Meet the Mayor who foster cares
Foster care
Jenna Davey-Burns embraces a busy schedule, dedicating her life to meaningful work that supports her community.
As the Mayor of Kingston City Council, she hasn't let her responsibilities hinder her commitment to caring for local children and young people as a Berry Street foster carer.
So, for Jenna, becoming a Berry Street foster carer wasn’t a matter of “Can I do this?” but rather “How can I show up for my community?”
“Everyone's busy, and many people are already juggling busy lives with their kids. We can all foster a child; you don’t need to be extraordinary or anything other than yourself. It's about just creating that small sliver of space in your life."
Taking the first leap
Jenna is the first to admit, making the move to be a foster carer can seem daunting, but said that it becomes easier after you get over those “initial hurdles.”
“Once you've cared for a few children, you’re no longer worried about the unknown quantity of fostering. Each child will come with different needs and different personalities, and you just need to be flexible about how you respond,” said Jenna.
“It’s often those unexpected moments that are the most rewarding. Those are memories you cherish for a lifetime."
Berry Street’s experienced foster care team is there every step of the way to provide the training and support that will prepare carers for the rewarding journey that lies ahead.
Putting yourself in the kids’ shoes is Jenna’s straightforward advice. Each child simply needs someone who will listen to them and provide a place of safety to find their sense of normal and happiness.
“It sounds like basic stuff, but what many kids in foster care need is just someone to be there for them. They don't need over-the-top razzle-dazzle; instead, they need someone to pay attention, show that they care, and listen. That's how you can show up best as a carer."
The Berry Street difference
“Berry Street’s workers are incredible. The way they trust me as a carer, listen to me, and involve me in the care team's decision-making is what keeps me as a carer. It’s why working with Berry Street going forward is something that I'll continue to prioritise,” said Jenna.
Jenna has been a carer since 2016; however, it was only after becoming an accredited carer through Berry Street that she was able to access the full wraparound supports and open communication that make fostering sustainable long-term.
“I'd heard lots of great feedback about Berry Street. I did some research, and one of the things that attracted me was Berry Street’s trauma-informed and therapeutic work. And that is what makes an enormous difference when you are caring for kids,” said Jenna.
“When you have the right tools, you can navigate almost anything, and you also become the person all your friends turn to for parenting advice.”
Finding the fostering fit for you
Despite many misconceptions, foster care is not a one-size-fits-all approach. Instead, it’s a tailored and flexible opportunity to give back to the people who need it most.
“It's the everyday person who can be a foster carer. You just need to open up your space, be flexible and build relationships," said Jenna.
Berry Street supports those who are thinking about becoming a foster carer to find the type of care that works for them – whatever that may look like.
With work commitments and an active life within the community, Jenna has chosen to provide the types of foster care that complement her lifestyle, including:
- respite care – caring for children to give full-time carers, parents, or guardians a regular break.
- emergency care – caring for children who are at risk and need a safe home immediately.
- short-term – caring for children from a few weeks up to 6 months.
How we care for all kids is a reflection of who we are as a community; I just think everyone has a role to play in creating a better future for every child—they all deserve it."
Become a foster carer and support a local child
Childhood is a journey. Partner with Berry Street to support a child or young person on theirs.
As a Berry Street foster carer, you’ll be a part of a team that is committed to supporting children and young people who cannot live safely at home. By providing a safe and nurturing place to live – you'll be there for them at a crucial moment in their life.
Jodie’s home is a place where children can feel safe and be themselves
