A band of foster parents, already volunteering to care for Perth's most vulnerable children, have banded together to face the loss of a vital donations service – and they need help.
The 'one-stop-shop' of donated clothing and other basic supplies foster carers turn to in their hours of need has lost its venue after the state association had to move to smaller premises.
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Mundaring Police parent patrol
Amanda Lawes contacted Mundaring Police when she was having problems with her 4 year old daughter's behaviour, so they told her to come down to the station.
The store took donations such as clothes, nappies, toys and books, and some larger items such as cots and prams, that foster carers could turn to in a pinch.
"We don't always get money for setup, cars, prams – basically you have to provide everything," said one single foster mum, who could not be named to protect the identities of her foster children.
She has looked after 15 children, from babies through to teenagers, after she began fostering two years ago.
Formerly a lawyer with a city firm and six-figure income, she recently gave up these trappings to commit to starting her own business and looking after one child long-term.
"This year I found out his mother was pregnant and they asked if I would have his newborn brother," she said.
"The baby arrived two weeks ago from hospital and there you are – instant motherhood.
"It's a baptism of fire."
She said while parents got a small subsidy and clothing allowance, sometimes children arrived with just the clothes on their backs, and being able to go to the 'store' for a few items eased the burden.
"Parents can get a baby dropped to their house in a singlet and nappy and that's it, with very little warning," she said.
One member of the group of parents is storing the supplies in her home so new parents can still access them.
But the arrangement is far from ideal and they are pleading for a donated space.
"Even a shed at a commercial property would be fine," the mother said.
"Any kind of storage facility. It doesn't have to be fancy, just a space with shelving and that is accessible for people go regularly."
She asked anyone wishing to donate to make sure the donations were of good quality.
"These kids deserve the best," she said.
"It takes a village to raise a child. I know that's a cliché, but these kids need this service.
They need extra support, understanding daycares, schools and teachers, they need a good GP, carers cope with behaviours related to trauma.
"You can't parent these kids how you would a typical child. As a carer, it can be really isolating. So this is a way to feel that the community is here and they want to help, even in a small way."
Anyone wishing to help should email emma.young@fairfaxmedia.com.au with their contact details, which will be passed on to the group.
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