Life Could Be A Dream: Bonus Episode

Cole & Gina: Stability through responsive care

In this episode of Caring for Kids, Cole and Gina share their experience of caring for over 11 years, often supporting newborns straight from hospital.  They speak about creating a calm and responsive home, where routines are guided by the child and their individual needs. At the center of their approach is a strong belief that culture is a birthright, something that comes with the child and must be respected and upheld from the very beginning.  This is a grounded and thoughtful conversation about advocacy, care and what it means to create safety, stability and healing from day one.  Host: Melissa  Produced by: Ashton Kobler and Emily Hikaiti, Adopt Change  Edited by: Fernanda Dedic  Sound Engineer: Grant Konemann  Engineering Assistant: Will Coleman  The views and experiences shared in this episode are those of the individual speaker and do not necessarily reflect the views of Adopt Change or Carers for Kids NSW.

T.J. Showing up with intention

In this episode of Caring for Kids, T.J. reflects on his experience as a male carer and what it means to show up with intention.  He speaks about values, self-awareness and the ongoing work of understanding yourself while supporting young people. There’s also a strong practical lens, with insights into training, growth and the importance of being prepared.  It’s a conversation that reminds us that healing others often starts with doing the work within yourself and sharing those learnings with the people who also seek that work.   Host: Melissa  Produced by: Ashton Kobler and Emily Hikaiti, Adopt Change  Edited by: Fernanda Dedic  Sound Engineer: Grant Konemann  Engineering Assistant: Will Coleman  The views and experiences shared in this episode are those of the individual speaker and do not necessarily reflect the views of Adopt Change or Carers for Kids NSW.

Sharon: Care with a lasting impact

In this episode of Caring for Kids, Sharon reflects on a lifetime of caring and the relationships that continue long after children leave her home.  Living in a rural community, she shares how connection looks different in smaller places, and how those relationships can carry through into adulthood through finding each other again, and tokens of remembrance.   It’s a powerful reminder that the impact of care doesn’t end when placement does. Home and healing extends far beyond childhood for everyone involved.   Host: Melissa  Produced by: Ashton Kobler and Emily Hikaiti, Adopt Change  Edited by: Fernanda Dedic  Sound Engineer: Grant Konemann  Engineering Assistant: Will Coleman  The views and experiences shared in this episode are those of the individual speaker and do not necessarily reflect the views of Adopt Change or Carers for Kids NSW.

Marg: The power of patience

In this episode of Caring for Kids, Marg shares her experience of caring and the realities that shape life inside a home where young people are at the center.  She speaks to the day-to-day rhythm, the challenges that sit alongside the rewarding moments, and the importance of consistency, patience and understanding.  It’s a steady, honest conversation about what it takes to create safety, connection and healing over time.  Host: Melissa  Produced by: Ashton Kobler and Emily Hikaiti, Adopt Change  Edited by: Fernanda Dedic  Sound Engineer: Grant Konemann  Engineering Assistant: Will Coleman  The views and experiences shared in this episode are those of the individual speaker and do not necessarily reflect the views of Adopt Change or Carers for Kids NSW.

Richard and Naji: Supporting young people to thrive

In this episode of Caring for Kids, Richard and Naji explore the role of connection, community and support in shaping a young person’s confidence and self-awareness.  They reflect on how relationships, both formal and informal, can influence identity, belonging and long-term outcomes.  It’s a conversation about showing up, staying connected and creating environments where young people feel supported enough to grow.  Host: Melissa  Produced by: Ashton Kobler and Emily Hikaiti, Adopt Change  Edited by: Fernanda Dedic  Sound Engineer: Grant Konemann  Engineering Assistant: Will Coleman  The views and experiences shared in this episode are those of the individual speaker and do not necessarily reflect the views of Adopt Change or Carers for Kids NSW.