Thanking foster carers for showing up every day
IN the lead-up to Foster Care Week, MacKillop Family Services invites you to thank foster carers for making a difference each day.
Providing respite care is a great way for people to start in foster care, to see how it fits into their way of life, and to make a difference in the lives of children and young people.
It allowed foster carers Tracy and John to see how, with the support of MacKillop Family Services, they would be able to balance their busy lifestyle and commitment to children needing a safe home.
“All children need the opportunity to experience normality and stability in their lives, and respite care supports that, even if it is only for a short while,” says Tracy.
Their aim whenever a child is placed in their home is to give them a good life while with them, and to help the child feel loved.
“They’re not your kids and you can’t fix all their worries, but we can help them get through,” says Tracy. “It’s about helping them feel like part of a family, even if it’s temporary. There’s something special about being part of their journey to stability and seeing them grow to trust you.”
The couple understands the important role respite carers play in helping children experience the normal rhythms of family life. It’s a perspective they’ve gained after caring for more than 80 foster children, in addition to raising four biological children.
John and Tracy began fostering by looking after children aged eight and under.
“We had our three young boys at the time, so caring for younger children through respite care worked well,” Tracy explains.
“Eventually, I gave up work to become a full-time foster carer, and we have provided respite, emergency, pre-adoptive and short-term care, in addition to caring for two children long-term.”
This gradually evolved into looking after mostly infants and babies – and loving it.
In fact their first experience as foster carers began with a baby just a day and a half old, whom they have since adopted and who is – in Tracy’s words – their forever daughter.
“I couldn’t live my life any other way. Me giving these kids a home and normality – it’s something to wake up for every day!”
The couple encourages others to consider respite care as a meaningful first step into fostering. What begins with occasional care can grow into a lifelong commitment to supporting children and young people.
Tracy is the first to explain that fostering requires resilience.
“You need ‘leather skin’ to cope with the ups and downs of the foster care system sometimes, but communication is key.
“I’ve always had strong, open relationships with the agencies, caseworkers and the birth families. MacKillop has been particularly supportive — always listening to me advocate for the children and going above and beyond. That level of collaboration is what helps things work for the kids.”
What advice does Tracy have for those thinking about fostering?
“Ask questions. Learn more about it and see what you think. Many people start by dipping their toes in, perhaps with respite care for a weekend.
“There’s such a need for more carers, and people can make a real difference with whatever amount of time they can offer. At the end of the day, what determines your ability to foster are compassion and commitment.”
URL for print version of the paper: mackillop.org.au/fcw-thank-you
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Michael Walls
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