On World Care Day, we celebrate the incredible resilience of children and young people in care, as well as the dedication of the carers who support them. One such story comes from a kinship carer who opened her home to two young people. 

“My husband and I have been carers for over six years,” says Sarah*.  

“Our journey began with a phone call that changed everything.” 

Sarah was just 16 when she met her husband. By the time she was 24, the couple had three children.  

“Life was busy,” she explains. “I completed my Registered Nurse training while raising our kids, and my husband worked hard to support our family.  

“As our children grew, we watched them embark on their own journeys through university, training and work.” 

By the time their youngest child left home at 18, they had settled into a comfortable routine, planning for the next stage of life. 

“Then came the call,” Sarah says. 

“A relative’s children, aged seven and nine, needed a home,” she continues. “My cousin had put our names forward to become their permanent kinship carers.  

“It was a moment of deep reflection – we had always admired carers but never imagined we would become ones ourselves.” 

Sarah says they knew the importance of keeping children connected to family and culture.  

“When Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children enter care, agencies look to extended family first,” she explains.  

“Knowing this and hearing the heartfelt plea from my cousin and the children’s grandmother, we made the decision to welcome them into our home.” 

Sarah describes the shift in family dynamics that comes with foster caring as one you can’t prepare for.  

“It was a journey of learning and unlearning,” she says. “Unlike raising biological children from birth, we had to get to know these young people from scratch – understanding their emotions, fears and experiences.” 

She adds that children in care ask hard questions and challenge a carer’s worldviews while compelling them to re-examine their parenting.  

“They also have a depth of resilience and generosity that is humbling,” she says.  

“They wanted us to be our best selves, even as they navigated their own complex emotions.” 

There were triumphs for Sarah and her husband, seeing them thrive in school, finding their passions and embracing new opportunities.  

There were also heartbreaks, like when their youngest, at age 12, decided to leave.  

“Despite the pain, we remain his cheer squad, always ready to support him from afar,” she states. 

Their now 16-year-old is a force to be reckoned with – sporty, bright and adventurous.  

“She challenges me daily, especially when I accidentally embarrass her which, according to her, is often,” Sarah says.  

“Watching her grow into a strong, independent young woman is both a joy and a privilege.”   

She suggests doing as much training as possible, because the more you learn, the better prepared you’ll be. 

“Be an advocate,” she states.  

“Speak up, push for the best for the young person and never stop cheering them on.” 

Despite the challenges, Sarah says they wouldn’t have it any other way.  

“With time, you will not be able to imagine what your family life would have been like without them.” 

On this World Care Day, we honour all carers and the extraordinary young people they support. Your dedication and strength make all the difference. 

If you’re interested in learning more about opening your home and your heart to a child or young person in need, fill out and enquiry form or visit our events page to register for an information session. 

*Name and image changed to protect the identity of the carer.