For foster carer Pauline, providing support, love and care for vulnerable children and young people is a family affair. From her husband and parents to her adult children, Pauline’s fostering circle of care extends right through her family.
“We’ve been very blessed and lucky as a whole family to be able to foster children. Any child that comes into our family, are instantly part of our whole family. It’s all inclusive,” explains Pauline.
Growing up in a happy childhood, Pauline’s recalls her parents’ showing generosity in helping those less fortunate in society, and this sense of advocacy has been passed on to Pauline.
“I believe it’s a bit genetic in my desire to provide foster care,” comments Pauline.
I decided to get into foster care to make a difference on a local level, to give back, and because we can. It’s as simple as that.
Pauline adds: “We’re just ordinary people. And there are many amazing fosters carers out there, and they’re just ordinary people too making a difference.”
Over a period of 20 years, Pauline has provided foster care to over 100 children and young people. She explains what keeps her going: “To be able to make a difference, to see sad eyes smile, to see these kids grow in the confidence and watch them grow and developed to become more confident and secure in who they are makes it all worthwhile.”
“Through little acts of love and kindness, big things grow; I often think about this and I live by that.”
