As Anglicare Victoria Eastern region foster carers Amber and Ashleigh look back over their fostering journey, there’s only one thing they’d do differently.
“I’d do it sooner,” Amber said. “I know everyone says this about foster care, that it’s rewarding, but it really, genuinely is. It’s taught us a lot about ourselves as a couple and as individuals.
“It can be challenging sometimes
working within the system, but the positives far outweigh the negatives. A million times over.”
Anglicare Victoria, the state’s biggest provider of out-of-home care, in partnership with amazing foster carers like Ashleigh and Amber, are this Foster Care Week calling for Victorian households to consider opening their homes and their hearts to a child in need.
Fostering can take many forms from emergency and respite care, short-term placements, to ongoing care arrangements, and whether you’re married, single, older, younger, with or without kids, or in a same-sex relationship, working full time, renting or owning – everyone can make a positive difference in a child’s life.
Amber and Ashleigh were accredited in 2021 and, since then, their household has taken many shapes with Amber’s older biological children sharing the home before leaving the nest. Nine months ago, the pair welcomed their newborn son Arlo.
“We’ve changed the type of placements over time to fit in with our family’s needs. When I got pregnant we slowed down and had more shorter term placements, and a break when Arlo was born,” Ashleigh said.
“There’s a lot of flexibility and understanding to be able to work in foster caring with what works for you and you’re supported by Anglicare Victoria to make those transitions whenever you need.”
Last year, Anglicare Victoria oversaw foster care for nearly 800 children and young people and is proud to support about 1000 carers across the state annually.
“We’re fortunate enough to have stable jobs, a home, financial security, and we can provide a nurturing space for kids. We also just love children,” Amber said.
“They’re entertaining, they’re kind, with the last few placements we’ve just loved watching how the different children interact with Arlo. They immediately become protective of him and are so gentle with him.”
Ashleigh added, “Sometimes it’s hard, but I do want to reiterate it’s a lot of fun. Most nights after we get them all into bed we sit there for half an hour, talking about the funny things they’ve said or something we did that was ridiculous to try and get through a moment or whatever.”
While foster carers provide the day-to-day care of children, they form part of a care team that makes joint decisions regarding the care of the child, with Anglicare Victoria there to support carers every step of the way.
“Being a foster carer is being part of a really supportive team, you can contact your case workers by email, phone or text, and there’s an after-hours service which is really handy,” Amber said.
“You often find these are children who just want to know routine, consistency and calm. If you can offer that, that’s what kids need.”
Can you provide a safe place for a child in need? Anglicare Victoria runs regular information sessions about all things to do with foster caring. Visit our website to find out when the next one is running near you.
