Altona Meadows resident Hannah’s life has changed for the better after applying to become a foster carer.
After applying through Fostering Connections, she was connected to Baptcare in October 2020 and has since fostered four children of varying ages and across long-term placements and respite care.
“I am very supported by agencies,” she said.
“There is a lot of guidance and training.”
Hannah said the work was “definitely rewarding” for her.
“You’re helping out somebody who really needs the help,” she said.
“When I was younger, I volunteered with my local youth group as a camp leader for a group of young people in foster care.
“It was an eye-opening experience and planted the seed early on that this was something I wanted to do and that this was an important way I could contribute to kids’ lives.”
Hannah said working as a full-time high school teacher also prepared her to foster teenagers.
“Fostering teenagers means you can be a bit more independent too,” she said.
“As I work full-time, they are able to catch the train to and from school by herself.
“It’s been great to have conversations with them about how they are feeling.”
From Sunday, September 11 to Saturday, September 17, Foster Care Week celebrates and raises awareness about foster care across the care services sector and within the wider community.
Details: 0409 591 895 or www.baptcare.org.au/services/foster-care/foster-care
Matthew Sims
