In a heartwarming initiative aimed at strengthening support networks and fostering meaningful connections, Lutheran Care recently hosted a first of its kind event specifically for the biological children of foster carers.

Held in the July school holidays for young people aged 12 to 18, the event centred on the challenge of adventure rooms and brought people together for fun, problem solving and camaraderie.

The idea was born after Lutheran Care spoke with young people in our Foster Care community who told us they wanted to meet others “like them”.

Lutheran Care is committed to responding to the voices of young people in our community and actively investing in ways we can implement their feedback.

Following some conversations, it also became clear that biological children of foster carers were interested in training to equip them at an age-appropriate level and support them in their unique roles.

“We wanted to create a space where these children could connect with others who truly understand their situation,” Executive Manager Families and Community Services Susan Richards said.

“Foster Care can be a rewarding, but also demanding experience for the whole family. By bringing young people together, we hope to provide them with a sense of community and support.”

The event kicked off with lunch followed by the escape room ‘Mad Scientist Adventure’. Warned that groups only have a 30% success rate of escaping, the young people, together with two staff members from Lutheran Care’s Family Engagement Team, embraced the challenge.

While this adventure was unfolding, Lutheran Care Foster Carers were able to connect with each other, run some errands or spend quality time with other children in their care.

The event was an ice breaker event with no other agenda than to connect young people, make initial introductions, and of course, celebrate the win of escaping!

This is the first of many events in this series and Lutheran Care plans to continue to include the voices of young people, foster carers and families to host meaningful events that establish and build meaningful peer connections.

“We’re thrilled with the positive responses we’ve received from both the children and parents,” Ms Richards said.

“The feedback was so positive with all young people on the day expressing how much they had fun and want to try the other rooms too! This event has truly highlighted the importance of community and peer support.”

As the event concluded, young people and foster carers left with new connections and all revelled in the success of a group of young champions who rose to the challenge of a 30% success rate and won!

It takes a village to raise a child and Lutheran Care believes that a child can never have too many people love them.

Lutheran Care invites you to get in touch or register to attend an upcoming information session if you’re interested in learning more about Foster Care. The journey to fostering looks different for everyone and there is equal variety in the experience of fostering itself.

You never know where the path could take you, but Lutheran Care’s dedicated Foster Care team is here to guide and support you every step of the way.

Find out more about fostering here.

Be the Village.