Call for carers

By Tania Martin
A MONBULK mother has joined renewed calls for more foster carers in the outer-east.
Judy James, 56, has been a foster mum for more than 14 years.
She said it was one of the most rewarding things she had ever done.
Ms James first started looking after disadvantage kids when she joined Interchange as a volunteer more than 25 years ago.
“I looked after a little boy for years on the weekends and decided to go into fostering,” she said.
“I started off doing respite care for parents.”
But it wasn’t until seven years ago that Ms James became a full-time carer.
She also had two children of her own.
“They (my daughters) realised although it was difficult at times it was for the benefit of the children,” Ms James said.
“They knew I loved kids and wanted to do what I could.”
Ms James has joined Anglicare Victoria’s call for more carers following the launch of a new recruitment campaign.
Anglicare is looking for carers from all walks of life.
There is currently a shortfall of carers across the Shire of Yarra Ranges
Anglicare Victoria outer-east program manager Brigitte Boulet said carers were ordinary people from all backgrounds, ages and experiences.
“Anyone in the Yarra Ranges who is over 21 years of age and can offer a child in need a secure, loving home, is eligible to become a foster carer, including single, de facto or married people with or without children,” she said.
Ms James said all carers are given training through Anglicare and are offered ongoing support on a regular basis.
“You also have a case worker. My case worker is brilliant and I ring her all the time,” she said.
Ms James said one of the most rewarding parts of being a carer was being able to see the difference in the children as they get older.
Those interested in learning more about becoming a foster carer can attend an information night at Kallista Community House, 2 Church Street, on 29 April from 7.30pm or call 1300 889 335.