Five months ago, newly accredited foster carers Justin and Allison Sullivan welcomed their first ‘little person’ into their home.
“She’s meeting the normal milestones of being able to talk, crawl, walk,” Justin said.
“Then the other side, the emotional side, we’ve seen her develop connections, express love, and just be.”
“And it’s important she feels she can just be – she can be safe and loud and just be a kid,” Allison said.
When the Sullivans began their fostering journey, they had good intentions, the inspiration of family history (Justin’s parents fostered), and years of experience parenting their own children.
While that was enough to get started, each step along the way proved to be an education.
“At first, it surprised us how much training was involved, and then we thought, isn’t it great that the training is so thorough?” Justin said.
The couple completed a two-part program, starting with online ‘Shared Lives’ training and then engaging in one-on-one sessions focused on trauma-informed care.
“It was also a very good personal journey – we learnt more about ourselves and our family,” Allison said.
“We learnt so much, and when we did start, we felt as first-time foster carers that we were prepared,” Justin said.
Support from Berry Street has not waned even after their training concluded.
Justin explained that they maintain regular contact with the organisation and can make calls any time if there are any concerns or questions.
When it comes to people outside the fostering bubble, there’s one question that the couple (and all foster carers) hear repeatedly: how do you give them back?
“The thing is, you love them, and it’s a gift to be able to set them up for life,” Allison said.
“And it’s better to have loved than not loved at all.”
Reunification won’t be easy, but it won’t erase their relationship with their little person or the impact they have had on them.
“We always talk about ‘It takes a village to raise a child’, and by being with Berry Street, you could be part of that village to help make a difference and raise a child,” Justin said.
“It’s certainly a journey, but it’s one worth taking.”
Anyone can become a foster carer with Berry Street.
If you are over 21 years old, have a spare bedroom, are an Australian citizen or permanent resident, are willing to undergo compliance checks, and – most importantly – can provide a safe and nurturing home environment, you too can become a foster carer.
HOW CAN I VOLUNTEER?
For more information, email fostercare@berrystreet.org.au, call the Shepparton office at 5822 8100, or visit www.berrystreet.org.au/you-can-help/become-a-foster-carer
