'Foster caring just became what we do': Meet the family who have looked after more than 50 children in need

Sarah* always knew she wanted to be an emergency foster carer. After witnessing children bounce between homes early on in her career, she felt a responsibility to help.

"I was meeting foster carers and seeing the amazing work they were able to do," Sarah says. "In my heart, I knew I had to do it, but I needed to wait for my husband, Lucas*, to get on board, and for our own three children to understand that kids would be coming and going."

When their youngest child turned eight, the couple got the paperwork rolling. "We decided to test the waters as emergency carers, as we would only be responsible for the children for a short period," Sarah says.

Soon after the couple completed their application and training, a little boy arrived on their doorstep. "His baby sister followed a week later, and she had a lot of medical issues," Sarah says, remembering the start of their journey caring for babies withdrawing from the effects of drugs and alcohol in utero. "Foster caring just became what we do as a family. We wanted to help them get over the detox period and give them the best start in life."

20 years, 50 children

Almost 20 years after their first placement, Sarah and Lucas have now cared for more than 50 children, and each one has left a permanent mark on their hearts. "The hard part is giving them back. I end up in tears with every single one," Sarah admits, but she's the first one to say it's worth it – making a meaningful difference, even for a short time, before children reunite with their birth parents.

"It's no bed of roses, but being an emergency foster carer can definitely change a child's life," she says. "Just by opening up your home, whether it's for a night, a weekend or 12 weeks, you're giving those children a happy and safe space.

"Last year, for example, we looked after a young girl and her reading was at a level two. Just by sitting and spending time with her, we got her reading up to level 22. It's these little things that keep you going."

To be a successful carer, Sarah and Lucas say you must be willing to listen and know that you can't fix every problem. "I think you just need a serving heart," Sarah adds. "You need patience – lots of it – and the determination to see things through."

Support for carers

Although the couple admits their journey has been challenging at times, they've always felt supported. "It's not like you're left on your own – you have a case worker for each child," Lucas says. "If you're struggling with behavioural issues, the case worker can give you different ideas and strategies to try."

For those unsure they have what it takes to become a foster carer, Sarah assures that you're provided with all the tools you need. "The initial training and interviews we received from the Department of Communities and Justice were quite thorough," Sarah explains. "The trainers were very open, supportive and encouraging – not only of us as individuals, but as a family unit, too."

Carers receive an allowance to help cover the costs of a child's basic needs, and additional training is also available through organisations such as My Forever Family.

For all the heartache involved, Sarah says the satisfaction you gain from helping change a child's life is second to none. "Foster care is not a job – it's a vocation and requires dedication, but you're rewarded with a child smiling at you from across the dinner table, as opposed to the cranky face they had yesterday."

*Names have been changed for privacy reasons

Learn more at www.nsw.gov.au.