Tell us a little bit about yourself… 

My name is Jess and I work full-time in office administration and finance, whilst also studying to become a CPA (Certified Practising Accountant). I love to play lacrosse, training twice a week and playing two games a week, and I am currently in the Australian U23 Women’s Lacrosse Squad. I enjoy training for this, as well as helping on my club’s committee. 

How were you and your siblings able to remain together during foster care? 

My siblings and I were very fortunate to have stayed together during foster care; when we first came into care, I was 7 years old, and my siblings were 3 years old and 6 weeks old. Our foster carers were incredible to take all of us in, and we have been lucky enough to have stayed together all throughout our time in foster care.  

What did it mean to you to have your family remain connected during this time? 

It was extremely important to me to stay with my siblings when I came into care. It was scary enough coming into care, but it would have made it very traumatic if I had been separated from them and not knowing where they were and who they were with. Being with my siblings meant I wasn’t so alone, and I felt safer being with them. 

How did a foster carer make a positive difference in your care experience? 

My foster carers welcomed us in and made us feel part of their family straight away. They treated us as if we were their own children, and so I felt safe and loved when I was in their care.  

What advice do you have for prospective foster carers? 

My advice for prospective foster carers would be to have patience, and to do the best you can. There will be times when it is challenging, but once you work through these times, and show that you care and that you are supportive, relationships will be stronger. 

Interested in becoming a foster carer?  

Families come in all shapes and sizes and so do foster carers. Foster carers play a critical role in supporting children and young people in care to thrive. If you think you can create a safe and supportive environment for a child, then give fostering a go.   

To find out more about becoming a foster carer, call 1800 013 088 or enquire today.