Foster Care Victoria

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This article appeared in the Herald Sun on the weekend regarding a young boy who needs a permanent home.

Jamie wants a family
Article from:

Carly Crawford

September 01, 2007 12:00am

LIKE most lively youngsters, little Jamie loves the Wiggles, toy cars and — best of all — a cuddle.

But unlike most, he has no permanent place to call home.

Since leaving hospital at the age of four months, he has been in the care of his adoring foster mum, Annette.

Now, on the eve of Father’s Day, the Department of Human Services begins its search for new, full-time carers for Jamie.

The two-year-old is one of up to 50 kids in need of permanent care around the state.

A dire shortage of carers — and Jamie’s mild cerebral palsy — have prompted DHS to launch a direct appeal for carers through the Herald Sun.

Child protection workers intervened in Jamie’s upbringing when he was a newborn, and a court transferred guardianship to the department.

Veteran foster carer Annette has seen him through his first milestones.

“Seeing him develop so much more than we thought he would was a highlight,” she said.

“He was a very quiet, sickly sort of baby, not wanting much interaction,” she said.

The change has been remarkable.

“His language is really good. He knows exactly what he’s talking about, even if the words aren’t clear.”

And he is blessed with irresistible charm.

With his long eyelashes and a cheeky smile, Jamie’s latest trick is a shy wave at new faces.

He is sociable, determined and resolute.

When Annette asks whether he wants a drink of juice or water, he pauses, blinks his big brown eyes and thoughtfully responds: “Umm . . . duce.”

He loves the light and colour of television, delights in playing in water and mimics the Essendon Bombers theme song like a natural-born footy fan.

But his future remains uncertain.

His cerebral palsy means he will require constant physiotherapy, occupational therapy and help with his speech.

And it is not certain that he will walk.

“He’s come a long way, and he’s surprised even the specialist, but in terms of his future, there are some unknowns,” said his DHS case manager, Kylie Weinert.

“Jamie needs warm and nurturing parenting, a family that can really promote his development,” she said.

Jamie’s therapeutic needs mean his new home must be in Victoria.

Annette, a foster carer of 25 years’ experience, is sure Jamie will one day shed his leg splints and standing frame and take walk unassisted.

“He has fierce determination and that’s why he’s here. He’ll never give up,” she said.

“I’m so sure he’ll walk.”

Permanent care means a child is removed from his or her parents by court order.

Adoption involves a parent voluntarily relinquishing their guardianship rights.

In the two years to June, the DHS permanent care program placed 108 children with permanent parents.

Of those, 66 were aged under four years, 25 were between five and eight and 19 were over nine.

About 16 infants were placed with adoptive parents last year.

The department supports carers with advice and financial payments.
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