Many people think about fostering for years before they pick up the phone and make an enquiry. So how do you know when it’s the right time to start your foster care journey?

1. You have a desire to help children - Our carers are driven by the need to give back and offer a child/young person an opportunity to experience an environment free from harm and abuse. Alan, father of 3 and Baptcare foster carer with his wife Sue told us “we wanted to help a child that needed it. We also wanted to let our kids know that there are other kids out there who don’t have what we have.” Dedicated to meeting the needs of children, foster carers possess great communication skills, commitment, a sense of humour and can work as part of a team.
2. You have space for a child in your home - You don’t need to have an 8 bedroom mansion to foster a child. If you have a spare bed and lots of love to give then foster care could be for you
3. Your support network is on board with the idea - While many of our carers are single, just as many are married or in long term relationships. Whatever your personal circumstances, it’s important that your partner and/or network can support you in your foster care role.
4. You enjoy working in a team - You’ll be part of a professional care team alongside your Baptcare case manager, Child Protection Services and other services involved with the child. As the primary carer, your contributions will be invaluable for the wider team who will continue to support you.
5. You’re asking the right questions - When considering foster care it’s worth asking yourself the following questions:
   – what are my motivations?
   – what gender and age group would I be willing to care for?
   – how much time am I prepared to commit and what type of care suits my lifestyle?
   – is my partner / family on board with the idea and how can they support me?
   – what level of training and support can an agency offer me?
6. You’ve been thinking about it for a while - Potential carers often think about foster care for up to two years before they take the first step and once accredited, tell us they wish they’d done it sooner. If you’re unsure as to what’s involved or whether you qualify, why not pick up the phone and have a chat with us? There are no obligations but we can provide you with more information, answer some of your questions and assist you in deciding whether foster care is right for you.

Baptcare is looking for long-term carers in the western and inner northern suburbs of Melbourne. Do you have a place for a child in need? Contact Ana on 03 9373 3800.

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