Hearts in Transition: Launching a Mission to Inspire Change

Hearts in Transition: Launching a Mission to Inspire Change

Hi, I’m Danielle Murphy — a foster carer, social worker, and author on a mission to amplify the voices of those impacted by the foster care system.

Over the past few years, I’ve lived and worked in the world of out-of-home care—both as a frontline worker and a foster mum. I’ve held the tiny hands of toddlers navigating trauma, supported families working through the system's complexity, and sat with carers during moments of both heartbreak and hope. It has been very rewarding, but at times very difficult.

Now, I want to build something bigger to help those navigating foster care.

It will be a platform to share honest stories, real experiences, and empowering resources for foster and adoptive families — and for those simply wanting to understand.

️ What I’m Creating:

A podcast - sharing raw, meaningful conversations about foster care, adoption, love, loss, healing, and everything in between

A book called Hearts in Transition - currently in editing, that offers a deeply personal look at the rollercoaster of fostering

A dedicated office studio - to record, write, and meet with guests

A website and online hub - with resources, support, and eventually a space for others to share their stories too

A registered not-for-profit organisation - to create long-term, sustainable impact and support for those who need it.

This isn’t just about content — it’s about creating change. I want to educate the public, encourage new carers, and advocate for better systems — but to do that, I need time, tools, and a little help.

Where the Money Will Go:

Here’s a breakdown of what your donations will help fund

Hearts in Transition Book - Finalisation and first print run $4,200

Website Setup - $2500

Podcast Establishment – Equipment and Software $2350

Launch Event – Venue, promotion and setup - $1500

Office space setup – $2500

Compensation for Assistant - $4500

Legal fees and compliance to register – $4,000

To ensure full transparency, all funds raised will be deposited into a separate bank account used exclusively for this project. Every dollar will be allocated directly to the items listed above and managed with care. These funds will not be used for personal expenses — only for the startup and launch of the mission.

I’ll also be sourcing second-hand items wherever possible to make your contributions stretch further. If you’d like your donation to go toward a specific item, let me know — I’ll happily set it aside and update you when that item is purchased.

I'm so grateful to have a wonderful donor and friend who has already given $1500 toward the book editor!

Goal: $21,550 AUD

This will help us to fund the startup phase to launch the book, podcast, not-for-profit, and platform.

Why It Matters:

Foster care is full of love, grief, joy, broken systems, and beautiful redemptions — and these stories are often misunderstood or unseen.

I am deeply passionate about the issues within the foster care system in Australia and truly committed to seeing some positive change. Through my book, podcast, and online presence, I want to bring these stories to life in a way that’s honest, healing, and hopeful. Whether you're a carer, caseworker, birth parent, or simply someone who cares — you belong in this space.

How You Can Help:

Donate if you’re in a position to do so — every dollar truly helps

Share this campaign with your community or on social media

Follow along as I share updates, behind-the-scenes progress, and milestones

Encourage or pray for me — your support means more than you know

Stay Connected:

As this initiative unfolds, I’ll be sharing updates through my Instagram and Facebook pages — and I’d love to include you in the journey. If you’d like to receive email updates as well, please leave your email address or message me directly. I’ll be setting up a regular newsletter so you can see where your support is going and celebrate the wins with me.

Thank you for believing in this dream and helping make it a reality. With your support, we can launch something truly meaningful — and bring foster care stories into the light where they belong.

With love,

Dani

Here's a bit about foster care in Australia.