Preparing our Hearts: A Foster Care Journey
Preparing our Hearts: A Foster Care Journey
Podcast Description
'Preparing Our Hearts: A Foster Care Journey' highlights the stories and experiences of foster carers and their biological children as they navigate the loss and grief that is associated with the temporary care of children. Profound, moving and honest, the stories in the series provide insight into the reality of having to say goodbye to children you've cared for in your home.
Also featuring the voices of foster carer professionals, educators and academics, this podcast for prospective and existing foster carers, and the people who support them.
Podcast Insights
Content Themes
The podcast delves into the emotional complexities of foster care, focusing on themes such as grief, loss, and the joy of foster relationships. Episode examples include discussions on the challenges of saying goodbye to foster children and insights from experts on disenfranchised grief, with episodes featuring the experiences of foster carers and research findings on support systems.
‘Preparing Our Hearts: A Foster Care Journey’ highlights the stories and experiences of foster carers and their biological children as they navigate the loss and grief that is associated with the temporary care of children. Profound, moving and honest, the stories in the series provide insight into the reality of having to say goodbye to children you’ve cared for in your home.
Also featuring the voices of foster carer professionals, educators and academics, this podcast for prospective and existing foster carers, and the people who support them.
This final episode focuses on the inherent strengths and abilities of foster carers.
Featured are experienced foster carers Heidi and Michael, who speak of the challenges and joys of their foster care journey, their resilience and coping strategies. They speak of the importance of self-care and self-compassion.
Kellie Goes, State Director of MacKillop Family Services in WA, highlights the need for foster carers to have humour and emotional intelligence. She discusses loss and grief, managing trauma, and the value of the Sanctuary Model.
The episode offers insights from Dr. Margaret Kertesz’s research and underscores the critical role of support networks in sustaining foster carers. Foster carers are encouraged to build connections, practice self-care, and reflect on the positive impacts they make.
Through experts and experienced carers, this episode offers wisdom and practical advice to help foster carers and those who support them prepare their hearts for the foster care journey.
(02:36) Heidi's Foster Care Journey
(03:39) Michael's Foster Care Experience
(05:45) The Importance of Humour and Reflection
(06:59) Challenges in the Foster Care System
(08:14) The Power of Saying No
(09:43) Self-Care for Foster Carers
(12:34) The Sanctuary Model
(14:56) Coping with Grief and Loss
Find out more about becoming a foster carer at MacKillop Family Services, visit www.mackillop.org.au/fostercare or call 1300 791 677
Access the MacKillop Family Services and Melbourne University Grief and Loss Research Report – http://www.mackillop.org.au/loss-and-grief-in-foster-care
Sanctuary model at MacKillop Family Services: Trauma-informed Care | MacKillop Family Services
If themes in this content have impacted you, consider contacting Australia's National Grief & Loss Support Hub, Griefline at griefline.org.au or call 1300 845 745.
If you’re a foster carer and require support with grief and loss, please contact your agency for pathways to support.
Produced byPosterboy Media
Narration written byKaty Warner
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