“Both locally and nationally there is a great need for carers,” carer assessment, recruitment and trainer with Anglicare NSW South Jan Benton said. 

“Anglicare, along with other foster care agencies, are always eager to hear from people who may be interested in fostering.” 

She said the basic reason children come to foster care was because the government had decided it was not in their best interest to be with their families, due to their parents suffering anything from substance abuse or domestic violence to an illness.

One of the over 40 foster carers with Anglicare in the southern region is Shary Hodgson of Bermagui.

She and her husband have looked after about 15 children over 10 years, from short term or respite care to a long period of time. 

“It’s incredibly rewarding, you’re contributing to a human’s life,” Ms Hodgson said. 

“I think all children have the potential to be something wonderful and it’s lovely to help them reach that potential.

“The love you get back from them – these children you thought you’d never know or cross paths with just come up and wrap their arms around you.

“You’re so happy and proud, it’s really lovely.” 

But she said it was important for any potential carer to realise that it was not all easy going, as the children have lived through tough times.

Most of the challenges were behavioural, she said, but there were also challenges that came from fitting into a new household.  

“The children are coming into an unknown environment and it’s scary for them so you have to let them adapt and settle in,” she said. 

Ms Hodgson has a daughter who, now 14, has grown up living with many foster children. 

“I think the person she is now is the result of what she has experienced, she’s very compassionate and empathetic,” Ms Hodgson said. 

“It’s been very beneficial for her.” 

If you are interested in becoming a foster carer, contact Ms Benton on 6491 7305 or 0427 814 309. You can also email her on jan.benton@anglicare.com.au.