Have you ever wondered whether you are allowed to travel, including internationally, with foster children? 

The answer is yes, you can! 

At Lutheran Care, we are often asked by prospective foster carers if they can take a foster child on holidays, and with relevant permission from the Department for Child Protection, intrastate, interstate and international travel is possible.  

When a foster child comes into your care, you are encouraged to include them in everyday activities, such as rituals, routines, leisure activities and holidays.  

This week is National Families Week, and we are highlighting the importance of connection, care and resilience within Lutheran Care’s 253 carer households. 

The aim of National Families Week is to celebrate the vital role that families play in Australian society and reflect on the critical role that families play in teaching, supporting and nurturing children as they grow. 

This year’s theme, ‘lending a hand to thrive, supporting each other’ is an opportunity to reflect on the strength of family bonds, and embrace activities that bring us together.  

In recent months, some of our carer community has embraced new activities and brought their families together with international travel.  

Destinations our carer households travelled to include Japan, New Zealand, the United Kingdom and Fiji.  

Tara and Scott Forbes-Godfrey took their family to Japan for nearly two weeks.  

Preparations for the trip, included Tara and Scott pre-planning and researching activities their children would enjoy and packing a sleeved binder for each of their children for items they collected. 

“We chose Japan, specifically Tokyo, because it was a destination that would cater to our three children’s main interests, Pokemon, Super Mario and Disney Princesses,” Tara said.  

“We knew if there were fun things for them to do, then sneaking in a temple or something that interested Scott and I, would be easier.  

“Much to our surprise the children loved the temples. 

“Each night we put maps, stickers, tickets in the binder and they loved taking it to school and childcare when we got back.” 

Linda and Aaron Cavanagh travelled with their family to New Zealand with their children seeing snow for the first time and having a go at indoor skiing.   

Linda encouraged foster carers to organise passports ahead of time.  

“I was thankful that we had done these six months prior to ever thinking/knowing we were going to go overseas,” Linda said. 

“By already having the passports done, it made the process and planning so much easier.” 

Susie and Graeme Worsley returned to the United Kingdom for a UK Christmas to spend time with family. 

Susie said one of the many highlights of their trip was seeing cousins playing together and building on relationships from previous meet ups, as well as creating connections with cousins who were meeting for the first time.   

Among the excitement and sharing in new experiences, Susie encouraged families to be sensitive to escalations and behaviours that develop due to the children being anxious or stressed.   

“Whatever the reason for your trip/travel, just stop for a breath and remember what opportunities you are giving to the children in your care,” Susie said. 

“Any challenges/struggles that your children have shouldn’t be a reason not to travel.  

“As the opportunities and education from their experiences will be something more.” 

If you are planning a family holiday, our friendly foster care team will support you through the process to ensure you have everything you need.  

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It takes a village to raise a child, and Lutheran Care believes that a child can never have too many people love them. 

Lutheran Care invites you to get in touch or register to attend an upcoming information session if you’re interested in learning more about Foster Care. The journey to fostering looks different for everyone and there is equal variety in the experience of fostering itself. 

You never know where the path could take you, but Lutheran Care’s dedicated Foster Care team is here to guide and support you every step of the way. 

Find out more about fostering here. 

Be the Village.