Long-term foster carer from Pakenham, Karen McIntosh said many people did not realise the different types of care people could offer.
After being a foster carer for several decades, she has provided the full spectrum of care, from short-term emergency cases, to welcoming a child into her family for 13 years.
“Often you never know how long it is they are going to be with you so you try and make whatever time you have with them quality time,” Ms McIntosh said.
She will be speaking at an upcoming information night in Moe for OzChild about how being a carer has affected her and her family’s life.
“A lot of people are worried about what happens when it’s time to say goodbye,” she said.
“I’ve had my heart broken a few times but foster care needs carers who are going put their heart out there and have their heart broken a bit for the kids … not somebody [who is] not going to be affected by it.”
Ms McIntosh said a common concern was how a carer’s biological child would cope with a new family member.
“My eldest daughter went on to become a foster carer as well so she must have enjoyed the experience,” she said.
She acknowledged challenges occurred because the children often came from a background of trauma which could “act out in some way”.
“Just to be removed from your parents can be quite a scary thing for kids,” she said.
“It’s just really good when you can see a child come in quite shy and withdrawn. You can see how they blossom and the effect family can have on them once they start to feel more safe and secure.”
Ms McIntosh believes the main criteria for a foster carer is a love of kids, resilience and being able to work with agencies such as the Department of Health and Human Services.
“Kids bring a lot of laughter into your home, a lot of love and laughter,” she said.
The OzChild foster care information session will be at Moe library on George Street on Thursday, June 28, 6.30-8.30pm.
RSVP by phoning 1800 954 550 or email fostercarerecruitment@ozchild.org.au.
