Sharron, foster carer: As a restoration carer, it's such an important role to be able to bring a family back together. We're not replacing anybody. We're just growing the connections in their life. It's very empowering to be able to offer that to a child.
Georgie, mother : Sharron was my son's carer, and at first, because of my own experience, I was very wary. Being a foster kid myself, one of the first promises I made when my son was born is my child is never going to go through the system.
So it was heartbreaking when it had to happen. I had postnatal depression after I had my son. It hit me pretty hard. I still don't actually remember a lot of the first five weeks of his life. But I was also absolutely determined that I wasn't going to leave him in the system, that I was going to make sure he wasn't going to have the same experience I did.
Sharron: I can remember being at a park watching her play with her son, and she was so connected to him. She just needed people around her to be good role models, to be the mum that she wanted to be.
Georgie: Sharron was updating me on everything to do with him. She had a photo of me on the wall and would get him to say goodnight to me as well.
Sharron: I think as foster carers, we have a role to try and break the cycle of generational trauma. So even though I treat them as if they are my own, I always know that there's a mum out there that is missing her little boy. Being able to support her through that time is really important.
Georgie: They said to me, “Hey, can you jump through these hoops? Can you do it?” and I said, “absolutely, I'll be there when you need me and however you need me.”
Sharron: It took Georgie amazing strength. You have to keep fighting to stay focused and stay motivated.
Georgie: I had never really received support saying, “Hey, you're actually doing really good and keep going.” So yeah, it meant a lot.
Sharron: Having that little bit of extra support to get her son back, was such an empowering part of our journey.
Georgie: It was a massive achievement. The night he was officially back home for good, I couldn't stop smiling. It was just the biggest relief.
Sharron: It is hard to say goodbye but it's worth it.
Georgie: Going through this process of restoration, it's given me skills I never would have had.
Sharron: If you're thinking about becoming a foster carer, as soon as you meet these children you will realise, whatever else is in your life may not be as important as you thought it was. And you'll find the space.
Georgie: You could be the entire reason that a family gets to be together again.
[Presentation on screen: Take the step today. Become a foster carer. 1300 770 240 nsw.gov.au/fostercare. NSW government logo.]
