Life Without Barriers is thrilled to announce the expansion of its highly successful foster care program, MOCKINGBIRD FAMILY™, in Western Australia.
Image: Two young boys sit side by side, doing a craft activity.
"The success we've seen with the Mockingbird Family program in New South Wales and South Australia underscores the transformative power of community support," said Helen Nys, Director Child Youth and Family WA at Life Without Barriers.
"Bringing foster care families together builds resilient and caring communities that are proven to enrich the lives of carers, and, most importantly, offers children the stability and sense of family they need to thrive."
Kate O'Shea, Carer Practice Manager, has put the call out for foster carers in Perth to join the new constellations.
"There will one north of the river, one south of the river and one in middle/eastern suburbs. We want our fantastic local carers in Perth to know there is likely to be one close by to them." Kate said.
"We already have two experienced foster carers in the roles of Home Hub Providers and will be advertising for a third very soon."
The MOCKINGBIRD FAMILY™ model organises 6 to 10 foster and kinship carer households into small, close-knit groups called Constellations. Each Constellation is guided by a Hub Home Provider—an experienced carer who serves as a central support for the group. This structure enables carers to come together, build confidence, and develop skills that enhance the quality of care provided to children and young people.
The program’s success is evident in Adelaide, where eight Constellations have provided continuous support to foster families for over over three years now. Reflecting on the impact, Julie Critchley, a Hub Home Provider in Adelaide, said.
Image: A group of four children running and playing together outdoors.
“The Constellations operate much like an extended family, with the Hub Home serving as a ‘grandparent’s house’—a familiar, comfortable space where children can visit, have sleepovers, and attend social events. It’s had a huge impact on creating a sense of belonging and security for everyone involved.”
With the expansion to Perth, additional Constellations are being established, and Life Without Barriers has a vision to extend the program across Western Australia in the coming years.
"This model alleviates ‘compassion fatigue’—a major cause of carer burnout—by creating a resilient ‘safety net’ that offers ongoing support and resources," said Helen.
"It helps carers remain engaged, reduces secondary traumatic stress, and enables them to continue providing high-quality care.”
Life Without Barriers is dedicated to strengthening the foster care experience, building support networks that not only improve outcomes for children but also address the critical need for carer retention across the sector.
With a proven track record of empowering carers, uplifting children, and strengthening communities, the MOCKINGBIRD FAMILY™ program is now ready to make a meaningful difference for foster families throughout Western Australia.
