Enriching experience for Maroondah family
Catherine Toffolon
22Apr08
Parents Susan and Neale and their children Hayley and Aidan have opened their house to foster children.
A MAROONDAH mother-of-two has dedicated a huge chunk of her life, and her family's, to the care of vulnerable children.
Susan, whose surname cannot be published for privacy reasons, is keenly aware of the growing need for foster families in Melbourne's outer east.
The 34-year-old was introduced to the idea of foster care as a teenager, when her parents opened their home to needy children.
Susan's husband, Neale, shares her passion and, together with their two children, Hayley and Aidan, they have provided respite care for many people in need, including teenagers whose parents suffered a range of mental illnesses.
"My husband just saw the need for these kids to have somewhere safe to stay," Susan said.
"We see the advantages our own kids have in life and some kids just don't get that."
For the past year Susan and her family have fostered twin boys, now two years old.
Soon, it is hoped, the boys will be reunited with their birth mother, a prospect that raises mixed emotions.
"My husband will find it hard when they leave and my son will find it the hardest; he calls them his little buddies," Susan said.
"For the first three months I didn't know if I could do it; we were just finding our feet.
"I'm trying and see it as a job, but that is difficult."
Coleen Clare, chief executive of the Centre for Excellence in Child and Family Welfare, said the number of foster carers in Victoria had fallen by 7 per cent since 2003.
Ms Clare said about 1000 additional foster carers were needed to provide appropriate placements for children and young people across the state.
"That is twice the number of approved carers in the system at present," Ms Clare said.
"Foster care is a rewarding and challenging experience, but most importantly you are changing the life of a child."
Susan said the year-long process to become a foster parent was worth every minute.
A 24-hour hotline service is available for people interested in foster care: 1800 013 088.
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