For both Matt and Maree Bellman, who grew up in big families, the proverb ‘it takes a village to raise a child’ rings true to their experience. Initially considering foster care as an opportunity to become uncle and aunty figures to children and young people who may not have had the extended family support, Matt and Maree started their foster care journey with respite care to support other carers.
Inspired by their actions, many other Bellman family members also became accredited foster carers and together as a family, they support each other and share the responsibility of children in their care.
“It’s great for the kids that are in care with us to know that there are other children they can relate to, that they can touch base with and just knowing that they’re not alone in their journey,” explains Matt.
Our family treat the children and young people in our care as one of their own. Any of the kids that come through are made to feel like their part of the family.
The Bellmans are currently building a new home with young people in care top of mind. With extra bedrooms for kids to have their own privacy and to learn independence, to big living and communal areas for family gatherings, their new residence reflects their passion to continue to provide care to vulnerable kids in their community.
What’s more, a unique and exciting element of the build will be the inclusion of a family tree wall which will feature the children and young people who have come into their home throughout their lives.
“Whether that’s just for a night, whether it’s long term, that child or young person is now part of our family, and part of our family tree,” comments Maree.
Maree adds: “If you’re thinking of getting into foster care, and you’re worried that you’re going to get too attached, you’re the person we need. These kids need a safe home where people are going to get attached to them.
“Everyone needs attachment and love in their life, and that’s exactly what a kid with trauma needs.”
