At the Parramatta Pride Picnic this Saturday, MacKillop Family Services welcomes all to explore whether being a foster carer family could be their future.
Visitors to the MacKillop stall can chat with staff about the organisation’s commitment to inclusive services A newly released resource is the MacKillop LGBTIQA+ Foster Carer Guide, developed for use by all MacKillop foster carers.
The Guide offers information on how to cultivate a safe and inclusive environment when caring for young people with diverse sexual orientations, gender identities and expressions.
“We take great care to ensure that foster carers feel comfortable to have gender and sexual-orientation conversations, and young people who are part of the LGBTIQA+ community feel safe and a sense of belonging in a foster carer’s home,” says MacKillop’s NSW Manager for Carer Recruitment, Patricia Maher. “We recognise the importance of affirming a child or young person’s identity and sexual orientation, for their wellbeing.”
The guide also demonstrates how LGBTIQA+ foster carers, and those interested in fostering with MacKillop, are respected in their fostering journey.
Foster carer Brent is confident that a chat with the MacKillop team will help tackle any misconception around who can be a foster carer.
“I didn’t have any concern about being approved as a foster carer from the LGBTIQA+ community,” Brent explains. “I knew from a friend that MacKillop was very accepting of people from all walks of life. “I started communicating with MacKillop, and it all fell into place. I was an accredited foster carer within six months,” says Brent.
“Our foster carers are truly diverse,” confirms MacKillop’s Patricia Maher, “but what they have in common is the desire to provide nurturing homes for children and young people unable to live safely in their own homes.”
Visitors to the MacKillop stall at the Parramatta Pride Picnic can learn firsthand about the different types of foster care, the process involved, as well as about MacKillop’s comprehensive training and 24-hour support for carers.
Brent offers a word of encouragement: “Being from the LGBTIQA+ community shouldn’t stop you from becoming a foster carer. My experience has been positive, so don’t let fear hold you back; just go for it.” The Parramatta Pride Picnic takes place this Saturday 11 October 2025 at the Bowling Green, Parramatta Park. Anyone interested in learning more about becoming a foster carer can also do so at mackillop.org.au/fostercare
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For further information, contact the MacKillop media team:
Suzanne Schokman, Media & Communications Advisor (NSW) M: 0488 777 497 E: suzanne.schokman@mackillop.org.au
Angela Mallon, Media & Communications Team Lead M: 0438 076 313 E: angela.mallon@mackillop.org.au
