When Nicole Palmer first considered becoming a foster carer, she didn’t realise the sheer number of children needing a foster home.
She thought the numbers were few and far between. It didn’t take long to realise that wasn’t the case.
“I’d have one child leave in the morning and another arrive in the evening,” Ms Palmer says.
The Kurunjang woman said when her daughter was born five years ago and she separated from her partner Ms Palmer decided she wanted to do something to teach her daughter about compassion.
She joined Baptcare four years ago and since then has cared for more than 40 children. And each time she’s thought about taking a break, Ms Palmer said her daughter urged her to continue opening her heart and home to vulnerable children.
“My daughter didn’t let me stop, she didn’t want me to stop,” Ms Palmer says.
Baptcare’s family and community services manager Hayley Robinette said there was a dire need for more foster carers in Melton.
“Fostering can be really challenging, we need to be upfront about that, but there are lots of rewards,” Ms Robinette said.
“Sometimes it’s the first time a child says they feel safe.”
For more information call 9831 7222.
