A SHORTAGE of foster carers has seen droves of teenagers turned away from their local community, a new survey has found.
“Last year our program had to turn away 35 per cent of children and young people referred to us,” said Margi MacGregor from local foster care organisation, Anglicare Western.
Sunitha Raman from the Centre for Excellence, said despite people’s fear of looking after difficult teens, the majority of foster carers said the experience was one of the most rewarding they had ever had.
“The best foster carers are those who see beyond the stereotypes to understand the past trauma experienced by children and young people in care,” she said.
Laverton couple, Joanne and Robert Ridgewell, have been fostering new-born babies to 12-year-olds for the past three and a half years.
To them, children’s sometimes “difficult” natures, just come with the package.
“I love all the different kiddies that come through,” Mrs Ridgewell said.
The Ridgewells, who have three teenage girls of their own, look after up to three kids at one time.
However, this type of hectic home environment does not deter the hard-working couple.
“Both we and the girls like having so many people around,” the 40-year-old said.
Although the full-time mum acknowledged things do not go smoothly all the time, she said the hardest part of fostering was giving the kids away.
“We don’t get to stay in contact with them after they leave us which is hard, but as long as they’re happy you don’t mind,” she said.
The Ridgewells are currently fostering a 6-year-old and a baby awaiting adoption.
Mrs Ridgewell advised those considering becoming foster parents to just take things day by day and give all kids a chance.
“I guess I would just tell families to give it a go, there’s no harm in that.”
To find out more about becoming a foster parent, call the Foster Care Hotline on 1800 013 088.
