Helen Smith knew foster caring would be a tough job, but it wasn't until she saw her foster daughter make new friends that she realised what a rewarding job it would be.
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It was a major step for Abbey*, who had struggled to form relationships before she came to live with Mrs Smith, her husband Peter and their biological children at their Albion Park home more than two years ago.
For Mrs Smith it was a real breakthrough to see the timid teenager finally shake her traumatic past, branch out and strike up friendships at youth group.
"There was Abbey, talking to about 10 kids and they were all listening to her," Mrs Smith said.
"She had the biggest smile on her face and she was so happy when she came out ... it was really good to see her turn a corner and really get over the trauma - that was really rewarding."
It took Mrs Smith several years to decide to follow in her sister's footsteps and become a foster carer, waiting for a combination of factors to fall into place before she took the plunge.
"We wanted to make a difference in a child's life and we had the house to do it in - we had enough space - we just had to wait to the right moment," she said.
That came when her children grew older and her husband took time off work with a hip injury.
It is a common occurrence, according to University of Wollongong researcher Dr Melanie Randle, who says people often consider becoming a foster carer years - or even decades - before making a commitment.
"This [is] probably because people need to feel as though it is the right time in their lives to be able to make the significant commitment of foster caring," Dr Randle said.
Mrs Smith said carers receive plenty of support.
The William Campbell Foundation is holding a free foster care information session at the Dapto Ribbonwood Centre from 5.30pm on Thursday, October 30.
To register, or learn more, visit www.wcfoundation.org.au or call 1300 130 585.
*Not her real name.