Take a peek inside My Forever Family NSW’s in-person info sessions for insights and support through your journey.

Join Tyler McLean, Carer Support Officer at My Forever Family NSW, for an in-person session where she’ll share what it really means to be a carer and gain valuable insights and practical advice to support you on your journey. 

Read her Q&A for more details. 
   
1. How long have you worked with My Forever Family NSW?   
I’ve been with the organisation for nearly three years, working on the Carer Support Team.   

2. What inspired you to become involved in supporting carers, and what do you find most rewarding about it?   
What truly drives me is seeing the positive impact we can have on carers’ lives, helping them feel supported and empowered in their role. Sometimes, it’s simply listening and providing resources that clarifies the complex system they navigate.  

Other times, it’s about helping them advocate for themselves, pushing for better policies that affect their daily lives.  

Over the past three years at My Forever Family NSW I’ve learned so much about empathy and resilience not just from the carers themselves, but from the stories they share about the young people they care for.   

3. What can people expect to learn at the Hunter in-person information session that they might not get from an online session?   
At our information sessions, we provide an overview of foster care and the various types of care that might be the best fit for different personal situations.  

What makes our in-person sessions unique is the chance to engage directly with agencies and DCJ representatives.  

This face-to-face interaction offers attendees the opportunity to ask questions and determine if fostering is the right path for them.  

A key highlight is the presence of an experienced carer who shares valuable insights from their own journey. They will answer questions and offer real-life examples of different care types including short-term, emergency, long-term, short-term restoration and respite care.   

4. What are some of the biggest misconceptions about being a carer and how do the information sessions help address them?   
A common misconception is that only people in traditional family structures can become carers. Many think that being single or part of a same-sex relationship disqualifies them, but that’s simply not the case.  

We are actively seeking diverse carers and encourage anyone interested to attend our free information session to explore if becoming a carer for kids is the right fit.  

Our guest speaker, an experienced carer, will also address common misconceptions, shedding light on both the rewards and challenges that come with fostering.   

5. Why do you think attending in person makes a difference for people considering becoming a carer?   
Attending in person offers a deeper, more personal experience. It gives potential carers the chance to engage directly with our guest speaker and ask them about their unique fostering journey. There’s also the opportunity to speak with local agencies and DCJ staff, who can provide valuable information about caring with them. This face-to-face interaction creates a more supportive, comfortable environment to ask questions and make informed decisions.   

6. What kind of support and community do carers receive, and how does the in-person session help people connect with that community?   
Our in-person sessions provide a chance for potential carers to connect with others who are considering the same life-changing journey.  

It’s also a great opportunity to meet members of our carer support team, who offer ongoing advocacy and support once carers are authorised.  

Additionally, we help link carers with local support groups, ensuring they have a network of peers to lean on for advice and encouragement.   

7. Can you give us a sneak peek of any guest speakers at the upcoming session?   
Absolutely! We’re fortunate to have a guest speaker who is an experienced carer and has provided all types of care to children over the years.  

Her experience spans from long-term care to emergency placements, short-term restoration and respite care. She’ll share her personal journey, answer questions and offer valuable insights into what life as a foster carer really entails.   
   
8. What advice would you give to someone who’s on the fence about attending?   
I’d encourage anyone who is considering foster care to attend this free, informative session. It’s a no-pressure environment where you can ask any questions about becoming an authorised carer and hear directly from someone who has been through the process.  

You’re not committing to anything by attending, just taking the first step to gather information.  

Our recruitment team will follow up in the coming weeks, and if you’re still interested, we’ll support you throughout the authorisation process.   
   
To register for our upcoming in-person information session in the Hunter Region click here.