Every child deserves the right to feel safe. That’s the word from newly minted foster carer Kerryn Wilby, who has opened her heart and her home to kids in need over the past year.
The 44-year-old Delahey resident finished her foster carer training in April last year and started taking in children in October as a respite carer, meaning she provides short-term and overnight accommodation for youngsters aged 10 to 18.
“I kind of see myself as being a fun aunty or babysitter,” Ms Wilby says.
“It’s really rewarding. I love it. I also find it quite daunting. You’re looking after someone else’s child, in effect, and you want to make sure that you’ve got the best outcome for the kids while they’re in your care.”
Ms Wilby, a business analyst for the City of Melbourne, is one of 54 foster carers in the Salvation Army’s Westcare Children’s Services.
She became interested in becoming a foster carer after hearing the experiences of one of her colleagues.
Although her full-time role made it near- impossible to become a long-term carer, Ms Wilby soon realised she could still help out in a respite capacity. “Because I’m single and don’t have any kids, I can really give them that one-on-one [time]. They’re not competing with anyone else.
“I’ve been told when they’ve left, that for that small time they’ve felt safe and felt they could be themselves and were listened to. I think every child deserves that.”
Ms Wilby encouraged others to give foster caring a go. For more details phone 9312 3544 or email FosterCare@aus.salvationarmy.org.
