“You can make time for something that matters”.
Before she became a foster carer earlier this year, Natasha never imagined how long the process would take or how much of a difference her family could make to a child needing support.
In her forties, with a husband, three daughters and a demanding career as a medical scientist working shift work in a busy hospital laboratory, Natasha already felt like life was full. But an experience close to home planted a seed that stayed with her.
During COVID, close friends of the family began fostering siblings. Natasha watched from the sidelines as they navigated the emotional and practical challenges of caring for children who had experienced trauma.
Over time, Natasha noticed how positively the children responded. Seeing foster care in action, up close and honest, made the idea feel real rather than an abstract concept.
“You’re surrounded by it,” she explains. “You see children coming to the park, to birthday parties. At some point, you stop thinking 'I couldn’t do that" and start thinking ‘Maybe I could.’”
The journey started when Natasha contacted MacKillop Family Services and after an information exchange, they began the lengthy approval process.
Balancing the requirements with work, family life and my husband’s demanding schedule is testing, but once we stepped back and reflected, the importance of checks and training came back into focus.
“There’s a reason it’s this thorough,” she says. “MacKillop needs to make sure children are going to the right homes.”
Approval came through in January 2026, and soon after they began caring one weekend a month for a bright, warm‑hearted girl close in age to their youngest daughter.
“It’s just worked beautifully,” Natasha says. “Their energy levels match, and she’s slotted into our family so naturally.”
Foster care has allowed Natasha’s children to be part of the journey in a positive, supported way.
“I’m so proud of how open‑hearted they have been.”
Small moments, big impact
What stands out most for Natasha are the everyday moments: shared meals, nights curled up on the couch, thoughtful questions like “Did you have a good day at work?”
“She’s just such a kind, intelligent child,” Natasha says. “You feel the impact of what stability and trust can do.”
Short-term care has also given the girl’s full‑time carer the chance to rest and recharge.
“Everyone needs a break,” Natasha says. “Knowing we can support her too makes it even more meaningful.”
Making time
Natasha knows one of the biggest barriers people feel is time.
“Everyone says they’re too busy, and I get it,” she says. “But the reality is, you can make time. You might have to say no to other things, or change how you do life a bit, but it’s possible.”
Looking back on the long approval process and the initial doubts, Natasha has no hesitation now.
“There are so many positives,” she says. “And starting with short-term care has shown us that you don’t have to do everything at once to make a real difference.”
For families considering foster care, her advice is simple:
“Don’t overthink it. Learn, ask questions, and take the first step. You might be surprised by what you’re capable of.”
