At 16 years old most boys are hungry for independence, looking forward to getting their licence, perhaps going to parties and dreaming about eventually moving out of home.

But for Matthew* moving in to a new family would change his world.

After living in a Residential Care Unit for the past few years, Brigitte Boulet, Home Based Care Program Manager at Anglicare Victoria says a foster family is exactly what Matthew needs.

"We know that Matthew will really thrive in a caring and stable home environment," says Ms Boulet.

"He's a really warm-hearted boy who loves helping out around the house but with the support of carers and a sense of belonging, his opportunities to reach to his full potential are multiplied."

Matthew's intellectual disability makes complex concepts difficult for him to grasp but Ms Boulet says people shouldn't feel that they need to be experts.

"We're looking for people who are patient, caring, and open to learning. Matthew needs someone who'll be there for him, someone who'll sit and have an afternoon cup of tea, spend time with him outdoors, someone who'll make him feel safe and secure.

"All carers get comprehensive training, case-management including access to a social worker 24 hours a day via a pager system, regular respite and a generous tax-free reimbursement."

Anglicare Victoria is looking single people or couples to consider becoming Matthew's full-time or respite carer. Anglicare Victoria also needs foster carers from all walks of life for children and young people 0-18.

For more information go to www.anglicarevic.org.au/fostermyfuture or call 1300 889 335 to book into information sessions on September 22nd where you can meet Matthew's workers and find out more about becoming a carer.

*not his real name

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