We are speaking about all things Foster Care! Join us as we sit down with Susan and Kirsty from the Lighthouse Foundation in Melbourne, Australia to learn more about youth homelessness, the foster care system and how you can help create a safe home and community for homeless kids to belong, heal and thrive!

About the Lighthouse Foundation:

Lighthouse Foundation provides homes and therapeutic care programs to children and young people impacted by long-term neglect, abuse and homelessness. Lighthouse Foundation’s focus is to create caring communities where kids can feel safe, form meaningful relationships and begin to heal from traumatic experiences. To learn more, visit https://lighthousefoundation.org.au/

Get to know our guest speakers:

Susan Barton:

Susan Barton is a revolutionary Australian leader in the area of youth homelessness. As Founder and Director of Lighthouse Foundation for homeless youth, Susan began caring for vulnerable young people in her own home more than 30 years ago, following a life changing experience as a volunteer in a Sri Lankan orphanage. In recognition of her dedication and work, in 2002 Susan was inducted as a Member of the Order of Australia, in 2009 she received Melbourne’s highest accolade and was our Melburnian of the Year. In 2012 she was inducted into the Victorian Honour Roll of Women for her significant achievements and contribution to the Victorian community. Susan’s mission is to change the way Australia looks at the issue and consequences of youth homelessness moving towards a more therapeutic approach on their journey to recovery. 

Kristy Buchanan

Kristy is the Head of Marketing and Recruitment at Lighthouse Foster care. Her 20 + years of marketing, strategy and relationship skills are helping Lighthouse find new foster carers and expand their foster care program. Having co-parented children with a previous partner, she has firsthand experience on the ups and downs of parenthood, but also the difference that stability and love can bring to a child, especially ones affected by abuse and trauma. 

Additional Resources: 

• 🌐  https://lighthousefoundation.org.au/
• 📞 Fostering Connections hotline: 1800 013 088
• 📕  Build your Teenager’s Self Esteem 
• 📘  Therapeutic Residential Care for Children: An Attachment and Trauma-Informed  Model for Practice

Want to financially support the work of the Lighthouse Foundation? Donate today!

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