As part of WA Foster and Family Carers Week, 24-year-old Cheyenne shares her experiences growing up in care and how it's helped shape her into the person she is today.
Through her reflections, we recognise the important role that foster and family carers have in supporting vulnerable children and young people by opening their hearts and homes.
Cheyenne first entered care at the age of 12. While she spent six years in different care placements there is a particular foster family she lived with that she fondly reflects on.
"Though I tested all the boundaries, this family loved and supported me as long as they could and showed me that I was worthy as a person and that I could achieve anything if I really set my mind to it," she said.
"This family loved me through every escalation, through every boundary push and me pushing them and everyone else away. While I didn't stay there permanently, they were the foundation of showing me what a positive relationship and family dynamic looked like and started the work of building my self-confidence, self-love and self-worth."
"My foster mum took the time to get to know me and find ways to engage me in new activities and help me work through my emotions around my family, school troubles and friendship breakdowns. They encouraged my love of fish and got me my first tank and guppies; introduced me to martial arts and advocated for me to go into the best possible high school to stay on track with my learning."
Cheyenne believes that although being a foster carer can be hard, it is also one of the most rewarding things you can do for yourself and your community.
"I wouldn't be the person I am today without the people who took me in and cared for me no matter how long I was in their home," she said.
"All children and young people are deserving of love, commitment and connection - we just need someone who is invested in creating that difference in our lives."
