With a growing need for foster carers and a diverse group of children needing care, there has never been a better time for people from all walks of life to become carers.
During Foster Care Week (September 14-20) the Centre for Excellence in Child and Family Welfare and Victoria’s state-wide foster care recruitment service, Fostering Connections, celebrated and highlighted the importance of foster carers and the positive impact they had on the lives of children and young people.
This year’s theme ‘Time to Care’ celebrated the valuable time that foster carers dedicated to supporting children and young people and how much each and every one of those moments matter.
During the week-long celebration, the Express caught up with local foster carer Carol McMurtrie to chat about the vital role of foster carers in supporting children and young people in our local community.
Caring for others is second nature to Carol. Long before her own children were born, Carol became a foster carer and spent the past 23 years looking after kids who needed a safe place to stay.
“I did a lot of babysitting and nanny work when I was younger and considered becoming a social worker,” Carol said.
“As I got older I had always thought about becoming a foster carer. One day I was watching television and an advert came on for Mackillop Family Services and I just made the call.”
Carol said she took on the care of her first full-time child before she had even married and welcomed her own children.
“I think the training and supports really prepared me well for the caring role and has made me a better mother to my own children,” she said.
Carol has offered a loving and safe home to about 20 children over the past two decades forming life-long relationships and connections with many of these young people and their families.
“I like to offer long-term care to provide children with the stability they need, but there are so many options when it comes to foster care,” she said.
“You can offer emergency respite for one night to children in need, you can offer respite care to give families a break and help them better care for their children or young people, or you can provide respite care for existing foster carers and give them a chance to have a break, fresh and reset to be able to better support the children in their care.
“Then, of course, you can opt to be a long-term carer like myself.
“All you require is a spare room and the time and energy to give these kids the love and support they need.
“You can be married or single or work full-time or part-time – there is plenty of support and training in place to guide you on the journey.
“Most recently I’ve done courses on ASD, ADHD and school truancy – there are always opportunities to further your training.”
Playing a part in supporting a family to get their lives back on track is one of the most rewarding parts of foster care for Carol.
“It’s wonderful when you can maintain contact with the kids when they return home and you form a relationship with parents based on trust and support so they know they can reach out to you with any questions they have or seek advice,” she said.
“At the end of the day, we have the kids’ best interests at heart.”
People interested in becoming a foster carer can call Fostering Connections on 1800 013 088 or visit fosteringconnections.com.au for more information and to apply.
