The 2-day event brought together foster and kinship carers, adoptive parents, professionals and sector representatives to explore therapeutic parenting, trauma-informed care and carer wellbeing.
Among the featured speakers were internationally recognised therapeutic parenting specialists Sarah Naish and Sarah Dillon, and Australian therapeutic life story work specialist Elise Saunders.
The FCAV supported Victorian foster carer Jess Hughes to attend the Roadshow, and she shared some of her highlights from the two days.
For Jess, the presentations by Sarah Naish and Sarah Dillon were a standout.
"Their presentations were genuinely among the best I have ever attended. Their ability to engage an audience was exceptional, combining professional expertise, lived experience and a wonderful sense of humour."
Jess also appreciated Elise Saunders' session on therapeutic life story work, which explored helping children understand their experiences, develop their identity and make sense of their personal histories.
FCAV CEO Samantha Hauge was also among the presenters, delivering a Victorian address and update on the state of foster care.
Drawing on findings from the 2026 FCAV Carer Census, Samantha outlined who Victoria's foster carers are, the challenges they face and the pressures contributing to carers leaving the system. She discussed the financial impact of fostering, current advocacy priorities ahead of the Victorian state election, and barriers to accessing Commonwealth Family Assistance Payments.
The presentation provided an opportunity to bring the experiences of Victorian foster carers into the broader conversation about therapeutic care and the support available to those providing it.
Beyond the presentations, the Roadshow offered opportunities for carers to meet, exchange experiences and hear directly from others with lived experience.
One activity that particularly resonated with Jess involved attendees contributing messages of hope for carers and children, written on blocks that were assembled into a wall.
"It was a simple yet powerful visual reminder of the strength we can find in community and the importance of ensuring that neither children nor those caring for them feel alone."
Jess also enjoyed the smaller, more personal atmosphere of the event, which allowed time for conversations with other carers and presenters.
"I left feeling grateful, inspired and encouraged. The roadshow offered far more than professional development; it created opportunities for learning, connection and renewed perspective."
The FCAV thanks Adopt Change for hosting the Melbourne Roadshow and Jess for sharing her reflections.
As Jess said... "Ultimately, helping children heal and thrive requires more than knowledge and therapeutic strategies. It requires relationships, understanding and a community that supports the people doing the caring."
Images courtesy of Jessica Hughes and Stacey Brown
