended and the connections that our CEO Nadia Bergineti made on the day.
Showing up for Kids 4 Week Workshop Series started / 9th March 2022
The Reily Foundation’s 4 week Workshop Series ‘Showing up for your kids’ has kicked off with 9 participants. What does this little guy have to do with it? Sometimes do you feel like your wadding through a bucket of 
. Parents involved in the child protection system have many barriers to navigate through. At The Reily Foundation we work with parents to acknowledge all they and their children are navigating and build on their skills for the sake of their children and the possibility of reunification.
Nadia Bergineti, recipient of BCD's Managing Director's Emerging Leaders Scholarship / October 2021
Congratulations to the incredible Nadia Bergineti, recipient of BCD’s Managing Director’s Emerging Leaders Scholarship.
Nadia is the CEO of The Reily Foundation and joins BCD in our Luminaries Group, facilitated by Linda Bowes. Nadia brings humour and a warm, kind-hearted sensibility to BCD and we can’t wait to see what she achieves next. Donny Walford
Donate
If you would like to donate to The Reily Foundation you can donate via direct deposit to our bank account.
If you donate $2 or more, Your donation to the Foundation is tax-deductible.
Workshops
The Reily Foundation host a variety of workshops throughout the year.
The Showing up for your Kids Workshop Series is designed to help Parents who have had children placed into Guardianship or are at risk of an order to do so.
Resources
The Reily Foundation provides practical solution-focussed support and advocacy for a parent/s whose children have been removed by the State’s child protection department.
The Reily Foundation help parent/s to identify barriers and how to overcome them so that they are better able to be in a position that facilitates ongoing connection and reunification with their child/children.
Head Office
The Reily Foundation Incorporated
183 Port Rd
Hindmarsh SA 5007
ABN: 13 783 916 782
South Australian Fundraising Licence: CCP3952
The Reily Foundation
The Reily Foundation acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the country on which we work, the peoples of the Kaurna Nation, and recognise their continuing connection to land, waters and culture. We pay our respects to their Elders past, present and emerging.