Anglicare Moruya case manager Sam May said foster carers week (September 14 to 10) recognised their exceptional efforts.

“Foster caring is different to parenting your own child," Ms May said.

"The kids have already had experiences of a big life, even though they are only young.

“Foster careers have to account for a whole lot more.”

As a case manager, Ms May ensures all carers and children are comfortable and everything is going okay. 

“I am there to make sure the foster children have a comfortable bed and are warm enough,” Ms May said. 

“I also organize contacts with the child's birth family and make sure the foster carer is going okay. 

“I am a listening ear and, if I can see something might make their day easier, I suggest it.”

Ms May is in regular contact with children and families and said carers could be taken through a mix of emotions. 

“Foster carers have the delight of knowing these young people, who show a lot of resilience in some hard situations,” Ms May said. 

“The foster children can be quite mature for their years. 

“It can also be really hard, because a lot of distressing things can happen.”

Although there was always need for foster carers and respite workers, Ms May said the decision was a serious one. 

“It can be a really rewarding experience, but it is definitely not easy,” she said.  

“It is not something you would enter into lightly.”

Ms May said the week was a chance to thank and recognise "a treasured bunch of people" doing the hard yards.

“The goal is to give these children a stable life with one foster carer,” she said. 

“A big thank you to all those foster carers out there.”