Peer-to-peer mentoring for foster carers is a support system where new carers connect with and learn from more experienced ones.
The seasoned foster carer (mentor) is paired with a less experienced carer (mentee) to offer guidance and support outside of a formal structure.
MacKillop started its Peer-to-Peer foster care mentoring program in NSW and Victoria with 20 mentors and mentees in the pilot model. Experienced carers were matched with new foster carers to provide valuable collaboration outside of MacKillop’s formal training and support.
In developing the program, we conducted four focus groups with carers in our Metro Sydney and Illawarra Shoalhaven regions to determine what would be both valuable and practical to carers in a mentoring program; and engaged The Australian Centre for Social Innovation who reviewed the feedback from carers and developed recommendations on a sustainable peer-to-peer program model.
“There is a highly professional structure in place for carers, together with resources to help with advice and therapeutic support,” says Jasmine Perry, MacKillop’s National Leader of Foster Care Development. “However, connecting a new carer with someone who has shared experience is a very special type of support.”
“Contact with other carers provides shared understanding, practical assistance, and help with problem solving and positive feedback,” explains Ms Perry. “It can also reduce feelings of isolation.”
Carer Hiedi from Southern NSW was keen to be a mentor and help others. “When times are really difficult with different behaviours and placement breakdown, just being able to connect with other carers who understand gets you through some tough times.
“It’s also a good place to celebrate the little wins, like a child learning to tie their shoelaces or learning to ride a bike. Being able to share that as a win with someone who ‘gets it’ helps to boost a foster carer’s internal resources.”
Currently, peer support for foster carers happens at a group level. These occur monthly, enabling carers to get together, build support networks and support one other as individuals. The Peer Mentoring model complements the group support with 1:1 support between carers.
Peer mentoring in foster care offers numerous benefits. These include:
- Knowledge Transfer: Peer mentoring helps new carers learn effective strategies directly from those who have been in similar situations. It builds problem-solving skills to help new carers navigate the complexities of foster care.
- Emotional Support: Foster carers often face unique challenges and stresses.
Peer mentors offer a supportive relationship, helping to prevent overwhelm
and burnout.
- Increased Confidence: Mentors boost new carers' confidence, helping them feel more capable for foster care responsibilities.
- Community Building: Peer mentoring creates a supportive network among foster carers, promoting resource sharing and collaboration.
Meaningfully and practically designed
MacKillop’s peer mentoring program was co-developed with carers and The Australian Centre for Social Innovation (TACSI). Drawing on the recommendations of TACSI and carers in the pilot phase, the program is now available to MacKillop carers in NSW, Victoria and Western Australia.
The model is structured to match carers appropriately and provide carers and staff with clarity and support on how to facilitate and manage the mentorship. This is managed by a series of tools, which include:
- Process Map - a clear step by step guide to assist case workers with the establishment and ongoing actions to keep the mentoring arrangement on track.
- Peer Agreement - a simple tool to help Mentors and Mentees establish a mutual understanding before their first connection.
- Peer Reflection Tool - to support the end of a peer connection. This reflection tool will identify what worked well and any areas still requiring attention post the connection.
- Peer Mentor Profile – this is created in collaboration with mentors to assist with appropriate matching
- Matching Email Template is used to introduce the mentor and mentee and exchange their contact details.
