Preparing our Hearts: A Foster Care Journey

MacKillop Family Services
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'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.

Episodes

  1. 05/29/2025

    5. Give me Strength: Boosting Your Internal Resources

    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 by ⁠Posterboy Media⁠ Narration written by ⁠Katy Warner⁠

    35 min

  2. 05/22/2025

    4. It really does take a village: Social and Professional Supports

    In this episode, host and Principal Practitioner at MacKillop Family Services, Summah Hemming, discusses the critical role of the foster carer’s ‘village’ - the professionals, family and friends who support foster carers.  Discussions include the unique challenges of emergency and short-term placements, cumulative grief, the importance of case manager relationships, and the support strategies employed by MacKillop Family Services to help carers. The episode also looks at the challenges faced by Aboriginal communities, with Cameron McGrath, Aboriginal Practice Lead at MacKillop Family Services, providing insight into the significance and importance of cultural and kinship connections in foster placements.  This episode features Louise Hall, Lead for Partnerships at MacKillop Seasons, who talks about grief education and her work in supporting people around change, loss and grief experiences. While experienced foster carer Agapi shares personal stories and coping strategies.  The episode emphasises the necessity of a supportive village, highlighting the need for both systemic and personal support structures to help foster carers cope with the inevitable feelings of grief and loss when a child leaves their home. (02:03) The Role of the Village in Foster Care (02:14) Challenges and Emotional Impact of Foster Caring (02:39) Professional Perspectives on Supporting Foster Carers (08:45) Coping Mechanisms and Support Systems for Carers (09:49) The Importance of Rituals and Acknowledging Grief (12:05) Cumulative Grief and Its Impact on Carers (17:57) The Role of Case Managers and Professional Support (28:01) Kinship Caring and Cultural Considerations 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 MacKillop Seasons: Home | MacKillop Seasons   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 by ⁠Posterboy Media⁠} Narration written by ⁠Katy Warner⁠

    43 min

  3. 05/15/2025

    3. Young Recruits: The experience of biological children of foster carers

    This episode focuses on the crucial yet often overlooked role of biological children in foster care families.  Host and Principal Practitioner at MacKillop Family Services, Summah Hemming, meets young adults, Abi, Sophie and Charlotte, who grew up as the biological children in foster care families to unpack their perspective and experience.  Abi, Sophie, and Charlotte discuss the positive impacts on their emotional development and future aspirations, and highlight how familial bonds, shared responsibilities, and life lessons shaped their views on empathy, love, and loss. Carol, a current carer, shares strategies for balancing the needs of biological and foster children and underscores the invaluable life skills gained from fostering. Dr. Margaret Kertesz’s research provides further insight into the importance of recognising and supporting the perspectives of biological children in foster care families.  The podcast offers valuable insights for current and prospective foster carers, emphasising the importance of family discussions, emotional balance, and the profound impact foster care can have on all members of the foster care family. (03:02) Meet Abi: A Foster Care Sister (03:37) Charlotte and Sophie's Foster Care Sibling Experience (07:48) Carol's Journey as a Foster Carer (10:24) The Emotional Impact of Foster Caring (13:29) Coping Strategies and Support Systems (28:34) The Positive Impact of Foster Care on Biological Children 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 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 by Posterboy Media Narration written by Katy Warner

    36 min

  4. 05/08/2025

    2. I don’t know how you do it! Foster carers talk about caring for kids you have to give back

    This episode looks at the emotional complexities faced by foster carers and the significant responsibility and impact of opening one’s heart, and home, to vulnerable children.  Presented by Summah, Principal Practitioner at MacKillop Family Services, the episode features heartfelt stories from experienced foster carers Mardi and Robyne. They share their foster care journeys, including the grief of saying goodbye and the joy of forming lasting relationships with foster children.  The episode also includes insights from Dr. Margaret Kertesz on disenfranchised grief and Simangaliso Nyoni, MacKillop Family Services National Multicultural Practice Lead, on the importance of culturally considerate care.  Through personal anecdotes and expert advice, the episode sheds light on the profound impact foster carers have on the lives of vulnerable children. (02:08) The Emotional Journey of Foster Caring (02:44) Mardi's Foster Care Experience (05:29) Robyne's Long-Term Foster Care Experience (06:51) Challenges and Mixed Emotions (09:37) Disenfranchised Grief in Foster Caring (10:39) Support Systems for Foster Carers (19:00) Cultural Considerations in Foster Care (21:14) Preparing for Goodbyes (26:29) The Impact of Foster Care in Community 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   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 by ⁠Posterboy Media⁠ Narration written by ⁠Katy Warner

    35 min

  5. 05/07/2025

    1. My foster child has just moved on; why does it hurt so much?

    This episode explores the challenges and complexities of foster care, particularly the grief experienced when a foster child leaves a caregiver's home.  With valuable insights from Dr. Margaret Kertesz, a Senior Research Fellow at the University of Melbourne, and foster carers Charles and Pam, this episode examines the profound sense of loss and grief carers can feel when a child leaves their home. Dr. Kertesz shares findings from her latest research on the impact of multiple transitions on foster families, emphasizing the need for ongoing support and recognition of carers' grief.  The podcast highlights coping strategies, including the importance of maintaining connections with former foster children, understanding the unique pressures each relationship brings, and having authentic, supportive relationships between carers and professionals. This podcast is hosted by Summah Hemming, Principal Practitioner at MacKillop Family Services. (01:45) Challenges and Emotional Impact of Foster Caring (03:55) Research Insights on Foster Care Transitions (17:16) Understanding Grief and Loss in Foster Caring (19:06) Supporting Foster Carers Through Transitions (20:27) Coping Mechanisms and Self-Care Strategies (21:51) Maintaining Connections Post-Transition 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   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. Report – http://www.mackillop.org.au/loss-and-grief-in-foster-care   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 by ⁠⁠Posterboy Media⁠⁠ Narration written by ⁠⁠Katy Warner

    34 min

  6. TRAILER

    Preparing Our Hearts - Trailer

    Hosted by Summah Hemming, Principal Practitioner at MacKillop Family Services, the 'Preparing Our Hearts: A Foster Care Journey’ series features insights from foster carers, professionals, and educators. It is a podcast for prospective and experienced foster carers and the people who support them.

    4 min

Trailer

About

'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.

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