Healing happens in relationships — with the right support, even the most troubled beginnings can lead to powerful, positive transformations.
When a child enters care due to trauma, their world often feels like it’s unravelling. Big emotions, oppositional behaviours, and silence can speak volumes about the pain they carry. For one young person who could not live with their parents, and was overwhelmed by feelings they couldn’t name, and behaviours shaped by past experiences too heavy for young shoulders finding a safe space to heal was imperative.
But hope found its way through kin.
Taken in by a relative who offered not just a roof but unconditional love, stability, and deep understanding, this child was met with patience, empathy and care that adjusted to meet their individual needs. Rather than expecting change overnight, their carer worked consciously and consistently to create a safe environment where healing could begin. The home became a soft place to land — where behaviour was seen as communication, not rebellion.
Carers like this are the quiet heroes of our community. They open their hearts and homes, walking alongside children as they navigate fear, grief and uncertainty. They don’t just care — they advocate, they nurture, and they believe in every child’s potential, even when that child struggles to believe in themselves.
KICS Kinship and Foster Care (KFC) was also there every step of the way for the young person and the Kinship Carer. The KICS Support Workers was able to work in partnership with the carer to ensure the family never felt they walked alone. From helping to organise tutoring support for a child navigating a form of dyslexia, to regular check-ins and system navigation support, KICS’ presence brought reassurance in uncertain moments and practical help when it mattered most.
In time, this young person’s expressive behaviours turned into speech. They learned to articulate not only their needs and feelings but also their hopes. Today, they are ready to step into adulthood, equipped with resilience, communication skills, and a growing confidence in their future.
This Kinship and Foster Care Week, we celebrate carers — the steady hands and open hearts behind every story of recovery and growth. Their impact is lifelong, and their commitment creates ripple effects that extend through generations.
The journey of this young person reminds us that healing happens in relationships and that with the right support, even the most troubled beginnings can lead to powerful, positive transformations.
What is Kinship Care?
Kinship care is when a child who cannot live with their parents is cared for by a relative, family friend, or someone from their community who has a meaningful connection with them. It recognises the importance of keeping children connected to their culture, identity and sense of belonging. Kinship carers provide not only familiarity, and continuity, but also love stability and understanding during times of great uncertainty. Their role is vital — offering a bridge between a child’s past and a more hopeful future.
KICS Kinship and Foster Care Moreton Bay
KICS Kinship and Foster Care Service (KICS KFC) is a child and young person centred, whole of family focused out of home care service resting on the foundation practice framework of the Family Partnership Model (FPM). This model provides out of home care support while maintaining a whole of family lens focused on wellbeing, attachment and bonding through case management and the application of family led decision making principles. Our team will work collaboratively with the whole family including parents, grandparents, and extended family, to secure a stable and enduring kinship and foster care placement while it is required.