Foster carers Rachael and Matthew Buck have opened their home to make a haven for children who are not able to live safely with their own families.
With a background in education and teaching, Rachael and Matthew saw children in their home town experience disadvantage and trauma. They felt they had so much more to offer both at school and at home.
Over a six year period, Rachael and Matthew have provided respite and emergency care to over 100 children and young people. And it’s very much a family affair. With three boys of their own under the age of six, foster care has provided a lot of conversation in the household and an opportunity to learn a sense of empathy, gratitude and sharing.
We feel really proud we can do this as a family.
“Our boys have been around foster kids their whole lives and it has been really beneficial for them. We think it’s been such a positive impact to our boys.”
For the Bucks, respite and emergency works for their family dynamic and they have stepped in to provide the care necessary to help children and young people maintain a level of support and nurturing in what can be a stressful situation.
“You’ve got to make it work for you and respite care is a flexible option that works for our living arrangement,” explains Rachael.
“We find that most kids that come into our care are really grateful for what you have to offer. Whether it’s just feeling safe, or the food you eat, they’re really happy to be there.”
