Time for the kids and each other: foster care at 50+

Peter wants all potential new foster carers to know there can still be plenty of time for hobbies, sports and date nights outside a caring role.

He and his wife Debra often meet others who tell them they’ve considered caring but are yet to explore the idea.

“It’s not all peaches and cream, but I’d say the overwhelming part is positive,” he says, adding that children in out-of-home care have suffered traumatic experiences that can present challenges.

The couple offer respite, short-term and emergency placements through ac.care, finding this fits in well with their busy lifestyle.

Peter stresses carers aren’t expected to agree every time their agency calls to gauge their availability for a placement, and that any help they can offer makes a difference.

“We still go on holidays and go to Crows games and we go out dancing,” he says.

“You might do something once a year and there’s others that might do something 30 times a year and they’re both fine, and everything in between.”

The Department for Child Protection aims to safely reunify children with their birth families wherever possible. Foster carers play a vital role in caring for children while services work with families to address safety concerns, or to find extended family members who can safely care for the children.

“Stuff like that makes your heart melt,” Peter says.

Caring for babies a joy for Ros

Children aren’t the only beneficiaries of Ros’s move into foster care.

“My sons are really pleased – I stopped nagging them about finding a nice girl and having children!” she says.

Ros, 69, was initially a little tentative about whether foster care would be the right fit for her, but as her confidence grew, so did her love of caring for babies.

“Even at a couple of days old, they’ve got their own personalities and you have the challenge of finding out what they do or don’t like,” the Adelaide woman says.

“They’re happy little things if you’re lucky, and even the ones that aren’t happy to start with, you’re a source of soothing for them.”

Supported by AnglicareSA, Ros has also offered emergency and respite care, but says short-term placements suit her best, allowing her to get to know each of the infants before they’re either reunited with their parents or extended family, or another placement is found.

The grandmother has cared for more than 40 children – almost all infants.

Foster care: your questions answered

I haven’t had my own children. Can I still be a carer?

Yes! What matters most is that you want to provide a safe and loving home environment, and are willing to learn, collaborate and receive ongoing training and support.

What if I work full time?

Many carers have full-time or part-time jobs. Like with any family, some flexibility is required, but the most important thing is providing a safe and stable home for the child or young person in your care.

Do I need to own my home?

No! It’s important that each child has a bedroom, but as long as your house is safe and suitable for children, that’s the main priority!

What age range should carers be in?

It’s never too late to open your heart and home to a child in need. Many people come to fostering later in life. The maximum age of a carer is flexible and dependent on a person’s ability to support a child.

Do carers need to be partnered?

We welcome foster carers from all walks of life. Whether you’re single or partnered, heterosexual or part of the LGBTQIA+ community, we need your support.