Ten more foster carers are needed in Sunbury and the Macedon Ranges to help children who have been removed from their families.
Anglicare Victoria will hold a series of information sessions as it looks to address a carer shortage and provide security for kids unable to live with their biological parents.
The support agency’s chief executive, Paul McDonald, said children in care were among the community’s most vulnerable.
‘‘They move school often, and they are usually behind academically, so they are always feeling like the new kid,’’ he said.
But love and stability can help them keep up with their peers.
‘‘That’s what foster carers do,’’ Mr McDonald said. ‘‘They provide a supportive, secure and safe environment to come home to at the end of the school day.’’
Carers can be single, de facto or married, with or without their own children, working or at home. Anglicare provides training and 24-hour support in addition to tax-free reimbursement.
Sunbury’s Wayne and Lisa Spencer, who were accredited with Anglicare mid last year, got involved after talking to people who had been foster carers.
They’ve now been caring for three children for about six months.
‘‘We decided it was the right thing to do,’’ Mr Spencer, who has three adult children, said.
‘‘It’s about making a difference, to be able to help kids get through what they are going through.
‘‘Plus it’s great to have children in the house again. It does keep you young. Although you do sort of forget how much washing kids have.’’
Ms Spencer said watching the children grow and respond to the affection they are given was a real joy.
‘‘They have greater confidence, stability … a feeling of belonging and somewhere to come home,’’ she said.
Mr Spencer said there had been a few drawbacks.
‘‘Knowing how to deal with kids from different backgrounds can be a challenge,’’ he said. ‘‘But you learn to adjust, and the support we’ve received from Anglicare with courses and so on has been fantastic.’’
Information sessions for people interested in learning more about foster care will take place in February and March. Details: 8470 9999 or www.anglicarevic.org.au/events
