This week is Foster and Kinship Care Week, an annual celebration to acknowledge the wonderful work being done by foster carers across NSW. CareSouth Griffith supports 53 children and young people in its foster care program, and the local non-profit organisation says there is a critical need for more foster carers in the region.
In recent weeks the Department of Communities and Justice has asked CareSouth to find carers for 57 children in Griffith and the surrounding community because they cannot live safely at home, says CareSouth’s Griffith carer engagement team leader Darren Mitchell.
“Foster Care Week is not only an opportunity to thank our wonderful carers but to encourage people to have a conversation about what it’s like to be a foster carer and breakdown any myths or barriers to becoming a carer,” says Mr Mitchell.
Griffith foster carer Melanie Thurlow didn’t think she was able to become a carer because she was single and worked full-time. But a family friend of the childcare educator recommended her to the Griffith CareSouth team and, after being assessed, Ms Thurlow was asked to care for three young siblings.
“I feel like this is what I was meant to do,” says Ms Thurlow. “I love it. I love every minute of it, the good, the bad and the ugly. Yes, being a carer can be challenging at times, but the rewards far outweigh the challenges. And my caseworker and the Griffith team are always there for me. I know if I ever get a little bit overwhelmed, or if I have any issues, I can always just reach out and they are there to help.”
It’s now two years since Ms Thurlow went from being single to the carer of three boys, aged between four and seven. Last year she also became the long-term carer for a 16-year-old girl.
“I did respite care with her for a week before approaching CareSouth and saying I think she will fit well with our family,” says Ms Thurlow.
She was right. The teen loves the younger children and has become an important role model and mentor to them, and, thanks to Ms Thurlow’s unwavering commitment and support all four kids are thriving.
“I’ve worked in children’s services for 21 years,” says Ms Thurlow. “Everything I do is very much about the children. I do all the research, read as much as I can.”
Ms Thurlow says while she didn’t have to give up full-time work, she chose to so she “could be available for them at the drop of a hat”.
“I have scaled back my work so that I can really be a hands-on parent,” she says. “It was my choice to give up full-time work, as any parent knows it’s a real juggling act, especially as I’m doing it on my own. But when I was working full-time the CareSouth team were fantastic. If the kids had an appointment and I was at work, the caseworker would do it for me.”
There is an urgent need for more foster carers in the Murrumbidgee area to provide a loving home for children and young people who are unable to live with their own families. This Foster Care Week, CareSouth is calling on the Griffith community to consider fostering and making an incredible difference in the lives of children and families.
“The best advice I can give anyone considering becoming a carer is to talk to the CareSouth Griffith team,” says Ms Thurlow. “They will help you every step of the way.”
Mr Mitchell says foster carers take on the responsibilities of a parent by providing a safe, nurturing and secure family environment.
“Types of foster care include long-term, short-term, respite, and emergency foster care, along with restoration to family, kinship care, guardianship and adoption,” he says.
To become a foster carer, the requirements needed are to be loving, caring, kind and respectful to kids, have the time and space to care for them, and be willing to undergo training, background checks and have open conversations with CareSouth’s Carer Recruitment team so they can find the right match for both carers and children.
Those interested in becoming a foster carer are encouraged to contact CareSouth on 1300 554 260 or visit www.caresouth.org.au.
