By CAITLIN MCARTHUR
WITH demand for foster care in Victoria at an all-time high one Mount Evelyn couple are doing their best to make a difference.
Yvonne and John Dykstra said they got involved in foster care because they “wanted to do a good thing”.
The Dykstras have been foster carers for 10 years and have provided much needed respite for carers, single parents and families in difficult situations.
The couple have cared for five kids in that time, usually on weekends.
“It’s a commitment but we don’t mind, it keeps us young,” Mr Dykstra said.
“To become a foster carer has some great rewards. It plays an important part in the children’s lives and has a positive impact,” Mr Dykstra said.
The Mount Evelyn couple are currently caring for two siblings under 12 one weekend a month.
“Their mum can see a huge improvement in their relationship,” Mr Dykstra said.
“Also there is the role model of a man in their visits, because they don’t see their dad,” Mr Dykstra said.
Mr Dykstra said having someone else in their life, outside of their family, can make a real difference to the kids.
“The difference in the boys has been huge. Not only does fostering benefit the children and their mum, but also the families that take them in,” Ms Dykstra said.
The Dykstra family have also had two of their daughters involved in foster care.
“Our daughter, Tamara, became involved through Anglicare’s Friends of Foster Care program,” Mr Dykstra said, adding that another had been involved in respite care.
Mr Dykstra said it isn’t just kids from struggling families that enter the program.
Some carers have children full-time and are in need of respite too, Mr Dykstra said.
He said he would certainly encourage people to try and get involved, not just for the kids but also for themselves.
“For us it’s putting back into the community something of value that will last in the lives of the children” Mr Dykstra said.
According to Anglicare Victoria there is a shortfall of carers in Victoria with demand far outstripping supply.
Anglicare Victoria is using National Foster Care Week to raise awareness of the issue and encourage people to step up and give it a go.
“Whoever you are, whatever your background, beliefs and experiences might be, please think about being a foster carer,” Anglicare CEO Paul McDonald said.
Carers can contribute in a number of ways including emergencies for one or two nights, short-time care up to a few months or long-term care for up to two years or more.
Mr McDonald said anyone who can provide a stable environment to a child in need is eligible to become a foster carer.
The care required differs for every child and carers can choose what type of care they provide based on their personal situation.
“Just as every child is different, so too are foster carers,” Mr McDonald said.
Mr McDonald said people can become carers regardless of their relationship or marital situation, sexual orientation or working situation.
National Foster Care Week is running from 14 to 20 September.
Anglicare Victoria will be running information nights for the rest of the year for those interested in becoming a foster carer.
