For over three decades, Wendy Dow has made a lasting difference in the lives of hundreds of vulnerable children, showing the true power of foster care.
Photo by
Rechelle Zammit
As a teenager, Wendy Dow loved caring for children, often welcoming neighbourhood kids into her home for hours of play.
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It’s no wonder that those fond childhood memories led Wendy to dedicate more that three decades of her life to caring for children in need
In fact, Wendy has been a foster carer with Berry Street for 35 years, opening her home and heart to more than 300 children in that time.
With Foster Care Week having concluded on September 20, Wendy’s story shines a light on the impact one person can truly have on hundreds of young lives.
“I remember the very first child I looked after, and it was an exciting yet daunting experience all at once,” Mrs Dow said.
“I think I have learnt a lot since then.”
Being a foster carer doesn’t come without its challenges — children missing their families, struggling with dysregulated behaviour and not knowing how to cope with their own emotions.
But with patience and understanding, Wendy has always found a way to work through these challenges, together.
“It is challenging at times, but vulnerable children need care through no fault of their own,” she said.
With a statewide demand for foster carers, Foster Care Week celebrates those providing care — a reminder that Wendy’s dedication continues, year after year.
And it’s that very demand that has kept her inspired.
“One of the most rewarding experiences with foster care is seeing children reunited with their family, after families have worked hard and have supports in place for a successful reunification,” Mrs Dow said.
“We are a blended family. My husband, Mick, and I have four biological children between us and three permanent care children.
“We have 11 grandchildren, who we absolutely adore, and we love having big family birthdays, Christmases and special events.
“They are always loud and lots of fun, and adding foster kids into the equation always makes these celebrations even more special.”
Having had more than 300 foster children in her care, Wendy said there had been many memories and wonderful stories along the way.
However, there is one that stands out.
“A little girl we looked after for three and a half years went home to her family after lots of hard work from her mum,” she said.
“We are so proud of her and what she has accomplished, and we have stayed in contact with her as support for both her and the child.”
Working together for the best interests of the child, schools, doctors and even the wider community all come together to help carers support these vulnerable children — all with the same heartfelt approach.
“Anyone in the community can provide foster care. You can do emergency care, respite care or longer-term care,” Mrs Dow said.
“You just need to provide a safe, stable, loving and caring environment for these vulnerable children.
“Give it a try if you are interested in becoming a foster carer — it is a wonderful experience.”
And with that said, the big question is how long Wendy plans to keep doing this.
“We will keep opening our home and hearts to children in need for as long as we can,” she said.
“Mick and I consider ourselves very lucky and blessed to have such a beautiful family who supports us through our journey.
“I have always thought that this is my calling in life — and what a wonderful life it has been.”
Wendy Dow has spent 35 years opening her home and heart, caring for more than 300 children in need and creating a blended family full of love and laughter.
Photo by
Rechelle Zammit
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