Fostering, what's it really like?

I have been fostering for over 2 years now and want to share my thoughts and feelings with everyone. I first started this journey by working in residential care with kids in care. By working in this industry, I came to see just how many kids do not have homes. This came as a big shock, as I didn't see much advertising for it at all! Do you even know how many children need homes in Australia? 46, 200!! These children are in out-of-home care as of June 2021 and the number is only increasing. These children might have been involved in family violence or have a history of neglect or physical abuse. This is very sad and overwhelming for them! So, I went and chatted to my husband and then we began the process to foster.

Beach Fun!

The one thing that I found difficult with fostering is the paperwork! They might not tell you this when you apply but there are heaps to work out. The amount of work to become a foster carer is very time consuming. To be honest it should be like this anyway as they want to make sure that you are safe and understand why you want to be a carer. They need to understand you and your family to make sure you are the right fit for certain children. They go through your history and what social support you currently have with friends and family. They chat to you about your past, getting a blue card, police checks and talking to references. This is all worth it in the end! Also, they will give you training about children with trauma, so need to worry!

After the paperwork they match you to kids that you feel would match your personality. I know people get worried about the trauma and the behaviours that may come with fostering, but I assure you that you will have help! You are even able to exclude some behaviours that you are not able to deal with. Throughout fostering you will have agency who will support you and help to keep you safe and healthy. They can offer regular social work for the children, so you are able to have regular breaks! They will look after your health and feelings just as much as the children!

Adventure with the Little Ones!

Fostering isn't just full-time care of children, there is many different types such as primary, respite, emergency. Primary care is having the children full time, caring for them until reunification with family or until they are 18. This can be very rewarding as you form a bond and create a family. This can be difficult for some as they can suddenly leave your home after giving them all your love and attention.

"Give the best love and hope to the child while they're with you. They may not remember you, but they'll remember the emotions and feelings, impacting their view of the world and there personal growth."

I think to myself I will do what I can for whatever children I have and then move onto the next. There is always going to be children that need your support. It could be as short as a few days and you will still be able to help them grow as a person. Another option is respite where you look after children who are already in a home for just a weekend. This is great opportunity if you love to go out for the weekend with kids. Respite is good to take the kids camping, to the park or even the zoo. I know many kids that don't even have this opportunity! If you have the extra room once or twice a month then why not! Give it a go!

The hardest type of fostering that I find is emergency care. Now this is when kids are in desperate need of a home temporarily until they can find permanent care. I find it difficult because you may get a child that has very little things or nothing at all. This affects us finically as the payment for emergency kids may not be until the following fortnight. So just be aware that you could be out of pocket for a bit. I still find it very rewarding to open my home up to any foster child in need, to be a part of their story, even if it's just temporary. I always enjoy doing activities that are a first to many children, most kids in care don't have the opportunity to go to the zoo, camping, doing sports, painting, or even just sitting at home and watching a movie together with family. I will always enjoy fostering. I hope that you can investigate it more and open up your home to children in need.