The guest speakers for the meeting were Roxanne Lyon and Tegan Morrissey, both Caregiver Service workers with Anglicare. Roxanne and Tegan outlined the details of the Foster Care Program and their responsibilities for the recruitment and support of foster families. Foster Care is ideally for the short term and involves families with and without children and single people. Anglicare provides services which support children in circumstances where it is deemed that they are no longer safe with their family of origin. The goal however for children to eventually return to their family is always important.

 

Many vulnerable children are cared for through kinship networks. Anglicare works across a large geographic area within the Loddon/Campaspe/Mallee Region. There are 98 foster children funded in 81 foster homes throughout the Region. The current circumstances are such that not all children needing care can be placed and there is a desperate need for more foster families. Roxanne and Tegan described less than ideal situations where siblings cannot be placed together and the need for them to attend separate schools. 

 

The rewards of fostering include the sense of making a difference, supporting children to feel safe, building trust and love, celebrating milestones and a sense of providing for the community. Along with the rewards there are challenges which include, a sense of powerlessness in decision making, moving on when the placement finishes, maintaining respect and support for the family of origin and managing trauma. There are screening requirements for prospective foster carers with supports such as training and reimbursements for expenses available.

 

Roxanne and Tegan's engaging presentation stimulated a lot of member questions and comments. "Word of mouth" is a very important means of attracting foster carers. There is a sense that taking the opportunity to raise this matter when members have the opportunity is one tangible way of supporting this aspect of the work of Anglicare. The Christmas barbecue for families is another important aspect of the way in which Rotarians can support this important work. Overall there was a real sense of confidence about the approach of Roxanne and Tegan and we thank them for being our guests.