“Christmas is about sharing, family and being kind to others,” writes foster child Sadie*, aged 8.
Sadie is one of many children and young people in care who is looking forward to a Christmas season of decorating the family home, opening presents on Christmas morning and a festive lunch with loved ones – these are all wonderful moments many of us enjoy during the holiday season. These are also moments some of us take for granted.
For many children and young people this Christmas, this will be the first time they are able to make these kinds of memories. This is in part because of the safe and loving home provided by our amazing Foster Carers.
More than 54,000 children were in out of home care last year, with more than 12,000 of those children living in Victoria, according to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare.
BCYF’s online art exhibition provided an opportunity for children and young people in out of home care to depict what they loved most about Christmas with their foster families.
The results were so many special moments depicted through various art mediums.
This is a testament to each Foster Carer with BCYF who opens their heart and their home to children and young people who cannot live with their biological families.
“It shows a safe and loving home is the most wonderful gift you can give,” Manager Out of Home Care Jo Dumesny said.
“And while you are giving a gift to a child or young person with this wonderful commitment, you also get the gift of a rewarding experience of seeing a child thrive.
“This has been an incredibly challenging year for everyone.”
“For children and young people in foster care who have often experienced a lifetime of uncertainty and change, COVID-19 has brought with it yet another disruption.”
“Being able to experience the joy of Christmas is something we want for every child and young person in our community.”
BCYF is in urgent need for more foster carers, particularly for children between the ages of 8-17 years. There are many types of care, from short-term respite to long-term placements.
For more information on BCYF’s foster care program, visit www.bcyf.org.au/foster-care
The BCYF Out of Home Care Online Art Exhibition was made possible due to our annual Foster a Future Appeal.
*name has been changed to protect privacy.
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