Neville's story

Ever wondered what it’s like to be a foster carer? Neville is one of the foster carers we support and he has kindly shared his story: 

“About six years ago, my partner Justine and I started our journey as foster carers together with Anglicare Southern Queensland. While Justine had been a full-time carer in Melbourne before we met, becoming a foster carer was an entirely new experience for me. 

At first, we started out as respite carers. Respite carers are part-time foster carers who provide care for short periods of time to give full time foster carers a break. In our case, we'd have one or two children come and stay with us every second weekend. This would give their full-time carers some much-needed time to relax. Now, as a full-time foster carer myself, respite care is something I’m very appreciative of.  

We decided to become full-time foster carers after learning more about the statistics of young people who are living in out of home care. Once realising the vast number of young people in need of support, we knew we had to do more. There is a never-ending need for foster care in Queensland.  

For anyone who wants to know what it’s like to become a foster carer – I will be the first to acknowledge that, yes, it will affect your life and can cause you a little discomfort. However, becoming a foster carer can also be the most unbelievably rewarding experience you’ll ever have.  

Never in a million years did I imagine as a man in my sixties that I would once again be caring for young children, teaching them how to ride a bike and helping them with their homework. But here I am; in my 60s, not as fit as I once was. But I’m proof that you can change a child’s life for the better through foster care.” 

Are you interested in learning more about Neville? Kidspot recently interviewed him to learn more about why he embarked on his journey to become a foster carer. 

Want to hear from other foster carers? Read our foster carer stories. Have a question about foster care? Get in touch!