By Cimara Pearce
WESTERN suburbs welfare provider Baptcare is urgently seeking foster carers to provide a loving home for children who are unable to remain living with their families.
Cairnlea husband and wife team Brigitte and Robert Baker are two people already providing care to children in need and are encouraging others to lend a helping hand.
Mr and Mrs Baker became foster parents about 22 years ago to gain an understanding of how their then primary school aged children would grow into teenagers.
More than 400 foster children later, and the pair are as passionate as ever about what they do.
“It’s nice because you know you’re helping someone in need.
“Some poor child needs a roof over their head and someone to kiss them good night, so to speak,” Mrs Baker said.
Baptcare is low on foster carers in Brimbank and is currently looking for people who are able to temporarily care for children in their own home and provide them with love and support during challenging times.
“Baptcare has proactive involvement in all foster care placements, providing assistance, training and advice where required,” Baptcare chief executive officer Jeff Davey said.
“Foster carers are fully supported by professional foster care workers, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
“If you love children and have some space in your heart, your life and your home please come forward and put your hand up for fostering.”
Mr and Mrs Baker said families would find that fostering would have a good impact on their own children.
“If you’ve got kids of your own it’s good for them because your kids get to know the downsides of life and get to appreciate what they’ve got. They learn to have compassion for others,” Mr Baker said.
“It keeps you young. I’m over 50… it keeps you on your toes and makes you forget about ageing.”
For information on foster care call Baptcare on 9373 3800 or email familyservices@baptcare .org.au.
