Foster caring is one of the most rewarding and life-changing decisions one can make. But a dedicated foster carer is nothing without a strong, supportive community around them.
Community is a huge part of being a foster carer. Whether it’s fellow foster carers, family and friends, or others in your local network, gaining support from your community is paramount to delivering a high level of foster care.
So, how can we create a foster-friendly community? The team at Anglicare Victoria explains:
Start the conversation about foster caring
Promoting a foster-friendly community begins with openness and encouraging thoughtful conversations around foster care. Whether you’re at the dinner table with family and friends or discussing the topic in a general sense over coffee at your favourite café, normalising foster care is key.
Remember, while it’s important to share the value of fostering, it’s equally crucial to respect the privacy of the children in care. You can inspire others by talking about the rewarding experience of being a foster carer without disclosing specific details about the children placed in your care. By doing so, you might just spark interest in someone who’s been quietly considering it themselves.
Introduce yourself at schools
As a foster parent, it’s important that your foster child’s school knows who you are and is aware of your foster kid’s circumstances. Not only does this help teachers provide the best tools for your foster child to learn and succeed, but it also creates a normalised environment for foster caring.
Encouraging volunteerism
While not every person you speak with will be ready to become a foster carer, they might be interested in creating a foster-friendly community in different ways. Anglicare Victoria presents a myriad of volunteer opportunities to get involved and support our mission in other ways. From running homework clubs to volunteering at emergency relief centres, don’t be afraid to promote opportunities for volunteering wherever you go!
Encouraging business partnering
Local businesses also shape a foster-friendly community by getting involved or becoming regular donators. When we encourage our local businesses to choose us as a preferred charity organisation, we’re able to provide better services for foster children as well as remove stigma around fostering.
