Crystal and Katie
Being a same-sex couple, we still have some negative opinions to overcome. We are in the minority and it isn’t always easy.
Crystal (35) and Katie (27) are a foster care couple who began fostering nearly three years ago, and have not looked back since.
“Being a foster carer isn’t always easy but when you see a child grow and improve in something you have helped them with, it makes all the hard work worthwhile. Teaching a child right from wrong is one part of our role and when you actually begin to see them listen and act upon your advice, you feel you have made positive strides forward,” Crystal says.
The couple enjoy a happy and active home life with their four cats Tinker, KaCi, Tigre and Tiza and became official civil partners in 2006.
“Being a same-sex couple, we still have some negative opinions to overcome. We are in the minority and it isn’t always easy. We have to be prepared for what other people’s preconceived ideas are of us before they have even met us and that can be tricky,” Katie says.
Crystal and Katie have pursued their fostering careers with determination and commitment through foster care agency, Key Assets. Working with the agency they have the full backing of professionals who are always on hand to offer guidance and advice, day or night. On-going training for carers is also provided by the agency.
“Key Assets is a great agency to work with and the many training sessions we have attended have really helped us improve our fostering skills and understanding of the emotional or behavioural problems foster children can sometimes display. We attend training depending on the young person we look after and what we feel relates to their needs. Key Assets also holds local foster care support groups and we meet up regularly with other carers to share experiences and chat about our day to day experiences as foster carers.”
“For anyone who has though about becoming a foster carer, I’d urge you to take the first step and contact Key Assets. There are thousands of children in Australia who need care and it’s the most rewarding thing you will ever do. The fabric of our lives is so colourful because of it,” Katie said.
If you are interested in becoming a foster carer, visit www.canifoster.com.au or call Key Assets on 1800 WE CARE.
Being a same-sex couple, we still have some negative opinions to overcome. We are in the minority and it isn’t always easy.