Moonee Valley residents Rebecca Green and Travis McCulloch became foster carers because they wanted to give back to the community and provide local children with a safe space to live. In four years they’ve provided short-term and respite care to 17 kids in Melbourne’s west.
“Fostering has been both challenging and rewarding, but I love it. The placements we accept depend on our circumstances at any given time, sometimes we do emergency care for just one night, but we’ve also had kids stay for up to almost 12 months at a time,” Rebecca said.
“One of the highlights for me has been helping children learn fundamental life skills that they haven’t mastered yet, like tying a shoelace or learning to use cutlery. People tend to take those sort of things for granted, so it’s really incredible to see the kids learn and continue to use these skills.
“We feel really supported by Anglicare Victoria, they help us to navigate the different challenges that come up from time to time. I am in constant contact with my case manager, I can’t speak highly enough of him.
“If you’re thinking about becoming a foster carer, it’d definitely worth having a conversation with your local agency, I would love to encourage more people to get involved. Regardless of your situation it can be daunting, but it’s an incredibly fulfilling experience and you’re providing these kids with valuable support.”
This Foster Care Week, Anglicare Victoria is celebrating all its foster carers for making a positive difference in the lives of the children they care for. Currently there are 49 active foster care households in Anglicare Victoria’s west metro region.
Maja Koprivica, Acting Program Manager of Out-of-Home Care at Anglicare Victoria west metro said:
“Thank you to all of our wonderful foster families in Melbourne’s west. We are grateful for all you do every day for the children in your care. It takes a special person and family to open a home to children you don’t know, to support, teach, and care for them as your own.
“Your commitment to providing a loving, nurturing home is appreciated, as is your flexibility and adaptability. We could not do it without you, and we appreciate all of you so very much!”
