Christmas and the holiday season can be a time of reflection for many people. Among the questions people ask themselves at this time are, “What can we do to help people who haven’t been as fortunate as us”.

If you would like to help a child in need, foster care is a great way to do it. In particular, the stability of a longer term placement can make a profound difference at a vulnerable time in a young person’s life.

Becoming a foster carer is a significant commitment that includes a training and accreditation process. This is to make sure that foster children join households that are set up to offer stability, safety and support.

But it’s important to note that great foster carers come from all types of households, family units and backgrounds. Your relationship status, family make-up, gender, employment type, cultural background and age are not significant factors in whether or not being a foster carer is right for you.

The most important features of effective foster care households have to do with life skills, values, personal qualities and the ability to build positive and nurturing relationships with children. Read more in our blog post Eight surprising traits of good foster carers

If you are thinking about whether you have a place for a child in need you can read more and get answers to frequently asked questions at Become a foster carer

Baptcare is looking for carers in Melbourne's western and inner northern suburbs. Call 13 22 78 (13 BAPTCARE) to find out more.

If you live elsewhere visit Fostering Connections or call 1800 013 088 to find a foster care agency in your area.

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