Advertising feature
Kerrie and Andrew have been foster carers for Life Without Barriers since 2015 and have fostered five children in that time.
They are currently the carers of a primary school aged girl and a little baby.
Family life drives Kerrie and Andrew.
“We found ourselves in a situation where three children in our family were without stable parenting or accommodation for a short time, so we decided to take the reins and open up our heart and home to provide some short term consistency and stability until everyone got back on their feet,” Kerrie said.
“At the same time this was happening we saw an ad for foster carers with Life Without Barriers and thought...we can do this.”
Kerrie and Andrew believe that communication, love and giving assurance to the children in their care that they are always safe, are the cornerstones of being wonderful foster carers.
This advertising feature is sponsored by the following business. Click on the links to learn more:
When asked about the challenges of being foster carers they said they have more joys than challenges, but see it as important to “be responsive to each child’s fears and their individual needs.”
When asked to reflect on the happiest times they have had as foster carers, Kerrie said, “the change in the child in our care since coming to us is amazing! Her achievements and a constant stream of awards at school, riding a bike, reading and writing, and making friends. When she first came to us she was very closed and didn’t accept affection. She is now a very happy, open and affectionate girl.”
We all share the responsibility for child safety Andrew adds, “Seeing the changes and improvements in the children that come into our care gives us a sense of achievement knowing that we have made a difference in their lives.”
Life Without Barriers welcomes foster carers from all cultural backgrounds and all types of families – individuals, single parents, same sex couples, married or de facto couples, with or without children. Foster care doesn’t have to be a full time commitment, we would love to hear from you.