Meet TFCO Carer, Daniel

Hi, my name is Daniel. I have been a foster carer with OzChild in the Treatment Foster Care Oregon program for approximately two years.

I found out about OzChild when I saw an ad online, after that I attended an information night and the rest is, as they say, history!

I am lucky to have a really great support network that consists of family, friends, and good neighbours, having these people around me, supporting me in my role as a TFCO carer really makes a big difference.

Being a TFCO foster carer doesn’t come without some challenges, like all things. I think the biggest challenge would be remembering to look beyond bad behaviours and focus on the bigger picture when a child is having a big tantrum.

And the best thing, without a doubt, is seeing the behaviours decrease and seeing the child become happier and settled with a loving family routine.

OzChild have been fantastic with support and someone is always on call 24/7. I have phoned the team on several occasions when stressed and nothing has been too much, they really helped, every time.

Being a carer in the TFCO program isn’t for the faint hearted, Daniel says his biggest strength as a carer is his patience and his ability to remain calm and of course his genuine care and love for the kids.

My only weakness as a carer is that I am a single dad, so I don’t get the breaks a couple would as they can tag team. That is why respite for carers is important and can always be improved.