BECOMING foster carers has forever changed the outlook of David and Kate Tapping.
The Newport couple have provided a safe, comfortable refuge for more than 50 children over 10 years.
The experience has brought new meaning to their lives.
Mr Tapping says that since joining an Anglicare program four years ago, they have provided different types of care, from short-term to emergency overnight and long-term respite.
“We were living in Footscray and Kate saw a pamphlet in the newspaper; she thought it [foster care] was something we could do before having our own children,” he says.
“We didn’t know anything about it or anybody who had done it before but thought it was a way to give something back.”
Mrs Tapping says they have fully embraced their roles.
“We’ve always had the support of Anglicare and we know there’s always somebody at the end of the phone if there’s a problem. We might get an emergency call at 6 at night and we’ll be asked whether we can have a child for 24 hours while they’re found somewhere to stay and they’ll be picked up at 8 the next morning.
“Other children we’ve had for up to three months. Going into each placement we know it’s going to be short-term but, as a parent, you wonder where they’re going and what life has in store for them, so it’s difficult [to let go] in that respect.”
Becoming foster carers has also given the couple’s own children a new perspective on life.
“Every time we get a new foster child, they have a sense of excitement: ‘is it a boy or is it a girl’,” Mr Tapping says.
“Our children always want to share their room and their toys. I remember when we were at training, a lady said becoming a foster carer was the best thing she had done because it taught her children empathy and gave them a wider understanding.
“Not all the children who come through our house leave more happy or changed people, but we can at least provide them with some comfort and a relaxed place and take away some of the pressure; it’s very rewarding.”
Anglicare Victoria home-based care program manager Jan Alexander urged people to consider opening their home.
“One of our existing emergency carers described the role as being like a circuit-breaker, giving children a warm bed, support and care for a few days while allowing everyone time to seriously invest in finding the best possible placement for the child’s future.”
All accredited foster carers are supported by a caseworker, have access to a duty worker 24 hours a day and can nominate the ages and genders of children they are able to care for.
Information: 9396 7400 or anglicarevic.org.au
