Margaret and Dean first started thinking about becoming foster carers 14 years ago, but there was always a reason not to pick up the phone; busy careers, study and the needs of their own young children were obstacles to making that first step. When Margaret’s Aunt eventually asked them what they were waiting for, they realized they had no answer to that question.
“There’s always going to be something happening. That’s life!” says Margaret.
“There’s never a right time, stop waiting! Even if you’re not quite ready to do long or short term care, you start with emergency, even with shift work, and can make it work.”
It’s rewarding, it’s challenging, and it’s worth doing it.
With personal experiences of disadvantage growing up, both Margaret and Dean believe strongly in the power of providing children with opportunity as a means to overcoming adversity.
“I grew up in South Africa and saw firsthand the importance of the ‘village’ in raising a child,” explains Dean.
“There are kids who can’t live with their family for whatever reason. We need to do our bit,” adds Dean.
“Foster caring is something that we always wanted to do to try and help people who couldn’t help themselves. Our primary thought was anything that we provide is going to be a safe and educational home.”
