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