Key information
- The Foster and Kinship Carer Association Tasmania (FKAT) and a network of non-government organisations provide valuable support and advocacy for carers in Tasmania.
- As a carer, you are not alone. There are peer support and mentoring programs available to you.
- There are several resources and tools available to help support your wellbeing and mental health as a carer.
Carers spend a lot of time caring for others, but taking the time to care for yourself is important too. Accessing the right resources and supports for your wellbeing can help you provide the best care for children in your home and prevent the emotional, mental and physical exhaustion described as ‘burnout’.
Caring for children and young people is incredibly rewarding, but it can also be challenging.
Carer support and mentoring
Foster and Kinship Carers Association of Tasmania
The Foster and Kinship Carers Association of Tasmania formed in 1986 and is the Peak Body representing and providing a voice for carers in Tasmania.
The association aims to:
- provide supportive services to all foster and kinship carers
- keep members informed of new ideas
- keep members informed of changes to laws, policy and practices relating to children and young people in Care.
More information and to access the FKAT Carer Handbook can be found on the Foster and Kinship Carers Association of Tasmania’s website.
Network of foster care providers
We are proud to partner with a trusted network of non-government providers that recruit, train and support carers on a daily basis.
To read more about the non-government providers we work with, visit the foster care providers page.
Connecting with other carers
To connect with other carers, or be part of a mentoring program, FKAT and Fostering Hope offer a range of support for new and experienced carers.
Contact FKAT to see what peer support groups may be meeting in your area.
Websites:
Supporting your own wellbeing
Your support needs may change over time, depending on your own experience and confidence levels, and the needs and age of the children in your care.
Your work puts you in front of trauma most days and this can have a toll. It’s important to take care of yourself and look out for signs of burnout or vicarious trauma so you know when you might need some extra support.
What is ‘burnout’?
Burnout is usually caused by stress that lasts for long periods of time. It can creep up on you over time. It can take away your energy and motivation, and can make you feel hopeless, cynical, resentful and as thought you have nothing more to give.
What is ‘vicarious trauma’?
Vicarious trauma is a normal response to the ongoing exposure to other people’s trauma. Working to support children and young people who have experienced trauma, and hearing, seeing and learning about their experiences, can have a cumulative effect on you and many aspects of your personal life.
The children and young people you care for have usually experienced significantly challenging, traumatic and distressing experiences in their lives. When you hear about or experience these repeatedly it can impact your personal life, health and functioning. This is vicarious trauma.
Signs of burnout and vicarious trauma
Signs of burnout and vicarious trauma can be similar and can include:
- feeling drained and tired most of the time
- getting sick a lot
- not sleeping well
- forgetfulness
- self-doubt
- social withdrawal
- decreased satisfaction
- increased irritability
- using food, drugs or alcohol to cope.
If you think you may be experiencing burnout or vicarious trauma, you may also wish to seek help from your GP, another professional or a counsellor.
Ways to prevent or manage feelings of stress, burnout or vicarious trauma
Self-care is a good way to prevent or manage feelings of stress, burnout and vicarious trauma. Below are some ideas to think about ways you can care for yourself:
- eating healthy food, exercising regularly and getting enough sleep
- slowing down and making time for things or hobbies you enjoy
- start or end the day with a relaxing activity, such as meditating, yoga, taking a bath, listening to a podcast or reading
- setting boundaries and learning to say ‘no’ when too many demands are made of you
- take pleasure in the small successes you have with your family and the children in your Care
- connect with other carers to share stories about the challenges and joys of caring
- ask for help and support from friends, family and other carers when you need it, including seeking therapy or counselling if needed
- talk about respite, home help and other options for support with your carer support worker or organisation
- plan ahead for the holidays so you and the family can enjoy activities together and have quiet time apart as well.
The Blue Knot Foundation and the Raising Children Network have a range of supports and information available on their websites to help you support your wellbeing.
Websites:
*The above information has been sourced from – ACT Government, Community Services, Vicarious Trauma: Self-care to manage the impact of other people’s trauma, 2019.
Respite care
Respite placements provide the child or young person and primary carers with a network of support.
Respite care is provided for children and young people for short periods of time on a regular basis, for example, one weekend a month.
Wherever possible, respite carers are identified to provide regular respite for the child or young person to ensure consistency of care and routine. Contact your child’s Child Safety Officer or your support worker to find out more about respite care.
Support services you can call
Everyone needs support at times.
Getting guidance, advice or simply having someone to talk to can make a big difference for you and the children in your care.
Counselling support
If you need someone to talk to, you can contact:
- Contact your DECYP or non-government provider to find out more about accessing wellbeing support and counselling services.
- The Foster and Kinship Carer Association Tasmania (FKAT) Support Team – FAST is a team of trained foster and kinship carers that have volunteered to provide support, advice and advocate on behalf of other foster or kinship carers. Phone Support Line: 1800 149 994
- Lifeline – A Tasmanian Lifeline – 8am-8pm, 365 days a year: 1800 98 44 34 for support and referral
- Relationships Australia Tasmania – Specialist complex trauma counselling, trauma informed counselling, wellbeing information and referral. 9am-5pm, Monday to Friday: 1300 364 277
- Kids Helpline – 24/7 support for children and young people provided by specialist counsellors: 1800 55 1800.
Services available 24 hours a day:
- Tell Someone – child-centred website that also includes tailored information for parents, carers and victim survivors. Provides links to 24/7 services: tellsomeone.tas.gov.au
- Statewide Sexual Assault Support Line – 24/7 support from local specialist counsellors. Provided by the Sexual Assault Support Service and Laurel House: 1800 697 877 (1800 MY SUPPORT)
- Lifeline – 24/7 crisis support: 13 11 14
- Kids Helpline – 24/7 support for children and young people provided by specialist counsellors: 1800 55 1800
- 13 YARN (24/7): 139 276 or 13yarn.org.au
- 1800 RESPECT (24/7): 1800 737 732 or 1800respect.org.au
- Beyond Blue (24/7): 1300 224 636 or beyondblue.org.au
- Headspace (24/7): 1800 650 890 or headspace.org.au
- MensLine Australia (24/7): 1300 789 978 or mensline.org.au
- Strong Families, Safe Kids (24/7): 1800 000 123 or strongfamiliessafekids.tas.gov.au
- Suicide Call Back Service (24/7): 1300 659 467 or suicidecallbackservice.org.au
- Tasmania Police – Non-emergency 24/7 assistance line: 131 444 or police.tas.gov.au
Emergency support
If a child or young person is at immediate risk of harm, contact 000 (triple zero) for urgent police or medical help.
If you have any concerns about the safety or wellbeing of a child or young person, you must report it to the Strong Families Safe Kids Advice and Referral Line on 1800 000 123
For more information about how to report concerns about the safety and wellbeing of a child or young person in Tasmania, visit the Report a Concern page.