Kinship care helps kids achieve a sense of belonging

Murraylands couple Marion and Laurence know first-hand the impact that providing care for children can have on their lives.

Initially kinship carers for their grandchildren, they opened their home to two primary school aged sisters about a year ago after their grandchildren were reunified with their father.

“We’d put our hand up for other kids who might need care because we had the space and the motivation, and we were well aware of the number of kids in care,” Laurence said.

Since then, they have witnessed the sisters grow in confidence, learn to trust and flourish in their schooling.

“They’ve grown a lot of love and respect for us and they understand now that they can come to us with any issues that they want to talk about,” Laurence said.

They have also taken up cooking classes, dancing and drama and recently performed in a stage show in front of family and friends.

“They were so overwhelmed, and it was the best night – everyone was coming up and hugging them and telling them how great they are,” Marion said.

“Previously, they didn’t know how to cope with that, but there’s no stopping them now.

“They’ve just got that knowledge now that people love them and they’re there for them.”

Laurence and Marion still care for their grandchildren during school holidays, and the sisters have formed bonds with them too.

“It’s nice hearing that giggling and laughing again,” Marion said.

September 13 to 19 is Foster and Kinship Carer Week and State Minister for Child Protection Alice Rolls said the support provided by carers could not be overstated.

“Kinship and foster carers provide tremendous support for children and young people, opening their hearts and homes, walking alongside them in the good times and the tough times and giving them an all-important sense of belonging,” she said.

“Because of these carers, children are given a home where they feel safe and where they are loved and respected.

“They’re supported to meet their learning milestones, to find and foster their passions and to discover that there are always people who will look out for them, no matter their previous traumas.”

For more information about foster care, visit fostercare.sa.gov.au or call 1300 2 FOSTER (1300 2 367 837).