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When the going gets tough, CatholicCare foster carers Debbie and Nathan remain committed to the three children in their care.
“You've got to stick it out no matter how hard it gets. You can't give up… you're dealing with lives,” Debbie said.
Debbie and Nathan have three children in their long-term care, Jasmine, Nick and Benjamin*, aged nine to 14.
The Illawarra couple, aged 40 and 44, became foster carers 10 years ago when they were unable to have children of their own. They realised fostering was a way to achieve the family they hoped for while helping children who needed a loving home.
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Despite challenges over the years, Debbie and Nathan find it rewarding to see positive improvements in the children as a result of their efforts.
“The behaviours can be quite challenging,” Debbie said. “They don't change overnight because of the trauma they endured before they came into care. Sometimes it's a slow process.”
Nowadays she notices the children are settled and doing well. “They feel loved and they have a sense of belonging,” Debbie said.
They are supportive of the children's relationships with their birth families. “I think it's important for them to see their mum and know we don't hold any judgments, regardless about how they live life,” she said.
CatholicCare is seeking carers for children entering care for the first time in a crisis situation, particularly those aged five and older and sibling groups. There is also a constant need for carers who can provide loving, nurturing and stable homes for children needing short-term, long-term and respite care. Carers receive an allowance, training and support.
CatholicCare's executive manager of Children and Youth Services, Michelle Ferrara, said the valuable work of carers like Debbie and Nathan will be celebrated at a dinner and other events during Foster Care Week.
Visit www.catholiccare.dow.org.au or phone 4227 1122. People do not need to be Catholic to become a carer with CatholicCare. *Names have been changed
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