Meet Foster Carers Merryn & Andrew: A Story of Love, Growth and Support

Every child deserves a safe, loving home. For Merryn and Andrew, opening theirs has been one of the most rewarding decisions of their lives. As foster carers with Anglicare in NSW, they've provided stability and care to children navigating difficult seasons. But what they've given has been matched, if not exceeded, by what they've gained.

A Home Filled with Purpose

When Merryn and Andrew first became foster carers, they weren't sure what to expect. They simply knew they had more love to give - and room to give it. Over the years, they've welcomed multiple children into their home, offering consistency and calm during times of great change.

"It's not about being perfect," Merryn shares in the video. "It's about being present."

Their story is a reminder that foster carers don't need all the answers. They just need an open heart, and the willingness to walk alongside a child - no matter how long or short that journey may be.

What Is Foster Care, and Who Needs It?

Foster care is a temporary or long-term arrangement that provides children with a stable, nurturing home when they are unable to live with their birth families. In NSW, children enter foster care for many reasons; family breakdown, neglect, illness, or crisis situations.

As a foster carer, you play a vital role in a child's life, helping them heal, grow, and feel secure. Anglicare is here to make sure you have everything you need to thrive in that role, so together we can provide the best care for every child. From specialised training and 24/7 support to financial assistance, respite care, a welcoming carer community, and a dedicated case manager, you're never alone in this journey.

How Foster Families Transform Lives

For children in foster care, feeling safe and seen can be life changing. But the impact doesn't stop there. Foster carers often speak of how their own lives are enriched in return.

"You grow with them," Andrew says. "They come into your life, and they teach you just as much as you try to teach them."

Through moments big and small - bedtime stories, family meals, helping with homework - foster families help children rebuild trust and rediscover their joy.

Life in a Loving Foster Family

Every child deserves the milestones of childhood such as joining a sports team, school excursions and attending birthday parties. For Merryn and Andrew, the simple things - Sunday roasts, walks with the dog, board games on rainy nights - have become the foundation for connection.

Becoming a Foster Carer with Anglicare

If you've ever thought, "I could do that"—you probably can. Becoming a foster carer isn't about being extraordinary. It's about being consistent, kind, and willing to make room.

Anglicare makes the process straightforward and supportive, from your first enquiry to your first placement.

Lessons for Aspiring Foster Carers

Merryn and Andrew didn't have all the answers when they began. But they had courage, and Anglicare walking alongside them.

If you're curious about becoming a foster carer, here are a few first steps:

• Attend a local information session.
• Talk to a current foster carer.
• Read more real-life stories like this one.
• Explore the types of foster care & to find a fit for your lifestyle.

Ready to Make a Difference?

Whether you're just starting to explore or feel ready to take the next step, Anglicare is here to guide you. Like Merryn and Andrew, your story could help shape a child's future - and change yours in the process.