Foster carer support program launches in Murray Bridge

A program designed to provide an extended support network to foster and kinship carers has launched in Murray Bridge.

The Mockingbird Family program is a first for regional South Australia, funded by the Department for Child Protection and managed by foster care and disability organisation Life Without Barriers.

The program is designed to:

• enhance stability for children and young people in care
• reduce placement breakdowns
• build connections through regular gatherings and shared experiences, and
• empower carers with access to peer support and practical assistance

Life Without Barriers chief executive Claire Robbs said the organisation had already seen the positive impact the program had on children in care, and their carers, elsewhere in South Australia.

“They say it takes a village to raise a child and that’s exactly what the Mockingbird model does,” Ms Robbs said.

The new group, or “constellation”, will be made up of six to 10 local carer households supported by an experienced carer known as a hub home provider.

Murray Bridge hub home provider and kinship carer Lisa Portarianos said she was looking forward to building an extended family that would not only provide a supportive community for children in care, but also their carers.

“Being a foster or kinship carer is an incredibly important job that comes with a lot of responsibility,” she said.

“Having a supportive community of people who know the highs, the lows, and the complexities of being a carer who you can talk to honestly and openly about challenges or wins can make a huge difference.”

The program provides wrap-around support for foster and kinship carers and the children in their care through peer support, social activities and planned and emergency respite care.

One of the big advantages is that children in care can make friends with their peers who find themselves in similar circumstances through the safety provided by the group.

Life Without Barriers’ Lucy Wade said the model provided carers and children with a supportive and inclusive community.

“I am so pleased that we can offer that extra level of support now in the Murray Bridge area,” she said.

“With Lisa at the centre, we’re building a network where carers feel supported, children thrive and the community grows stronger together.”

• More information: Call Life Without Barriers on 8531 4205 or visit the local office at 123 Swanport Road, Murray Bridge.