FOSTER care to listen

In this episode we finally have a sit down with foster carer Brione, where we hear why it’s all about allowing relationships to develop naturally, without expectation or pressure. We have a conversation about trust, connection, belonging, and giving young people the space to have a say in what their relationships and their foster care experience look like.   We talk about the importance of working alongside families, rather than working around them, and supporting family time, connection and shared goals. We explore what it really means to consult with young people about their own lives and their ‘case’ — not simply informing them about decisions after they’ve been made, but genuinely listening to their views and giving them a meaningful voice in their own journey The post Episode 6 – Centering their Worlds, a Carers’ Perspective appeared first on FOSTER care to listen.

In our first-ever video podcast episode, we’re joined by a special guest who works in the sector and shares how her own early lived experience has shaped her commitment to centering children’s voices. Together we explore why listening to children’s preferences is essential to make decisions that truly reflect their needs and best interests. Our guest also offers valuable insights into how building genuine rapport and trust has helped her create strong, meaningful connections with the young people at the heart of her work. Plus, we’re back to answer more of your big questions! Content warning: This episode includes conversations about death, suicide, substance abuse, trauma, grief and loss. We know these topics can be difficult for some people, so please take care while listening or watching and feel free to pause or come back to the episode when you’re ready. Don’t forget to check out the videos on our socials instagram.com/fostercaretolisten The post Episode 5 – Coming full circle appeared first on FOSTER care to listen.

This episode is a thoughtful and honest look at what it takes to create environments where young people don’t just arrive—but feel safe enough to begin again. We explore a listeners’ question around the vital importance of giving young people in care what we’ve called “a soft landing.” Moving into a new home can be overwhelming, and we unpack what it really means for carers to receive young people with sensitivity, patience, and understanding during those critical early days. We’re also joined by a powerful voice: a care leaver who shares their personal journey through the system and reflects on what it’s like to return to the sector in a professional capacity. Their perspective offers insight and highlights how lived experience can shape more compassionate care. Alongside these conversations, we pull apart two underlying themes that often go unspoken: the impact of labels, and the presence of silent anxiety that many young people carry with them. We also touch on the idea of regaining control—how small, intentional actions can help restore a sense of agency and stability during times of change. The post Episode 4 – The Impact of Labels and Silent Anxiety in Foster Care appeared first on FOSTER care to listen.

In this episode, we talk about the frustration of having to retell your story over and over again to a revolving door of caseworkers, carers, and professionals — what we call the “broken record” syndrome — and how that repetition can feel exhausting, exposing, and at times, dehumanising. We explore the social side too: how awkward and complicated it can be to talk about being a “foster kid” with peers, and the unspoken pressure to manage other people’s reactions, curiosity, and assumptions. We dive into the strange paradox of constantly being taught about your rights as a young person in care, while not always feeling heard or empowered in practice. There’s also an honest conversation about something kids may notice but rarely feel safe to say out loud — when it feels like a foster placement is more about the payment than genuine care. Finally, we reflect on what truly makes a difference — the importance of a connected, communicative “village” around a young person where everyone is on the same page. LISTEN NOW! The post Episode 3 – the frustration of having to retell your story over and over and over and over… appeared first on FOSTER care to listen.

Meet your remaining hosts, Blake and Brock. Drawing on their lived experience, they spark honest, unfiltered conversations about the things that matter — from the deeply personal to the everyday moments that shape us. Together, they explore what contact with the Child Protection system can look like from a child’s perspective, the clarity (and complexity) that comes with hindsight as a young care leaver, the life-changing impact of adults who refuse to give up, and what “family” really means beyond biology. Most importantly, they unpack why finding — and using — your voice as a young person can make all the difference between a steady path and a rocky road. Expect insight. Expect authenticity. And expect plenty of banter along the way. Come for the perspective. Stay for the conversation. The post Episode 2 – Meet your remaining hosts, Blake and Brock appeared first on FOSTER care to listen.

Meet two of our hosts, Olivia and William, who share their journeys from the get-go. We chat entry into care, good vs. bad carers, respite, changing placements, adjusting to new household dynamics, and for the practitioners out there – the imperative need to listen to the voice of young people in your care. What does this really mean? The post Episode 1 – FOSTER care to listen appeared first on FOSTER care to listen.