Foster Care Stories Part 1: Jackson

We’re focusing on Foster Carers over the coming month to share the important role they have in the community. Foster care is the temporary care of children, with the goal to reunify them with their birth family.
 
In this episode we meet Jackson, a teacher in Northern Victoria. Jackson became a foster carer in 2021 when he was in his mid-20s. Jackson’s situation is unique and he is now stepping into the role of permanent carer.

These conversations will give you an insight into what it takes to be a Foster Carer – the ups and downs and how people who do this vital role can change the lives of the children they care for…and how their lives are changed too.

And If you haven’t already, listen to our previous episode with Jasmine Isaacs, a foster care specialist who talks about the process of becoming a foster carer.

If you are interested in becoming a foster carer and live in Victoria, contact Fostering Connections on 1800 013 088.

If you have been affected by anything discussed in this episode you can contact:

• Lifeline on 13 11 14
• 13 YARN on 13 92 76 (24/7 crisis support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people)

Produced by Emily Webb, ermha365 Advocacy and External Communications Advisor.

We recognise people with lived experience who contribute to GET REAL podcast, and those who love, support and care for them. We recognise their strength, courage and unique perspective as a vital contribution so that we can learn, grow and achieve better outcomes together.

ermha365 provides support for people with complex mental health and disability in Victoria and the Northern Territory.

ermha365 acknowledges that our work in the community takes place on the Traditional Lands of many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples and therefore respectfully recognise their Elders, past and present, and the ongoing Custodianship of the Land and Water by all Members of these Communities.

Meridia represents the next evolution of a group of long-standing and trusted social service organisations working across disability, mental health, employment, community inclusion, social enterprise, allied health and clinical services.

Together, we bring organisations including The Disability Trust, ermha365, OC Connections, Marriott Support Services, Bedford and embarc into a more connected and future-focused structure.

Helplines (Australia):
Lifeline  13 11 14
QLIFE 1800 184 527
13 YARN 13 92 76
Suicide Callback Service 1300 659 467

Meridia acknowledges that our work in the community takes place on the Traditional Lands of many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples and therefore respectfully recognise their Elders, past and present, and the ongoing Custodianship of the Land and Water by all Members of these Communities.

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