In foster care, progress is often made through small, everyday moments. These moments may not be dramatic or immediately visible, but they can carry real meaning for children and young people who have experienced disruption and loss.
Foster carers provide a caring home for children and young people when they cannot live at home due to circumstances that are often complex. Whilst the child or young person cannot be at home, foster carers step up to provide the care in between, for children whose ages can span from young infants through to older teenagers.
Lutheran Care supports families to provide stable placements where children and young people can feel supported as they grow and heal.
Through its Little Moments, Big Impact campaign, Lutheran Care focuses on a meaningful approach recognising that foster care is not about quick fixes, but about steady presence, care that meets children where they are, and support over time.
A Lutheran Care foster carer shared how pride can come from recognising progress in many different forms.
“Because of the complexity of their relationships and experiences, there is often a lot for [the child or young person] to manage day to day. Our expectations of them must hold empathy for their lived experience,” they said.
“At times, pride comes from seeing them achieve at a sporting pursuit, being a good friend, or standing on stage at a school concert. At other times pride comes from seeing them just get out of bed, because on that day, that is the achievement. We’ve learned that care needs to meet them where they are at.
“Hopes and dreams also change with time. All our young people have goals, and we’ve supported them in every way we can. Sometimes those goals change as life unfolds, that isn’t a failure. Watching young people choose a different path, learning things along the way that may shape different goals in the future — that’s okay too.”
The foster carer wished to share the rewarding experience they have had caring for teenagers.
“I think a lot of people feel hesitant about caring for teenagers… Welcoming teenagers into our home has been deeply meaningful, humbling, and rewarding,” the foster carer said.
“We want young people in our care to experience consistent love and acceptance, even when things are difficult.
“We try to show them that we are there for them and that they aren’t facing things alone — something that hadn’t always been consistent in their lives.”
Little Moments can have Big Impact in a meaningful way when they help a child or young person feel seen, supported, and valued.
Lutheran Care supports foster carers every step of the way as they walk alongside children and young people, navigating the realities of care and committing to their best interests.
Learn how you can walk alongside children and young people in foster care.
Become a foster carer with Lutheran Care today.
Be the Village.