OPENING MY HEART
FROM the moment Mel Luck picked up her phone to chat about why she does what she does when it comes to looking after children in need her passion for the cause shone through.
That cause is child protection, and since 2014 to Far North Queensland children in need.
She’s one of 5478 families in Queensland (as at March 2020) who work with child protection agencies every day to provide safe havens for children who can no longer live safely in their own family environment for reasons ranging from substance abuse to domestic and sexual violence.
Despite the challenges of this complex area and the stories she has heard from the mouths of the children she has cared for over the years, Mel said since becoming involved in caring, her only regret was that she hadn’t started sooner.
‘Now doing it, it would have been fantastic for my kids to have been involved,’ she said.
Mel has always loved helping children be the where she coached for more than 40 years.
Through hockey and her own children, the 56-year-old said her house had been full of kids who would gravitate there as a safe place to chat and hang out with their friends. When her children left home, she started to look at how she could help other children in need.
‘My kids are grown, I am single and opening my old Queenslander up to these gorgeous kids has been one of the best decisions of my life,’ Mel said.
‘I work full time for an extremely busy specialist practice in Cairns so I started by taking a child one weekend a month – which is how anyone can start if they like – to now caring for a 17-year-old who is completing Year 12 and just needed a quiet home in which to study.
‘Over the years it has evolved into accommodating permanent teenagers and providing emergency care for kids who may need a bed for a few days or weeks, to regular respites for kids who all become such a wonderful part of your family.
‘I wouldn’t change my years of fostering for anything in the world. I absolutely love meeting new kids and having the opportunity to welcome them into a warm, safe environment.
‘It’s such a privilege to be able to touch these kids’ lives and hopefully, when they leave, they have a few more life skills to help them along the way.’
Mel mostly cares for teenagers as her full time work means she needs the children to have some independence and this also works well with her coaching background.
She said she had a few steps that helped her to break down the barriers and build trust. ‘Make the kids feel as though they are the most beautiful and amazing child on the planet. They love structure and rules. Most of these kids come from such chaos that they love knowing when shower time is, what time to go to bed, and sitting down to eat breakfast and dinner. This allows them to quickly relax and just breathe because they know what’s coming; no surprises.’
Judging by the happy birthday note delivered with a block of chocolate from Mel’s 12-year-old foster daughter, it can work: ‘Two days became two years. Thank you for everything you do for me, for the mum lessons 101s, for always listening to my stories and supporting me unconditionally. Not only have you been the best carer, but the best mum I could ever ask for. I know this chocolate bar won’t cover for all your chocolates I ate, but I can assure you, this one won’t go missing. I love you so much.’
For other people interested in looking at emergency or foster caring, Mel’s advice was simple: ‘Give it a go. You can start as small as you like. Your agency will match you with a child after listening to your preferences and circumstances. They will hold your hand and provide all the support you need or want. Before you know it, you’ll be wondering why it took you so long.’
While more people came forward to be foster carers in the 12 months to March 2020, (1607 in total), more are always needed. Department of Child Safety, Youth and Women statistics for the 12 months to 31 March this year show there were 24,264 investigations commenced, with 3995 children found to be needing protection.
Anyone interested in becoming a foster carer should call the Foster Care Recruitment Line on 1300 550 877, visit www.fcq.com.au or www.qld. gov.au/community/caring-child/foster-kinshipcare/ or contact one of Queensland’s many foster care support agencies directly.
6-12 September marks Child Protection Week in Queensland, with a range of events planned http://childprotectionweek.org.au/events/