Leanne and Geoff

Meet Leanne and Geoff

Leanne and her husband Geoff are foster carers in Queensland. The couple began their fostering journey 19 years ago and now provide long term care to two sibling groups.

Image: Leanne and Geoff standing outdoors, embracing and smiling at the camera.

What made you want to become foster carers?

"When our kids were 15 and 12, we were looking for something to do to give back. As an early childhood teacher, I thought this could work for us," said Leanne.

"We started with a couple of different agencies, but we've been with Life Without Barriers now for about ten years. And it's by far the best organisation that we've worked with."

What type of care do you provide?

"We’ve provided respite, short-term and long-term care to over 20 young people over the last 19 years," shared Leanne.

"Right now, we've got two sibling groups of three that we've had from a very young age, and we'll care for them right through till they turn 18."

Ensuring siblings in care stay together has always been a priority for Leanne and Geoff.

"Keeping siblings together is really important for us and, we've been able to do that with two different groups."

Do you have any favourite moments?

For Leanne, there’s so much to love about being a carer, but her favourite part is witnessing the positive changes in the young people when they begin to feel safe and secure.

"I love seeing the change and growth happen in the children as they settle in and they begin to feel safe and stable," said Leanne.

"To see all the little personalities come out and just to be able to work with them and watch them grow and change and know that you're a part of bringing them a brighter future."

"We often feel that we learn as much from the children, or they give us as much as we give to them, and we just really grow in that whole process. It's well worth it."

How are you supported in your role as a carer?

Leanne shared that having the right training, guidance, and people around them has made a big difference in their journey as foster carers.

"Life Without Barriers does great things in the support space. My support worker is wonderful at helping me to calm down and to see perspectives from different angles."

What advice would you give people who are interested in becoming foster carers?

Leanne said her advice for anyone considering becoming a carer is simple: just go for it.

"There's a huge need out there at the moment. It's very rewarding. You learn an enormous amount along the way as well."

"There's children out there that need you. You can really make a difference in a young child's life."