Continuing our series of posts on foster care, I’ve decided to interview a couple of carers about their decision to welcome a child (or children) into their home. Today’s interview is with Kally (not her real name). Kally lives in Sydney Australia and is involved, with her husband, in full time church ministry. I asked her some questions about being a foster carer.

Hi, Kally! Thanks for being willing to give us an insight into your world as a foster carer. To begin with can you tell us what type of foster care you do, and why you decided foster care was for your family?
‘We have one little boy in long term foster care with an organisation called Wesley Dalmar. We had 3 beautiful biological kids but felt we had more love to give. We also felt a specific calling from God to foster.’

What did you feel was the largest issue to think through before you decided to foster?
‘I was concerned that my other 3 children would continue to receive the attention they need.’

What has been the most challenging aspect of foster care for you and your family? And what have you found to be the most rewarding?
Our foster son has some behavioural issues, ADHD, some anxiety and some food issues. ‘These can make life incredibly testing. But knowing that we’re making a difference is definitely rewarding.’

Have you ever thought about taking on another foster care placement in the future?
We are expecting to raise our son to adulthood. I don’t think we’ll take on any other children ‘but who knows what God has in store!’

What type of support did you receive when your child first moved in? What sort of support do you think you’ll need as time goes on?
‘We received some excellent carer support in the early years. I haven’t had any major needs yet but I’m hoping to get support as we discover the complex learning and emotional needs of our son. He has started school this year and I expect that he will need some help with his learning and with his emotions down the track.’

And finally, what piece of advice would you give families considering long term foster care?
‘I can’t answer with just one! I think I’d have to say – it’s much easier if you don’t do it alone. Build a support network, share your joys and frustrations with others, seek advice from people you respect. And finally try to see things from the point of the child; like Jesus said, treat others the way you’d like to be treated.’

Thanks again, Kally, we appreciate your time and honesty. And thank you for opening your home – I’m sure your little boy isn’t the only one to have been blessed by this decision!

Penny