Kelli and Trina - Fostering and the Next Generation

I've always liked the story of the child who, on seeing millions of starfish beached on the sand as the tide was going out, started throwing them back into the water. When a parent suggested that the child could not save them all and asked what difference it would make, the child tossed another one in and  replied "Made a difference to THAT one!"

I recently met a couple (young Gen-Xs) who have certainly made a difference to some starfish, and whose story might encourage others.

First thing to note is that Kelli and Trina clearly have a loving and stable relationship, and both have strong family foundations.

After ten years together, and some fun-filled years, this couple started thinking of ways that they could add more substance to their life together and thoughts of children came into focus.

During the ensuing discovery journey, they both recognised the huge need for foster carers, and that it was something they could do something about.

After conversations with close friends and family, they made some enquiries at an agency that handles some of the most challenging cases, and now, about five years later, they have opened their hearts and home to three children. Currently, Kelli and Trina are full time foster carers for a nearly 14-year-old girl, something that they actually love to do!

Kelli works in the emergency services area and has been exposed in her work to children who require protection, and Trina has a background in early childhood education. They don't see their fostering as an alternative to having their own children. "We just love that we are helping a girl to develop into a young woman who will be able to make empowered and positive decisions as an adult," Kelli told me.

Trina asserts that you don’t have to be super to be a foster carer, even if that is the perception. “The children don’t judge you and don’t care, just that their needs are being met.”

And both these remarkable women acknowledge that their fostering experience so far has added a new dimension to their relationship and that they see each other through a different and exciting prism.

More information about fostering in NSW:  Fostering NSW or ACWA

or check out Fostering NSW on facebook