"There's children out there that need you. You can really make a difference in a young child's life."
Leanne and her husband Geoff began their fostering journey 19 years ago, and now provide long term care to two sibling groups.
"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," said Leanne.
"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."
Image: Leanne and Geoff standing outdoors, embracing and smiling at the camera.
At Life Without Barriers, we believe in keeping families together. We know that keeping siblings in the same home helps them to feel safe and helps them settle in faster. Ensuring siblings 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."
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."
Liam* is one of the young people in Leanne and Geoff’s care, he shared what life has been like growing up in their home.
"I’ve been with Life Without Barriers since I was two days old, living with my foster family," shared Liam.
"I have two older brothers with disabilities. And we have three other little kids in the house that have disabilities running around."
It's not always easy for a child with complex needs to communicate their needs, so it takes experienced and caring individuals to create an environment where children can learn to feel safe, secure and grow. Liam shared that, while it can be chaotic at times, the support in their home has made all the difference.
"Leanne and Geoff are amazing. They really help bring us all together. Any problems we do have get fixed pretty quickly. They're pretty amazing."
Supporting children with complex needs can be challenging, so it's important that carers feel supported and confident in their role. Leanne said 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."
Become a foster carer in Queensland
Across Queensland, there is a critical need for foster carers. Close to 40% of referrals for carer are for sibling groups, and there is a shortage of carers for children aged between 4 and 15. Life Without Barriers is also looking for more carers who can care for children with complex needs and children with disabilities.
Tanisha Nair, Regional Practice Lead, Child, Youth and Family explained who can become a carer in Queensland, and some of the essential qualities they need to have.
"Anyone over the age of 18 can become a foster carer. The skills we look for are definitely someone who is incredibly patient and just has a love for children and wants to help."
Fostering a child in Queensland with Life Without Barriers means you will receive training, help and support from day one of your journey.
"Know that you're not in in it alone. Ask all of the questions and lean on your Life Without Barriers Child and Family Practitioner and team," said Tanisha.
"There's always someone there to hold your hand and help you."
Image: Life Without Barriers staff and carers in pink shirts and with two people dressed up as unicorns at a pop-up foster care recruitment event at Captain Burke Park.
Are you ready to become a foster carer?
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."
When asked what he would say to prospective carers, Liam echoed Leanne’s thoughts.
"It's a definitely an adventure, and if you are able to support financially and emotionally, then I think it's an amazing idea."
"Kids can turn out well, even if they’re like they're a bit annoying young. Like me, I turned out pretty well…well I think so."
"I think it's an awesome idea to do such a thing."
Read more stories from care here.
A person's story is precious. We take storytelling seriously. Sometimes people are able to tell their own story, and we love that. We always make sure they give us their ok, and we will always honour the trust placed in us to bring their story forward. *Names have been changed to protect the children in this story.
