Young foster carers’ decision driven by values

Ella and Shiv’s decision to become foster carers was driven by their strong values and lifelong work in the education and health sectors.

“We were attracted to Berry Street’s ethos and broader work in trauma-informed education and care. Their values and approach aligned with our own,” said Ella.

Since becoming accredited foster carers with Berry Street in 2017, the young Melbourne-based couple has cared for 15 children and young people.

“We had space in our house, enjoyed engaging with young people, and saw that there was flexibility in how we could give back as carers,” said Ella.

Making foster care work with your lifestyle

‘Can I work full-time and be a foster carer?’ is one of the questions our foster care team gets asked, a lot (the short answer is ‘Yes!’)

As Ella and Shiv both work full-time and are foster carers, we were keen to hear their insights:

“We know people still have misconceptions around being a carer, with many people not recognising that you can balance foster care with full-time work,” said Ella.

“One of the challenges for us is not always being available to take on placements due to our work demands. However, Berry Street is supportive of this and understands that at times we need to say ‘no’ to a placement.”

With work commitments and busy social life, Ella and Shiv chose to provide the types of foster care that suit their lifestyle, including:

• respite care – caring for children to give full-time carers, parents, or guardians a regular break
• emergency care – caring for children who are at risk and need a safe home immediately
• short-term – caring for children from a few weeks up to 6 months.

Another foster care myth is that you must have biological children in order to be a carer – this is not true.

Ella and Shiv, like many other Berry Street foster carers, do not have children of their own. Their practical and well-considered approach to fostering has served them – and the children in their care – well.

The difference community can make

Ella and Shiv were drawn to fostering through their work in education and health – Ella is a service manager in youth mental health and Shiv is a paediatrician.

Ella and Shiv have also surrounded themselves with a great support network of friends and family who know how important fostering is to them.

“[Our friends and family] love engaging with the young people who live with us and also believe it takes a community to help support young people,” said Ella.

Through fostering, the couple has built a strong community with the children and young people they’ve cared for, as well as their families. The “incredible relationship” they still hold with the first child they cared for, and their mother is a testament to this. While the respite care arrangement ended years ago, Shiv and Ella still regularly see the young person.

“Every young person we’ve supported has brought their personality and been open to sharing this once they recognise our home is a supportive, non-judgmental, and safe place for them to be,” said Shiv.

Ella and Shiv shared that the connection, humour, and witnessing the resilience and positivity of young people are some of the highlights of being a foster carer.

“There are challenging times but openness, willingness to learn, and unconditional positive regard can get you through almost every situation,” said Ella.

Become a foster carer and support a local child

Childhood is a journey. Partner with Berry Street to support a child or young person on theirs.

As a Berry Street foster carer, you’ll be a part of a team that is committed to supporting children and young people who cannot live safely at home. By providing a safe and nurturing place to live – you'll be there for them at a crucial moment in their life.