Fostering new hope

16-08-17 Pic of Rebecca Argent, a foster carer. Photo by Damjan Janevski.

Do you have room in your heart for a child in need?

Anglicare Victoria is urgently seeking foster parents around Wyndham, Melton, Maribyrnong, Hobsons Bay and Wyndham.

Werribee’s Rebecca Argent became a foster carer two years ago and has looked after four children, including two brothers for seven months.

Ms Argent, who is a teacher, said she became a foster carer because she saw a lot of kids in her line of work that needed somewhere to go.

“It’s not without it’s challenges, but it is rewarding and I’ve really enjoyed it,” she said.

“It’s worth it. If you’re thinking of doing it, it doesn’t matter if you’re on your own or you’ve got a partner or family or what your circumstances are – I highly recommend it.”

Ms Argent, who is a single parent to her 16-year-old daughter, said her main advice for prospective carers was to communicate with their Anglicare case workers and ask for help from family and friends when it’s needed.

She said it could also be hard to say goodbye to the children in her care.

“You do get an attachment to them,” she said.

Anglicare Victoria will host a foster care information night on Thursday, September 21, from 6.30pm. For details, call Narelle Rosbergen on 9396 7400 or email carer.info@anglicarevic.org.au.

… Charlene Macaulay