Four ways you can make a difference to kids in care
Have you been wanting to become a foster carer, but just aren’t quite ready to commit? Did you know that there are other ways to support children without becoming a full-time foster carer?
Transitioning into foster homes can be stressful for children, so it is extremely important that there is support around them to help ease their anxiety. Here are some ways you can help.
Advocacy
If you’re currently on a journey to either becoming a foster carer, or finding ways to support foster children, it could be beneficial to discuss this with those around you. A lot of people don’t know much about the foster care system, or have negative ideas they associate with it, so starting the conversation about the positives of foster caring can make a big difference to how people see it.
Even if foster caring isn’t on your radar right now, try talking with your friends and family to get them actively thinking about foster care. There are many people who do not know anything about foster care or realise that they are eligible to become a carer, so you may just be the person to help them realise!
You can follow us on Instagram and stay updated with our Facebook page to find information, read inspiring stories, and stay connected to our team.
Donations
In some situations, moving into a foster home can come without warning. Because of this, many children arrive into care with little to nothing.
There are many charity organisations that prepare welcome boxes filled with toiletries, toys, clothing, and school supplies for children. You Be You is empowered by Anglicare Southern Queensland -- you can also donate to Anglicare.
Anglicare accepts in-kind donations all year round to support both the thousands of children in foster care and men, women, and children in their Youth Homelessness Service. You can donate toiletries, cleaning products, and children's essentials that will go directly to children in care and people in need.
For children in care, specific items that are needed include liquid soap, toothpaste and toothbrushes, deodorant, shampoo and conditioner, pyjamas, underpants, socks and singlets, backpacks, sports equipment, books and games, and, for babies in care, nappies, baby powder, wipes, and teething toys.
To donate essentials for foster children in Queensland please contact Anglicare Fundraising on 1300 244 683 or email giving@anglicaresq.org.au.
Respite Care
If you’re thinking about becoming a foster carer, it’s important to remember that there are other options besides diving into full time care. If you’re further along on your foster care journey, but can’t commit to full time care, you could consider respite or emergency care as your next step.
It is important to remember that foster care is not only a huge transition for kids, but also for the foster families too. Weekend and brief-stay respite allows carers to take a short break or seek assistance in emergency situations. This type of care offers regular, ongoing support and is a great opportunity for children to meet new people, make new friends, and create new experiences.
Find out more about the different types of foster care placements here.
Volunteering
The amazing team over at The Pyjama Foundation do all they can to ensure foster children receive equal opportunities when it comes to their education and achieving their dreams. Through their ‘Love of Learning Program’, volunteers called the Pyjama Angels dedicate one hour a week to a child reading books, playing educational games, and helping them with their homework. Just one hour a week shows these children that they are loved, cared for, and valued.
If volunteering isn’t a possibility for you, you can also donate funds and resources, host or attend an event, or get your workplace involved. Better yet, take part in National Pyjama Day! Each year, The Pyjama Foundation hosts a pyjama day to raise awareness of the organisation and their mission whilst also raising money. So not only will you be helping an important cause, you also get to wear your pyjamas to work!
To find out more about The Pyjama Foundation and how you can help, be sure to check out their website and stay updated with their events.
Thank you
There are so many ways you can help even if you’re not able to be a full time foster carer. No matter how you choose to support foster children, we want to thank you for caring. And remember, we want you to be you to help them be them.
Have more questions? Contact Anglicare on 1300 000 828 and let us know how we can help. Don’t forget to head to our website to download information books filled with everything you need to know about foster care.
