Former foster child encourages fostering

CELEBRATING CARE: Limestone Coast residents and long-time carers Kevin and Donna Ashton are encouraging people who are considering fostering to make the first step during the state’s annual Foster and Kinship Carers Week.

By Raquel Mustillo

LIMESTONE Coast resident and former foster child Kevin Ashton knows first-hand the benefits of a stable environment and secure attachment.

“I grew up in the system and was in foster care when I was young,” he said.

“I lived with my Nanna when I was younger and she got sick, and that’s why I ended up in care.

“To start with I went from home to home, it was kind of like respite, but it was for longer periods.

“It got to the point where I was placed with a family full time, and having discipline, someone to come home to and the feeling of a family made a huge difference.

“With the guidance of my foster parents, they taught me right from wrong and I knew to have respect and things like that.

“If it wasn’t for that, God knows where I would have ended up.”

Mr Ashton’s intimate knowledge of the system and the importance of having dynamic and disciplined role models inspired his and wife Donna to become foster parents.

More than a decade ago, the couple took four-year-old Dakota into their home after a series of tragic family events.

“Dakota was being sent to respite – and respite care is awesome – but having to go to respite care every weekend was really tough on him,’ Ms Ashton said.

“I witnessed him hopping into the car to go to respite and he was screaming and crying – he was an emotional wreck.

“It broke my heart.

“After seeing that, Kevin and I had a talk and we both agreed he would be better coming to us every time his carer needed respite.”

Four years after taking in their first foster child, the pair welcomed Dakota’s half-sister Hope – who was 15 months at the time – into their home.

“The Child Protection Department rang us up and asked whether we would be interested in taking on a second child and there was absolutely no hesitation on our part,” Mr Ashton said.

“These kids are going to need each other later on in life and we were more than happy to have them both and encourage that.”

The family expanded four years ago with the addition of Amelia, followed by her brother Tyler a year later.

“We have biological children, but we were mum and dad long before that,” Ms Ashton said.

“I take pleasure in watching them achieve their goals that they set themselves and knowing that we have made a difference in someone’s life.

“It is so rewarding for us to give them a happy, healthy and stable life and given them the opportunity of feeling like a family.”

The Ashton’s encouraged individuals and families to consider providing care during this week’s observation of Foster and Kinship Care Week and ensure that children and young people thrive in the community.

“We struck it lucky because we have two amazing children, but I think anyone can do it,” Mr Ashton said.

“You’ve got to have the heart and a lot of mental strength, because you are dealing with children who have demons through no fault of their own and you need to help them get through these issues.

“The support from the Child Protection Department is amazing we wouldn’t have got through challenging times and teenage behaviours without them and our support workers.

“Although there are highs and lows, we wouldn’t change a single moment and this is going to be our life until we can’t do it anymore.”

Child Protection Minister Rachel Sanderson praised all foster and kinship carers across the region “who go above and beyond every day to provide love, support and care to our most vulnerable children and young people”.

“We know that stability and permanency is vital for good outcomes for our children,” she said.

“Foster care gives young people an opportunity to have a supportive and loving family when they’re not able to live with their biological family for whatever reason.

“We are always looking for foster carers right across South Australia so to anyone considering fostering, now is the perfect time to take the next step.”

Visit fostercare.sa.gov.au or call 1300 2 FOSTER for more information.