By ANEEKA SIMONIS
“I AM so lucky to have her in my life.”
April Heath, 21, from Officer, has been in foster care since she was two years of age.
During her time in care, she has lived in several homes – but none quite like the one she lives in now with carer Emma Firth, 37.
Emma, a foster carer of 10 years, provided April a permanent home from when she was 14 years of age.
Upon reaching adulthood, April left Emma’s house – moving into supported accommodation.
It wasn’t until April came up against a range of challenges out of home that she truly appreciated her relationship with Emma, who again opened her door to the 21-year-old.“She’s always been a massive support … she has stuck by me no matter how many mistakes I have made and is always encouraging and supportive,” April said.
In her years as a Wesley Mission Victoria (WMV) carer, Emma has housed more than 50 vulnerable children in her home.
Emma, who has more than 20 years of experience working in the youth sector, believes it’s important for children who have faced difficulties in their early years to have a permanent home that connects them in with the community they had grown up in.
“Children and young people need a stable home,” she said.
From children as young as three or groups of four siblings, Emma works tirelessly to give children the type of environment that may help them trust and develop.
“Often, they have experienced quite a lot of trauma before they come into foster care. They may have a lack of trust toward adults or behavioural problems or have missed out on schooling. These are all challenges but it rewarded when you can feel that person begin to trust you or do well at school,” Emma said.
Just last week, Emma was visited by one of her first foster children.
She now has three children of her own.
“It’s nice that she still comes to visit and brings her kids. Some young people want to stay in contact,” she said.
Though foster parenting support is exhausted by the time a child turns 18, Emma said it was a no-brainer for her to re-open her home to April.
“She’s part of the family,” Emma said.
Foster Care Week is being celebrated from Sunday 13 September to Saturday 19 September.
According to WMV, there were 2132 children in foster care across the state in June 2014.
Emma said providing a home-like environment for children in need is one of the greatest gifts a person could give.
Anyone who is interested in become a foster carer can contact WMV on 9662 2355.
