A Jimboomba couple has become the face of a campaign, that encourages more Queenslanders to foster children.
Foster carers Sandra and Rick feature in a campaign, launched by the State Government, asking Queenslanders to consider becoming foster carers and help care for the state’s most vulnerable children.
Earlier this week, their story went to air across the State.
Having grown up with a foster sibling, Sandra was familiar with the idea of a non-traditional family structure, so it felt natural for her to step into the role of second-generation foster carer.
Sandra says after 15 years of marriage and with two beautiful children of their own, they decided to find out about becoming foster carers.
“Just the knowledge of there being kids out there who need a home and stability and love was the drawcard for me.”
Rick also had some experience with the foster system having grown up in a kinship arrangement with his grandmother.
While this made him want to pay homage to his Nana, he was initially hesitant about taking the leap to become a carer himself.
“I was pretty apprehensive, to be honest, because there are so many hoops you need to jump through to get to this stage we are at now.
“I was worried ‘would I love the child?’ and I didn’t want the foster children to feel neglected because my biological kids were still at home.
“It’s rewarding when you give a part of yourself and get to see the child take it on.”
Minister for Children Leanne Linard says Queensland needs more people like Sandra and Rick to become carers and the campaign is an opportunity to reach out to those considering it.
“I am so proud of the work of our foster and kinship carers.
“Our response to children in need simply would not be possible without them.”
To speak to someone about foster care, call Queensland Foster and Kinship Care on 1300 550 877 or visit www.qld.gov.au/fostercare where you can view foster carer stories, learn more about foster caring and submit an expression of interest.
