In the heart of Queensland’s Lockyer Valley, the town of Gatton is quietly becoming a beacon of hope for children and young people in need of safe, stable homes. While often known for its agricultural strength and close-knit community, Gatton is also home to a growing network of foster carers, community leaders, and organisations like Foundations Care, all working tirelessly to create life-changing outcomes through foster care.

This movement is not only transforming the lives of children and young people but is also reshaping the lives of carers and strengthening the Gatton community itself.

The Heart of Foster Care: Creating Safety and Belonging

At the centre of foster care is a simple but powerful belief: every child deserves to feel safe, accepted, and valued. For many children entering care, their early experiences have been marked by instability, neglect, or trauma. Foster care provides an opportunity to break that cycle by offering a secure and loving environment.

In Gatton, foster carers open their hearts and homes to children of all ages—whether for short-term emergency placements, long-term care, or respite. With the support of not-for-profit organisations like Foundations Care, these carers receive the training, resources, and guidance they need to navigate the challenges and joys of caring for vulnerable children.

As one local carer shared, “It’s not always easy, but the moment you see a child start to trust again, to smile, to sleep peacefully—that’s when you know you’re making a difference.”

Foundations Care: Leading with Innovation and Compassion

Foundations Care has played a vital role in bringing high-quality foster care services to Gatton and the surrounding region. With more than 20 years of experience, the organisation’s mission is rooted in behavioural science and a deep commitment to children’s wellbeing. Their approach is built on strong, lasting partnerships with researchers, community leaders, government departments, and local carers.

Through these partnerships, Foundations Care delivers evidence-based support that helps children heal from trauma and build meaningful connections. This includes trauma-informed care practices, therapeutic support, and a strong focus on cultural identity—particularly for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, who are disproportionately represented in the foster care system.

Innovative recruitment and training models informed by behavioural science have led to foster carer retention rates and child outcomes that exceed national standards. In Gatton, this means more consistency, stability, and care continuity for the young people who need it most.

The Carers Behind the Change

The true heroes of foster care in Gatton are the everyday individuals and families who choose to become foster carers. Their reasons vary—some are motivated by personal experiences, others by a desire to give back—but all share a commitment to making a positive impact in a child’s life.

These carers are supported every step of the way. Foundations Care provides 24/7 support, regular training, and community events to help foster families stay connected and informed. The result is a growing community of carers who not only support children, but also support each other.

One long-time carer in Gatton reflected, “We’re not alone. There’s a whole network here that lifts you up when things get hard and celebrates with you when things go right.”

Real Stories, Real Impact

The impact of foster care in Gatton is best understood through the stories of the children and families it touches.

Take the story of Mia*, a 9-year-old girl who entered care after experiencing significant trauma in her early years. Placed with a trained carer through Foundations Care, Mia was given stability for the first time in her life. With consistent routines, therapy support, and a nurturing environment, Mia began to thrive. Within a year, her school attendance improved, her confidence grew, and she began forming friendships—something she had previously struggled with.

Or consider the story of Jordan*, a teenager who had been through multiple placements. A dedicated carer in Gatton stepped in and provided the structure and encouragement Jordan needed to complete high school. Today, Jordan is enrolled in a local TAFE program, pursuing a career in community services.

These stories are not isolated. Across Gatton, similar outcomes are being achieved every day thanks to the dedication of carers and the support systems behind them.

(*Names changed for privacy.)

Community Benefits Beyond the Home

Foster care’s impact isn’t limited to the children and carers involved—it extends into the broader community. As children in care find stability and healing, their improved mental health, educational outcomes, and social skills reduce the long-term costs associated with homelessness, unemployment, and contact with the justice system.

Moreover, foster care brings communities closer. Schools, healthcare providers, local businesses, and cultural groups all play a part in supporting foster families. In Gatton, this has fostered stronger ties among residents and increased awareness around child safety and trauma recovery.

Community events, such as local foster care appreciation days and carer networking groups, further reinforce these bonds and remind carers they are valued and supported.

The Ongoing Need for Carers in Gatton

Despite the progress, the need for foster carers in Gatton remains urgent. Every week, children are referred to care services, and not all can be placed locally. Foundations Care and similar organisations continue to call on compassionate individuals and families to step forward.

Becoming a foster carer doesn’t require perfection—just a willingness to provide a safe, caring space. Whether you're single, a couple, with or without children, retired, or working full-time, there are various types of care to suit different lifestyles.

Training is thorough but accessible, and support is ongoing. For many carers, the decision to start fostering is one of the most rewarding they’ve ever made.

Looking Ahead: A Brighter Future for Gatton's Children

As more people in Gatton become aware of the transformative power of foster care, the future looks brighter for the region’s most vulnerable children. With strong community support, innovative services, and a deep-rooted belief in the value of every child, Gatton is becoming a model of how regional towns can make a significant difference.

Every child deserves a chance to grow up in a safe and loving home. In Gatton, thanks to the efforts of foster carers and organisations like Foundations Care, that chance is becoming a reality for more and more children.

Interested in Becoming a Foster Carer in Gatton?

If you’re considering opening your home and heart to a child in need, contact Foundations Care to learn more about becoming a foster carer. Your decision could change a life—maybe even yours.