MacKillop Family Services looking for new foster carers

Bec and Susie don’t see themselves as caped crusaders, but rather just two sisters giving back and supporting the next generation of their community.

Grafton foster carers Bec and Susie.

For anyone who’s ever considered signing up as a foster carer, Grafton sisters Bec and Susie* can assure them it will be the most rewarding thing they will ever do.

“I spent a long time wondering if I could be a foster carer, before finally taking the plunge and making an inquiry,” Bec said.

“I am so glad that I did; being part of a team supporting a young child to flourish and be happy is one of the most rewarding things I have done.”

Bec and Susie said they love having children in their lives.

“When I tell people I am a foster carer, they think you have to be some kind of superhero, but it’s not like that. You just have to have love and space in your heart and your home for a kid who needs help,” Bec said.

“I also believe you get back far more than you put in. If it’s something you’ve been thinking about, take the next step and find out if foster care is for you.”

Jane Turner, of MacKillop Family Services based in Grafton, said they are on the lookout for locals to sign up as foster carers in the region.

“We know that stability is key to a young person’s wellbeing as is keeping them within their local community where they can maintain connections and thrive in a familiar environment,” she said.

“We are putting the call out for people to think about how they can support local children by opening up their home and making that difference to a child’s life.”

Ms Turner said foster carers come from diverse backgrounds, be it married, single, in same sex relationships, working, retired, own or renting your home.

However, the most essential criteria is that you have the capacity to create a safe and nurturing home to support vulnerable children.

Ms Turner added that carers are also able to choose the type of care that suits them, and the ages of the children that best suit them and their family.

For more information on becoming a foster carer, visit mackillop.org.au or call 1300 791 677.

* Surnames withheld to protect the identity of the children in their care.