Carer Support

Australia is facing a critical shortage of foster carers, a situation that poses a serious threat to the wellbeing of thousands of vulnerable children. While the number of children entering foster care is stabilising, the decline in available foster carers has reached alarming levels, meaning more kids will be entering residential care which statistics show, results in poorer outcomes.   

The reasons behind this decline are multifaceted, however, what is clear is that foster carers require a range of diverse supports to be able to continue the critical work they do for children and young people. OzChild are committed to providing carers with access to a range of innovative support systems tailored to the needs of the foster care household.

Carers have identified that the most meaningful support they receive comes from other carers, who have empathy and frontline experience of their own daily needs. Innovative initiatives like Mockingbird Family, a program recently launched for OzChild carers, is designed to provide a supportive community for foster carers, making the fostering journey more sustainable and less isolating. 

A Mockingbird community consists of a group of six to 10 foster and kinship care families, known as a “constellation,” which is supported by an experienced foster carer, known as a “hub home carer.” The hub home carer provides support, advice and respite care to the families in their constellation, helping to alleviate the pressures that often lead to carer burnout. This model not only provides practical support but also fosters a sense of community and belonging, reducing the isolation that many carers experience. 

The establishment of OzChild’s first Mockingbird constellation in the South East is a pivotal development for foster care in Victoria. This region, like many others, has been grappling with a shortage of foster carers, making the support provided by the constellation particularly crucial. 

Early indications suggest the Mockingbird model can lead to better outcomes for both carers and children. Carers feel more supported, leading to greater retention rates and children benefit from more stable and consistent care.

OzChild’s Buddy Program is designed to give new carers a strong start by connecting them with experienced mentors as soon as they are accredited. Mentors, who have been carers for over two years, are selected through an expression of interest process and matched with mentees in their local area. These mentors offer one on one guidance and support, often forming lasting friendships that continue beyond the 18-month program. OzChild currently has 25 mentors supporting 55 mentees, the program providing new carers support from someone who truly understands their journey. 

OzChild offers an after-hours service to support carers during those times when help is hardest to find. This service has been a cornerstone of our commitment to carers for years, with dedicated staff like Maria, who has over 20 years of experience, leading the charge. From 5:00pm onwards, no matter the day—be it a weekend, public holiday, or late night—there are always two or three team members on call, ready to step in when you need them most. 

Carers can reach out whenever they’re feeling overwhelmed or need immediate assistance, and the OzChild on-call team is exceptional at diffusing and de-escalating stressful situations. This service is all about making sure OzChild carers never feel alone, no matter what time it is. It’s a lifeline that provides carers peace of mind, knowing that help is just a phone call away. 

OzChild is committed to supporting its village of carers by offering a range of social events and activities that help them recharge, connect and share resources. Monthly carer respite weekends provide much-needed time off, allowing carers to relax and take care of themselves, knowing their children are in good hands. Annual carer dinners offer a chance to catch up with fellow carers from across the state, fostering a sense of community and shared understanding.  

Additionally, OzChild’s carer swap meets are a great opportunity for carers to exchange high quality items that their children have outgrown or lost interest in, for something new and exciting. These events not only ease the financial burden but also create a space for carers to connect, share experiences and support each other. 

These activities along with other regular social events like pizza nights, picnics and BBQ events, and even our wellbeing and nurturing days are something carers frequently look forward to attending. 

As Australia faces this critical juncture, it is essential that we support our carers and expand programs like Mockingbird Family, buddy programs and other initiatives. By doing so, we can ensure that every child has the opportunity to grow up in a home-based environment with stability, and every carer receives the support they deserve for their extraordinary commitment to fostering.