Anglicare Victoria, the state’s largest provider of out-of-home care, has put out an urgent call to locals in the west to become foster carers.
For Braybrook resident and foster carer Kaitlyn Evans, the respite care she provides for two weekends a month fits into her life as a primary school teacher.
“When I realised it was an option to not commit so much of my time it really appealed to me,” she said.
“These kids just want connection and want to know someone’s in their corner and you can really build that strength and trust with them,” she said.
One of the children she cares for is a football fanatic.
“A lot of our events rotate around sports. She is a mad North Melbourne fan and I’m a mad Hawthorn supporter,” Ms Evans said.
They spend a lot of time together attending matches and watching sports at home.
Ms Evans said she has noticed a huge change over the last four years the girl has been in her care.
“She was really disengaged with school, not wanting to go to school but now she’s doing quite well at school and she’s engaged,” she said.
“It’s really nice to see that sort of mindset change for her. Seeing her really flourish and want to stay in school and have these hopes and dreams for the future.”
Ms Evans also has a strong bond with her other foster child who loves swimming and active play.
For Ms Evans, the most rewarding part of respite foster care is mentoring children facing difficult life circumstances.
“It’s the connection for me and the knowing that I’ve made a difference in these young people’s lives in how they could’ve turned out compared to how they’re turning out,” she said.
“If people have room in their homes and room in their hearts it really does change lives and it offers a lot of meaning to what you’re doing.”
Ms Evans said Anglicare Victoria also provides extensive training and support to carers.
For locals interested in learning more, Anglicare Victoria is hosting an online information session on Thursday 19 February from 12.30-1.20pm.
More info: shorturl.at/YmYgd
