Respite care is crucial for foster children and their carers – providing a supportive environment for one and a much-needed break for the other – however few people are aware of that need.
Rosalie became a foster carer seven years ago when a young girl Amy*, aged nine, came to live with her.
Reflecting on her time as a full-time carer, Rosalie recognised the importance and impact of respite care.
“It’s so useful for the full-time carer to have a break,” Rosalie said. “A lot of young people that we’re going to come in contact with have trauma-based backgrounds so they require specialised type of care.
“I’ve learned a lot of that through AnglicareSA providing me opportunities to complete study in this field, which is great because knowing what to do is invaluable.
“Usually respite in a family that doesn’t have a child in care in it is usually done by family members, or friends, or a babysitter.
“But I think in fostering it’s better to have someone who’s specifically there to do respite and have some understanding of the background.”
While Amy self-placed back with her biological mum when she turned 16, Rosalie remains connected to her and part of her life.
“I see her every two weeks when I take her to appointments and we get to hang out, have something to eat and keep our connection,” Rosalie said.
“She’s young and has a lot of friends that she likes to hang out with, so it’s nice that I still get time with her.
“Plus, it’s a bit of respite for her mum as well which is great.”
While no longer a full-time foster carer for, the last year and half Rosalie has been continuing to make a difference in the lives of young people and their carers.
“Once a fortnight I visit a family who care for a five-year-old boy and his 18-month-old sister and spend time with them in their home while their carers can take a break and go out.
“I also spend time with another young boy picking him up from childcare while his carers are at work and walking him home and playing.
“It’s full-on attention for five hours straight and, quite frankly, most kids love that!”
Respite Foster Carers provide children regular or occasional time with another trusted adult within their support network giving primary foster carers a meaningful break from their caring role.
They become another member of a child’s extended network. The length of care can vary from a day or a weekend, to a short break over school holidays, and can be provided in a long-term foster carer’s home or as an outing.
AnglicareSA Manager Northern Foster Care, Marsha Lynch said some people may not be in a position to provide care in their own home but want to help a child or young person by being a part of their village.
“This can be a way for people who are interested in fostering and may not have the space to provide care in their home to become involved in fostering and be a part of a team that supports children in care” Marsha said.
AnglicareSA is one of South Australia’s largest foster care providers, if you are interested in finding out more about becoming a carer, please visit anglicaresa.com.au/foster-care/
*Amy’s name has been changed for privacy reasons.