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Anglicare's call for big hearts in Boroondara
Cassie Maher
22Apr08
Anglicare's Jessica Noske- Turner plays with Georgia, 1.
A SURGE in abandoned babies and a shortage of foster carers has Anglicare Victoria pleading for Boroondara residents to help.
For the first time in decades carers are desperately needed to provide respite, emergency, short-term and long-term care for babies and toddlers, traditionally the easiest age range to place. Anglicare Victoria eastern region recruitment worker Jessica Noske-Turner said increases in drug and alcohol use, gambling and mental health problems had seen a surge in the number of abandoned babies.
"The biggest factor across the board is social isolation," Ms Noske-Turner said. "People don't have an extended family to draw on during times of crisis."
Ms Noske-Turner said more women focusing on their careers and delaying childbirth meant they were less available to be foster carers.
She said Anglicare would target Boroondara residents as potential foster carers at an upcoming information night in Ashburton.
"There seems to be older, established families (in Ashburton). We understand a lot of those people are still busy, but even if we got one or two families we would be so happy," Ms Noske-Turner said.
Mont Albert resident Liz, 50, began fostering children 10 years ago. She said fostering babies short-term (up to 12 months) was "life-changing".
"I personally don't find it challenging. As long as you have a big heart and lots of love, it's a walk in the park doing this job."
Liz said the community had a responsibility to care for abandoned children.
"One day these kids are going to grow up with your children or grandchildren and if they're not loved and nurtured, it's society as a whole that will suffer," she said.
"I don't sit here and judge the parents. I just see me as loving their children and giving them the best life possible until they can go back home."
An information night will be held on Monday, May 12, from 7.30pm, at Ashburton Library. Details: 1300 889 335.
