Podcast thumbnail for Preparing our Hearts: A Foster Care Journey

Preparing our Hearts: A Foster Care Journey

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by MacKillop Family Services

5.0(5 reviews)
6 episodes
Updated Daily
Accepts GuestsHas SponsorsLocation 🇦🇺
38

Podcast Authority

Beta
PoorBased on show quality, social media presence, reviews, charts, and more
Pod Engine
Quality63
Social0
YouTube0
Engagement32

Podcast Overview

'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.

Language

🇺🇲

Publishing Since

5/5/2025

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38

Podcast Authority

Beta
PoorBased on show quality, social media presence, reviews, charts, and more
Pod Engine
Quality63
Social0
YouTube0
Engagement32
7
Excellent Areas
1
Good Performance
11
Growth Opportunities
excellent
Publishing Consistency
Every 4 days
Performing excellently!
good
iTunes Tags
6.5/10

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Recent Episodes

Episode thumbnail for 5. Give me Strength: Boosting Your Internal Resources

May 29, 2025

5. Give me Strength: Boosting Your Internal Resources

Experienced foster carers Heidi and Michael, along with Kellie Goes from MacKillop Family Services, explore resilience, self-care, and support networks for foster carers, emphasizing the importance of emotional intelligence and managing trauma in this interview episode.

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

May 22, 2025

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

<p>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. </p><p>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. </p><p>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. </p><p>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.</p><p><br /></p><p>(02:03) The Role of the Village in Foster Care</p><p>(02:14) Challenges and Emotional Impact of Foster Caring</p><p>(02:39) Professional Perspectives on Supporting Foster Carers</p><p>(08:45) Coping Mechanisms and Support Systems for Carers</p><p>(09:49) The Importance of Rituals and Acknowledging Grief</p><p>(12:05) Cumulative Grief and Its Impact on Carers</p><p>(17:57) The Role of Case Managers and Professional Support</p><p>(28:01) Kinship Caring and Cultural Considerations</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>Find out more about becoming a foster carer at MacKillop Family Services, visit <a href="http://www.mackillop.org.au/fostercare" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">www.mackillop.org.au/fostercare</a> or call 1300 791 677</p><p>Access the MacKillop Family Services and Melbourne University Grief and Loss Research Report – http://www.mackillop.org.au/loss-and-grief-in-foster-care</p><p>MacKillop Seasons: <a href="https://www.mackillopseasons.org.au/" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Home | MacKillop Seasons</a></p><p> </p><p>If themes in this content have impacted you, consider contacting Australia's National Grief &amp; Loss Support Hub, Griefline at <a href="http://griefline.org.au/" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">griefline.org.au</a> or call 1300 845 745.</p><p>If you’re a foster carer and require support with grief and loss, please contact your agency for pathways to support.</p><p> </p><p>Produced by<a href="https://posterboymedia.com.au/" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"> ⁠Posterboy Media⁠}</a></p><p>Narration written by<a href="https://katywarner.com/" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"> ⁠Katy Warner⁠</a></p>

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

May 15, 2025

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

<p>This episode focuses on the crucial yet often overlooked role of biological children in foster care families. </p><p>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. </p><p>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.</p><p>Dr. Margaret Kertesz’s research provides further insight into the importance of recognising and supporting the perspectives of biological children in foster care families. </p><p>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.</p><p><br /></p><p>(03:02) Meet Abi: A Foster Care Sister</p><p>(03:37) Charlotte and Sophie's Foster Care Sibling Experience</p><p>(07:48) Carol's Journey as a Foster Carer</p><p>(10:24) The Emotional Impact of Foster Caring</p><p>(13:29) Coping Strategies and Support Systems</p><p>(28:34) The Positive Impact of Foster Care on Biological Children</p><p>Find out more about becoming a foster carer at MacKillop Family Services, visit <a href="http://www.mackillop.org.au/fostercare" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">www.mackillop.org.au/fostercare</a> or call 1300 791 677</p><p>Access the MacKillop Family Services and Melbourne University Grief and Loss Research Report – http://www.mackillop.org.au/loss-and-grief-in-foster-care</p><p><br /></p><p>If themes in this content have impacted you, consider contacting Australia's National Grief &amp; Loss Support Hub, Griefline at <a href="http://griefline.org.au/" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">griefline.org.au</a> or call 1300 845 745.</p><p>If you’re a foster carer and require support with grief and loss, please contact your agency for pathways to support.</p><p><br /></p><p>Produced by <a href="https://posterboymedia.com.au/" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">Posterboy Media</a></p><p>Narration written by <a href="https://katywarner.com/" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">Katy Warner</a></p><p><br /></p>

6 total episodes available

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What is Preparing our Hearts: A Foster Care Journey?

'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.

How often does this podcast release new episodes?

This podcast updates daily.

Where can I listen to this podcast?

This podcast is available on 4 platforms including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and more. You can also use the RSS feed directly.

Does this podcast accept guests?

Yes, this podcast regularly features guests.

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