When Ballarat’s Polkinghorne family decided to take on being foster carers, they realised respite care was the best fit for them.
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The five-member family of John, Mandy, Tegan, Ryan and Jake decided 12 months ago to share their home, lifestyle, activities and interests with a child in need.
“It was something that had been on our minds to inquire about for a long time,” Mandy said.
“We waited until we thought our children were old enough to understand more about fostering and then began the process of learning more about it.
“It has been a very rewarding experience for us and our children, getting to know and welcome a young child into our family and to be able to share our day-to-day family life.
“It has enriched our family by getting to know and welcoming a young person into our family.
“It’s a great feeling to know that you are helping someone and we value the relationship we are building with another young person.”
CAFS Ballarat is currently seeking carers just like the Polkinghornes, with training offered this month.
They are looking for people able to offer emergency care, respite care and short and long-term care for children aged 0 to 17.
CAFS Ballarat’s Di Walker said the concept of fostering has been around forever.
“There has always been a need for community to step up and take on the care of vulnerable children dating back to colonial times,” Ms Walker said.
“Foster care today is a way to ensure children and young people are cared for appropriately and get opportunities for positive development and growth.
“With increasing numbers of children coming into the foster care system, and decreasing numbers of people willing to take on the role of foster carers, foster carers are a valuable resource for our community.
“Showing children you care about them can make the world of difference in a child’s life.”
For more information about foster care, contact the CAFS carer support team on 5337 3333 or go to the website at cafs.org.au