FOSTERING relationship building and supportive connections among our foster carer network is a vital part of our work.
Keeping foster carers connected with one another allows the support they receive to extend beyond ac.care staff and the broader care team to also include fellow carers.
This is facilitated and encouraged through events throughout the year, including regular coffee mornings and other gatherings.
We were thrilled to bring together foster carers and their families, including young people in care, at our 2020 Limestone Coast foster care Christmas party, which was one of the highlights of the annual calendar after some other events across the regions had to be postponed or cancelled due to COVID-19 restrictions.
The Christmas party was a valuable opportunity to celebrate and thank our carers, who enjoyed the opportunity to mix with fellow foster carers and unwind after the unique challenges of 2020.
Wonderful entertainment was provided by inspiring volunteer musicians Shylie and Laura of Strings Attached, who welcomed a young person in care to join them for some special songs.
It was an honour for staff to serve lunch to foster families, who make a remarkable contribution to supporting vulnerable young people.
“We cannot thank our diverse foster carers enough for the contribution they make, providing safe homes and positive relationships to children and young people,” ac.care foster care manager Dani Atkinson said.
The day concluded with a visit from Santa, who arrived to hand out presents to children and young people in care, along with the children of carers, who welcome foster siblings into their homes.
We are grateful for the support of Limestone Coast businesses that donated food for the day so we could treat all our special guests, including She’s Apples, Domino’s, Metro, OK Pie Shop, Woolworths and Foodland.
