PETER and Katherine’s grown up children have moved out of home.
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But, they are far from having an empty nest.
The Upper Hunter pair still remember the day three special little people walked into their lives.
Since opening their home to the children almost two years ago, they have been on the journey as foster parents, doing their best to help them feel safe, secure, and loved.
Originally, they sought to provide part-time emergency respite care, because they were older and working.
“So we had them once every month or two months, to give their carer a break,” Katherine said.
“Then their carer couldn’t keep caring for them and we were asked could we take care of them until their orders came through, one way or another, whether they were placed in permanent care or got reunited with their birth family
“So because we were quite attached to these three little people, and it was just before Christmas, we thought, oh we’ll do the right thing.”
Almost a year later, the orders arrived, leaving the pair with the decision of whether the children would stay with them or leave.
According to Peter, it was too late – they had formed a bond.
“They were part of everything we did and we took them everywhere with us, and introduced them as our foster children, and people accepted it, and still accept, that they’re our foster children,” he said.
“It’s working really well.”
“They were part of our family,” added his wife.
Katherine said those thinking about becoming foster parents should inquire.
“If you’re thinking of it then you’re probably the right kind of person to do it.
“It’s not easy; it’s not a walk in the park.
“If you think you’ve got room in your heart or your home for a child then you should consider it because people have said to me, ‘you must be mad or stupid to look after someone else’s children’ – because it is hard work.
“But, you get something back, and it’s not financial – children cost a lot of money to raise – it’s seeing them grow.
“When we first got these children, they needed a lot of reassurance; they were quite timid.
“Now they’re quite confident little children that like going to school and preschool and they do things that every day kids do.
“But, also I would say that all children that come into care are going to have experienced trauma, either by being removed from their family, or by what happened before.”
While it was not what they had expected, Katherine said they had found it extremely rewarding.
“Firstly, and really importantly, we don’t have to go through challenges with the kids alone,” she said.
“We have the support of our case workers and agencies with the kids.
“We are provided with training on an ongoing basis which is really helpful, particularly when dealing with the ongoing effects of trauma.
“There are organisations like Connecting Carers which also provide ongoing support.”
Peter and Katherine hope sharing their story ahead of Foster Care Week 2017, September 10 to 16, will encourage others to open their homes.
“My kids are really loving, little people, and certainly give me lots of rewards for my efforts,” Katherine said.