Foster Care Week celebrates foster carers and the incredible contribution they make to the lives of children, young people, and families in our community. 

We would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge the care, commitment, and dedication of our CatholicCare Hunter-Manning foster carers across the Diocese.  

Each of these individuals and families gives generously of their time, energy, and love to provide children and young people with a safe, stable, and nurturing home. 

Sophie’s Story 

One of those carers is Sophie*, who along with her husband and two children, has been fostering through CatholicCare since 2023. Sophie and her family welcomed two young girls into their home, providing them with long-term care, stability, and belonging. 

Warm and gentle by nature, Sophie’s love shines through in the way her family embraces the girls – often seen arriving hand-in-hand with all four children in a line. 

Reflecting on her journey, Sophie shares: 

“Caring for children can be tiring. It can often feel fruitless and is mostly thankless. New challenges come before you have even celebrated the wins. Much is unseen: late nights, early mornings, long days, and many years of behind-the-scenes facilitation. For the most part, my kids are unaware of what goes into making their world go around, but one of my most memorable moments as a carer has been driving home from a dental appointment and a soft, small voice from the back seat of the car that said, ‘Thanks, Mum for taking me to the dentist.’ 

It’s these small moments that make me realise that, regardless of acknowledgment or gratitude, investing in children is never fruitless. As adults, we are on our way out of this world; most of what we do is fruitless, but investing in children shapes the future.” 

Sophie’s story is a reminder of both the challenges and the deep rewards that come with fostering. It also highlights the vital role carers play in shaping brighter futures for children and young people. 

Could You Be a Foster Carer? 

Right now, many children in our region need a safe and nurturing home. CatholicCare is so grateful to our existing foster carers, but more carers are urgently needed. 

CatholicCare is one of the region’s leading foster care agencies, committed to ensuring every child and young person has a safe and loving home where they can feel supported and thrive. 

Do you have room in your heart and home to make a difference? Learn more about fostering with CatholicCare at fostercare.catholiccare.org.au.