Georgie and Mitch

Meet Georgie and Mitch

Georgie and Mitch are a dynamic duo from Launceston. They are awesome foster carers of a teenager who is a big part of their world. They have been foster carers with Life Without Barriers since early 2017, and have some pearls of wisdom to share.

What made you decide to become foster carers?

"We both work with youth in the education sector and felt we had something more to offer to a young person in the community." Share Georgie.

"We decided we would like to open our home, so we started the process with Life Without Barriers and as each new step was completed, we kept going until we started as foster carers in 2017."

Image: Young foster carer couple sitting on the sofa with two dogs

What are some good foundations to build as a carer?

"A lot of respect and good humour!" Said Mitch.

"We try to laugh through the good and hard times. But behind those jokes and light-hearted approach, there is a lot of care.

"For us it was also helpful to establish some family routines - heading to the dog park together with Luna and Walter (our dogs), trips away, helping our foster son with homework, going out to dinner, watching him play football, going bowling or to laser tag or simply watching our favourite TV shows together."

Mitch also said that as foster carers it is important to remain agile and responsive.

"There are good days and hard days, and being flexible is a huge part of that.

"Teenagers can be very spontaneous and not always the best communicators or organisers, so sometimes we have to take a breath, support each other and try not to sweat the small stuff.

"Adapting and thinking of the bigger picture always helps progress, if we ever take a step back. It's also important that the carers are a team."

Georgie adds, "It has been important to establish the respect and rapport, but equally know when to let things go or move forwards if feeling are ever hurt."

What are some of your favourite carer moments?

"When our awesome 17-year-old completed his profile for football (that was posted online) his favourite food and TV shows listed were things we had introduced him to and for some reason that made us smile." Said Georgie.

"We have also loved watching him start to question the world around him more after introducing him to documentaries and challenging concepts," says Mitch.

"But some of the nicest moments are simple. At my brothers' birthday, he and all the other nieces and nephews were squeezed on the 'little kids' table (he was huge) all laughing and just playing UNO," beams Georgie.

What are some tips for the process of becoming a foster carer?

"There are small steps along the way that help you recognise whether you want to continue." Said, Georgie.

"It is a very healthy and revealing process for anyone to go through."