Cristoph and Jordan
Sydney-siders, Christoph and Jordan have been foster carers for almost a year now to Drew (2), Robbie (4), and May (7).
Sydney-siders, Christoph and Jordan have been foster carers for almost a year now to Drew (2), Robbie (4), and May (7).
Becoming foster carers was something they had always wanted to do.
“As a couple, we have been together for 10 years. Fostering children was always our intention. Once we felt we had our careers, study and home life settled, we thought it was the perfect time,” Christoph says.
“We are both very family orientated and caring for children who need it most felt like the most natural decision we could make.
“It has been great seeing our families embrace the children into their own lives,” Christoph says.
The couple started fostering through Key Assets after researching other agencies.
“Key Assets were closer aligned with our values and had a level of professionalism and one-on-one attention that we didn’t think we would get from other agencies.
“Key Assets are also consistently awarded for their support of the LGBT community which gave us great comfort in knowing we would be treated equally throughout the fostering process.
Christoph and Jordan are currently looking after three children on a permanent basis but are keen to take on even more in the long-run.
“We will be looking after Drew, Robbie and May until they are adults but there is a huge need for carers to provide care for mid to late teens and we would like to contribute in this way later in life too,” Jordan says.
When asked about what the most unexpected learnings were from fostering, the couple said the level of support they received from friends, family and the wider community.
“We did not expect the level of support we have received. Whilst friends and families have of course been encouraging, word that you are fostering three children spreads quickly and almost one year on, work colleagues, associates, old acquaintances and the like are still quick to learn more and extend their support in their own way.
“Key Assets has also been a large part of our lives. There is no question too difficult, no advice seemingly insignificant and no time of day that may seem inappropriate that we can’t lean on them for guidance and reassurance,” Jordan says.
Christoph tells us the most rewarding part of fostering are the simple things that are taken for granted.
“The simple act of cooking and sharing a meal is rewarding in itself. Watching them eat something new for the first time, which they love, and having them thank you for it and ask if they can have it again is really a great feeling.
“The relationship and bond between each child is unique but we are also growing tighter as a family unit. The collective of the five of us and the knowingness that they have been kept together as a family has slowly allowed the children to truly feel safe, and being part of their on-going development makes the experience of fostering very rewarding.”
When asked what the most challenging part of being a foster carer is, the couple said managing the difficult behaviour of the children but it was becoming less frequent as the children settled.
“Certainly, complex behaviours can be challenging but the consistency we provide has allowed the kids to settle.
Christoph tells us the most rewarding part of fostering are the simple things that are taken for granted.
