Open your heart to fostering.
Meet Bianca, Mum of 4, interior designer and foster carer extraordinaire.
As a busy mum with a full-time job, becoming a foster care wasn’t something that Bianca and her husband Brett had considered.
“We had our own children and never thought about foster caring until some friends mentioned that they were going into it. I was really surprised that they were going to be foster carers even though they both worked full time.”
Bianca and Brett got in touch with Uniting and learned more about the different types of care such as weekend care, emergency care, short-term care and long-term care.
“At the time I didn’t realise that there are different ways that you can be a foster carer. So that sparked an interest.”
“We realised that we could do it to even thought we’re both busy working and have a family… We can still take in children.”
As teachers, Bianca and Brett are able to draw on their experience working with children.
“I was a teacher and Brett is a teacher so we feel comfortable around children.”
“Our work helped us to feel armed to be able to cater to different childrens’ needs as this is something you do in the classroom. It did give us confidence.”
While teaching has helped Bianca feel confident in being a foster carer, in her experience, caring for a child or young person is simple.
“It’s good food, a warm space, a comfortable space.”
“It’s safety and them knowing that they are ok here and they’re safe and someone will listen to them.”
“And being receptive to what it is they’re telling you that they need. Sometimes they need some space, they need to be on their own. And sometimes they need a hug”
“Every child needs those things.”
For Bianca and her family, foster caring has been rewarding.
“We have had a lot of memorable and heartwarming experiences with children.”
“It’s an extension of our family.”