Lily joined our Albury Foster Care team in May 2021. We sat down with Lily to have a chat about her role as a caseworker, her favourite parts of the job and the advice she would give to someone considering a role in casework.
How did you find your way into working in foster care?
I’ve always known that I wanted to work with children and in the community services field, but I wasn’t sure exactly what direction I wanted to take. At the time, I was working in the beauty industry, and in that role, I often became a bit of a counsellor, always listening and supporting women through different and difficult situations. When I decided I wanted a change, I came across a job on SEEK for an administration role in the Foster Care team at Challenge Community Services. When I was offered the role, I was so excited to be a part of the team. I started in administration but quickly realised that I wanted to do more. I began my community services studies, completed my casework training, and started working in family contact visits out in the community. From there, I moved into the casework role in October 2022, which has been such a rewarding step in my journey.
What does your typical day or week look like as a caseworker?
No two days are ever the same as a caseworker. Some days, I might be accompanying children to Melbourne for appointments at the Royal Children’s Hospital, and while we’re there, we’ll make the most of the trip by visiting the zoo or aquarium to give them a fun experience. Other days, I might be transporting newborns from the hospital to their new home or supporting a child through the difficult transition of moving placements when they’re feeling upset and distressed.
A big part of my role is helping foster carers through the challenges they face. This could mean offering advice or putting supports in place, so they feel confident and capable in providing safe and loving homes. I also work closely with birth families to ensure family traditions and culture remain an important part of the child’s everyday life, as well as helping parents become the best version of themselves so that, where possible, children can safely return home.
Sometimes my role takes me out into the community. I’ve been involved in public speaking, raising awareness about children in care, and encouraging people to consider becoming foster carers. I also collaborate with a wide range of allied health services, attending medical and therapy appointments, and work with the NDIS to ensure children have the right plans and supports in place.
What do you enjoy about your role?
I love seeing the smiles on children’s faces and the relationships I get to build with them. I also value the strong connections I create with carers and families. One of the most rewarding parts of my role is seeing carers build positive relationships with children’s biological families, welcoming them in so that, together, they become one big family and the positive impact this has on the child or young person.
One of the most rewarding parts of my role is being able to help children achieve permanency, whether that’s through returning home to their families or through pathways such as adoption or guardianship. Supporting a child to find safety, stability, and belonging is one of the most heartwarming parts of my role.
What do you enjoy about working in the Albury Foster Care team?
I love how everyone rallies around each other when times are tough. There’s a real sense of support and encouragement that makes you feel like you’re never facing challenges alone. Our team is made up of people with different personalities, strengths, and perspectives. This means we can collaborate effectively, share ideas, and come together to work out the best solutions for the children and families we support. At the heart of it, everyone is in it for the best interest of the children. That shared passion is what makes the team so strong; you can feel that everyone genuinely loves their role and is dedicated to making a difference. Beyond the hard work, it’s also a team that’s fun to be part of. There’s a great sense of community, which makes coming to work each day rewarding and enjoyable.
Why are you passionate about foster care?
I’m passionate about foster care because I’ve seen firsthand the difference we can make in the everyday lives of vulnerable children and young people. Knowing that the work we do has a direct and positive impact on their safety, wellbeing, and happiness is what drives me. I love seeing the impact we can have on families and the relationships we can help build, whether that’s supporting children to reconnect with their families or helping carers and families work together in the best interests of the child. I’m also passionate about guiding carers, equipping them with the tools, support, and encouragement they need to provide the best quality of care. Knowing that children are in safe, stable, and loving placements because of the support we provide is incredibly rewarding.
What advice do you have for someone looking to become a caseworker or start a career in foster care?
Casework isn’t easy. It can be incredibly emotional, and you will often find yourself having difficult conversations and making tough decisions. Sometimes the tasks you face can be upsetting, but it’s important to remember that they’re done in the best interest of the child. Despite the challenges, the role is extremely rewarding. You have the opportunity to make meaningful changes in the lives of children and young people, helping to shape their future in positive ways. It’s not just about supporting children and families; the role also helps you grow. Guiding families to become better versions of themselves has not only been rewarding professionally, but I feel has also shaped me into a better person.
What is something that you want people to know about foster care?
A common myth about foster care is that once a child comes to you, you’ll be stuck, unsupported, and have no say in what happens. That couldn’t be further from the truth. As a foster carer, you go through a thorough recruitment process where you have a choice every step of the way. You can decide what ages you feel most comfortable caring for, whether you’d like to support a single child or a sibling group and choose what level of care you would like to provide, whether that’s respite, short-term or long-term care. You’ll have a caseworker to support you through the difficult times, as well as celebrate the exciting and rewarding times. There are also on-call caseworkers available after hours, 7 days per week, to help guide you through difficult situations outside of business hours.
What are your other passions outside of your work?
I am a qualified marriage celebrant, having been registered since November 2023. By the end of that year, I had already completed over 28 weddings. I love helping couples plan their special day, sharing in their happiness, and being part of such an important milestone in their lives. I also have a passion for event planning and enjoy raising awareness about the out-of-home care sector within the community. It’s important to me to shine a light on the work being done to support children, carers, and families. Outside of work, my biggest joys are my family, friends, soon-to-be husband Harrison and our chocolate Labrador, Vinnie.
Thank you Lily for sharing your story and your passion with us! If you are passionate about helping children and young people, and you want to have an impact in your community, a role with Challenge Community Services could be the next step for you. Check out our current vacancies to see what opportunities are available
