When Brimbank locals Pam and Joe Lawrence started caring for their first foster child, Pam initially thought she couldn’t do it.
“She was 16 months old and had just started to learn to walk. She kept falling over and hurting herself so I said to her worker ‘I can’t do this, she’s hurting herself too much,’” Pam said.
The worker reassured Pam she was doing a great job and that everything was happening as it should be.
Pam and Joe continued caring for the baby who ended up being one of 305 children the couple has fostered since 1988.
They said fostering children is an extremely rewarding experience.
“You treat them like they are your own. That’s the whole idea of it. They become part of your family … you miss them when they go,” Pam said.
Currently, Pam and Joe are caring for a 16 year-old with extensive medical needs, including an acquired brain injury, and a one year-old.
Pam said many of the foster children experience complex life circumstances.
“Some of the things these kids go through are horrific …. these kids don’t ask to be born into those situations and that’s one of the things that’s really hard. None of this is the kid’s fault,” she said.
The couple said one of the most rewarding things about being a foster carer is being recognised by the kids once they’ve left their care, even years later.
“We’ve got one [previous foster child] having access to us at the moment and as soon as he comes to the door, when they bring him back, you get the biggest smile and a cuddle from him,” Joe said.
The couple agreed more people should foster children.
“Please, don’t think about it, just do it because it is one of the most rewarding things you can do,” Joe said.
Foster carers like Pam and Joe are being recognised as part of Victoria’s Foster Care Week, which runs from September 14 to 20.
The week is an annual celebration recognising the vital role of foster carers in supporting children and young people.
