The launch of Life Without Barriers' newest MOCKINGBIRD FAMILY™ Constellation increases support for children, young people and foster carers in Western Australia.
Image: Marloes Blonk, Central Hub Home Provider, Louise Pekan, Mockingbird Family Liaison Officer, and Jess Kneale, Kwilena Hub Home Provider, smile at the camera.
Children and carers from across Rockingham, Mandurah, Pinjarra, and nearby communities came together at Ranger Red’s Zoo to celebrate the launch of Western Australia’s newest MOCKINGBIRD FAMILY™ Constellation.
Funded by the Department of Communities and delivered by Life Without Barriers, MOCKINGBIRD FAMILY™ is a globally recognised, evidence-informed program that provides wrap around support for foster and kinship carers and the children in their care.
The unique model brings together up to ten local carer households, known as a 'constellation', who are linked to a central Hub Home Provider. Within this close network, carers can lean on each other for peer support, connect through social activities, and access planned and emergency respite, helping to strengthen placement stability and reduce isolation.
"MOCKINGBIRD FAMILY™ recognises that foster carers are the experts of their family and each household has much to offer to their peers," said Chris Skinner, Manager Program Advancement and Implementation for MOCKINGBIRD FAMILY™.
Image: Christ Skinner, Manager Program Advancement and Implementation for MOCKINGBIRD FAMILY™, Helen Nys, Director Child Youth and Family Western Australia, and Josie Pickering, Regional Director, at the launch event, smiling at the camera.
Based in the Peel region, known for its beaches and canals where dolphins play, the new constellation has been named 'Kwilena', meaning dolphin in Noongar, honouring the Noongar people of south-western Western Australia and the lands this new community has formed on.
The Kwilena Constellation is led by Jess, Hub Home Provider and Foster Carer, who has been with Life Without Barriers for five years. Jess is focused on helping the new group build what she describes as an extended family, that not only provides a supportive community for children in care, but also for their carers. She helps create connections within the group, offers emotional support, coordinates social activities, and supports access to training, resources and services.
"Taking on the care of a child or young person is an incredibly important role that comes with a lot of responsibility. The MOCKINGBIRD FAMILY™ program provides extra support for carers, and the children in their care, by creating connections with people and families who are on the same journey," said Jess.
"It helps to build a village, which can make a huge difference to the wellbeing of the children and young people, and the carers."
Through MOCKINGBIRD FAMILY™, children are supported to build friendships with peers who understand their experiences and to take part in fun social activities. These experiences help young people feel secure, valued and listened to, strengthening relationships and overall wellbeing while creating a genuine sense of community around each child and carer.
Before the official launch, the Kwilena Constellation had already begun forming strong bonds. Carers and children met at local parks and restaurants, getting to know one another and building relationships. For some children, this has been their first regular connection with other children in out of home care, helping to break down barriers and normalise their experiences.
At Ranger Red’s Zoo, those relationships and the energy of this new community were easy to see. Ten foster families connected to the Kwilena Constellation joined the celebration, along with Helen Nys, Director Child Youth and Family Western Australia, Josie Pickering, Regional Director, Chris Skinner, Manager Program Advancement and Implementation for MOCKINGBIRD FAMILY™, local Child, Youth and Family staff, and their families.
Image: Launch event with pink balloons and banners on display.
At the launch, older children quickly took younger ones under their wing, picking them up, showing them around the zoo, and sharing the excitement of the animals and activities.
In a particularly special moment, two children from the Kwilena Constellation proudly led the Acknowledgement of Country. They had worked hard to learn the words and were keen to contribute, reflecting the program’s focus on participation, and ensuring children feel heard and included.
Life Without Barriers is dedicated to strengthening the foster care experience, building support networks that not only improve outcomes for children but also address the critical need for carer retention across the sector.
"This program helps create a community built on trust and understanding that nurtures and supports both the children and their carers. I am so pleased that we can offer that extra level of support now in the Peel area," said Helen Nys.
With a proven track record of empowering carers, uplifting children, and strengthening communities, the expansion of the MOCKINGBIRD FAMILY™ program in Western Australia is making a meaningful difference for foster families across the state.
If you're interested in learning more about becoming a foster carer in Western Australia, you can reach out via email at carers@lwb.org.au or phone on 1300 592 227.
