At the heart of Origins Foster Care lies a story of passion, dedication, and a deep understanding of the transformative power of fostering. Founded by Eugene Bigley and Mieke Ryan, both professionally qualified social workers with a shared vision, Origins Foster Care emerged from a desire to create a trauma-informed agency focused on healing the hurts children experience.
Eugene and Mieke's journey began with a mutual interest in fostering and a critical observation of what was lacking in the care system. They envisioned an agency that not only acknowledged the trauma children faced but also recognized the healing potential of the foster care experience. Thus, Origins Foster Care was born, rooted in the belief that the relationship between the foster carer and the child is the cornerstone of healing.
"If you're thinking about fostering or if it's coming to your mind at all, it's important to really know what it's going to involve because it's a huge thing to take on but It's also, I would say, the most rewarding thing you could possibly do."
At Origins, we understand that children come into the care of the state for very specific reasons, often rooted in neglect or abuse. Our approach is centered on helping these children learn to tolerate, manage, and thrive within a family environment, rebuilding their trust in the adults responsible for their care.
This philosophy underscores every aspect of our work, from the support we provide to foster carers to the training and education that underpins our agency.
Fostering is more than just a commitment; it's a journey of compassion, self-discovery and profound impact. We encourage prospective foster carers to reflect deeply on their readiness to focus on a child's needs, ensuring they are in a strong, stable place in their own lives.
This introspection is crucial, as fostering, while challenging, is immensely rewarding. It's about offering a child the love, stability, and support they need to heal and grow.
Origins Foster Care is dedicated to providing the highest level of support to our foster carers, employing only senior practitioners and social workers experienced in trauma-informed care so that they can empower each carer to provide the highest level of care to the child they caring for.
We know that when our foster carers our given the right training and supports, they can focus on the most important aspect of the role, the day-to-day caring. We also know that foster care can bring about positive outcomes for children in care and that is why we do what we do.
Our focus on continuous training, lower caseloads for our team, and fostering strong relationships ensures that each of our carers is equipped to face both the joys and challenges of fostering.
The journey of fostering is one of the most rewarding paths one can embark on. It's a commitment to healing, growth, and making a tangible difference in a child's life. Check out the video below to get to know Mieke & Eugene better, or view the full version here to learn why you should foster with Origins and what sets us apart.
If you're considering fostering, know that with Origins Foster Care, you're not just joining an agency; you're becoming part of a community dedicated to transforming lives.
Are you ready to embark on a rewarding journey of fostering? Apply to become a foster carer online or get in touch with our team to learn more about how you can make a profound difference in a child's life as a foster carer with Origins Foster Care.
Reach out for any questions and enquiries. A member of our fostering team will get back to you as soon as possible.
