Lida's twenty-year journey as a foster carer has been filled with love, challenges, and countless memories. Now living in the eastern suburbs as a single mum to her two teens, a 16-year-old daughter and a 14-year-old son, Lida also cares full-time for an almost-18-year-old foster child, who joined their family as an emergency placement back in 2022. "Our lives changed so much after COVID,” she reflects. “My partner of twenty years and I separated, but I’ve continued this path, and it’s still as rewarding as ever.”

Her journey into fostering began from a place of curiosity and desire to help. “I was a slightly older adult without kids of my own. I wanted to help children and thought fostering would be a way to learn about parenting too - a ‘win/win’ for both.” In fact, her commitment to fostering has been so strong that one year, dedicated entirely to emergency placements, she saw more than 52 kids come through her door.

Over the years, Lida has cherished moments that remind her of the impact she’s making. One of her foster kids, Ella, left behind a scrapbook page, writing, “Thank you to my wonderful foster family for making me feel really special and cared for. I will never forget you.” Another moving moment came when her current foster child gave her a birthday card saying, “Thank you for everything you have done for me. Words cannot describe how grateful I am.” Lida finds motivation in these gestures, even the simple ones: “Every now and then, I get a ‘thank you,’ and it reminds me I’m making a difference.”

Her own children, though exposed to some difficult stories, have gained perspective through fostering. “They’re grateful for a loving home, a safe place, and food on the table every day,” she says. Living with foster siblings has taught them compassion and gratitude.

For those considering fostering, Lida’s message is enthusiastic: “Do it, do it! It really is rewarding.” She’s also candid about the challenges, noting that foster kids, like all kids, sometimes push back against rules. But she treats them like her own, asking them to pitch in and help around the house, which strengthens their connection and sense of responsibility.

Looking forward, Lida feels that clearer guidelines would enhance the fostering experience. “The biggest thing for me is clarity on what’s acceptable behaviour and what isn’t. Setting strong boundaries can feel daunting, and it’s important to know I’m doing the right thing.”