Christine creates new experiences for the children and young people in her care
Foster care
Christine and her husband Leigh became foster carers in 1998. After the death of Leigh’s sister, they wanted to give back to the community and fostering seemed like the perfect way to make a difference.
Some children have stayed with them for a night only, and others for much longer. Their longest placement was for 10 years and that young person is now in their permanent care. Christine and Leigh have watched her grow into a caring young person.
They offer emergency, short-term and long-term care. They also take large sibling groups. Christine and Leigh feel it is critical to keep siblings together as being placed in care can be challenging for a young person.
They currently have 5 children and young people in their home. They also run their own business and employ over 50 people.
An active lifestyle
Christine believes it is important to live a balanced life and keep fit and healthy. This encourages the children in her care to lead an active lifestyle and ensures she is able to run around with them. In April 2012, Christine did the Oxfam 100km walk in 48 hours (with no sleep!).
She also assists her husband’s rowing crew and completed the Murray Rowathon (82km) in October 2012. She also recently completed a half marathon. Christine recalls a happy memory seeing their youngest daughter imitating her, running around the house completing a ‘half marathon’ and staying hydrated.
Making new memories
The children that come into Christine and Leigh’s care have often missed out on very basic needs.
“It’s amazing to see a young person in your care smile at you, trust you and befriend you. It’s remarkable the difference a hug, a listening ear, a bath, a meal, and a bed can make”, Christine says.
Christine says that it’s great fun to create new experiences with a child. Her and her husband have taken many children camping or to the snow for the first time.
Christine has also cared for a number of infants with Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome where they have been born addicted to harmful substances. She says it's hugely rewarding helping an infant overcome a difficult start to life: “a smile from one of these babies will melt your heart.”
Christine loves what she does and would not change any part of it. Sometimes it can be challenging to learn about the experiences of the young people, but that makes her even more determined to show them that there are other ways to live.
You’re not in it alone when you decide to become a foster carer.
We work closely with carers to give them the support that they need.
Berry Street's foster carers have access to:
- a dedicated case worker
- 24-hour support and practical help from experienced Berry Street staff
- financial support in the form of a fortnightly, tax-free reimbursement
- ongoing training and support programs to help develop skills you will use as a foster carer
- social opportunities to network with other carers.
Become a foster carer
Anyone can become a foster carer as long as they are over 21 and can provide a child their own room in a safe and nurturing home environment. Berry Street carers come from a wonderfully diverse range of different backgrounds, cultures and experiences.
We know that becoming a foster carer can be daunting, especially because it’s full of unknowns. There are many different ways you can care for a child – by providing emergency accommodation, respite care for ongoing carers, or regular, ongoing care.
How to holiday with children in foster care and create lifelong memories
