Emily's Hope

ncies and Departments and their systems can be confusing and overwhelming. Emily’s Hope was created to bridge the gap and support families to successfully navigate the systems. Our lead practioners have extensive experience in:-
• Promoting the holistic well being of the child
• Advocating for children with special needs – visible and non-visible
• Ensuring best practice for children
• Supporting children and their families
• Providing education and awareness of trauma informed parenting
• Navigating adoption, foster care & NDIS

Who we are…
Rachael is first and foremost a wife and mum to awesome kids via birth, adoption and foster care. Her transracial family comprises of visible and non-visible special needs. Rachael is Vice President of International Adoptive Families of Queensland (IAFQ). She is an experienced Social Worker and Tutor at James Cook University School of Medicine. She has over 20 years experience in working with young people being employed by both Govt and NGOs. Her professional areas of interest include vulnerable children, disability, adoption and foster care. She is a strong advocate for recognising the rights and importance of all children, especially those with complex special needs and recently spoke at the Queensland Disability Conference regarding the important role NDIS will play in meeting these needs. Maree is a wife and mum to children with multicultural backgrounds and unique needs via adoption as well as a foster carer. She is President of International Adoptive Families of Queensland (IAFQ) and over the past decade has built a strong reputation in the Adoption Community as a passionate advocate for child centered practices. Maree is an experienced nurse with a passion for collaborative care for children with complex care needs. Maree has been a member of the National Intercountry Adoptive Advisory Group (NICAAG) and currently sits on steering and advisory groups to the department in relation to adoption and foster care. Emily’s Hope is dedicated to Maree and husband Shane’s daughter. Emily joined the Waterson Family at 19 months of age with significant Special Needs; some understood some not. Her health deteriorated in 2014 causing Maree and Emily to spend considerable time in hospital. Sadly Emily lost her battle in January 2015. Emily life, although short had a huge impact on everyone she met. She was quick with a smile or a wink. Emily showed determination in everything she did and accomplished, she taught others how to enjoy the moment and not worry about tomorrow as it is never promised. Emily’s death enquiry highlighted that cracks exist in many systems that surround vulnerable children. Our goal is to advocate for real systemic change and to empower families by providing information, support and genuine understanding. This is Emily’s Hope.