Aimee and Luke Griggs love their son like any parent would, but he was delivered in a different way to most.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
or signup to continue reading
Similar to the tale of the stork and the baby on the doorstep, their son was dropped to them by child services, as a foster baby.
At three months old, the little boy landed on their doorstep and he's been with them for three years.
"We wanted to build our family while also helping out the community, and welcoming vulnerable children in our home who need love and support," Mrs Griggs said.
Over the past three years, their son has had four temporary siblings. His foster parents provide respite care on weekends for other children, and emergency care which once saw them take in a three-day-old newborn for three months.
Foster and Kinship Care Week begins on Sunday to raise awareness of the need for more foster carers in Canberra.
Mrs Griggs said her foster son is the light of their lives.
"It’s a true privilege to help and watch him grow and develop. Nothing could have prepared us for the joy he has brought into our lives. He is such a happy little boy with the greatest smile that lights up our world."
She said being foster carers is the most rewarding experience.
"They say it takes a village to raise a child, and we have just that. A supportive network including birth family, case workers, support workers from ACT Together, extended family and friends.
"We don’t label ourselves as a "foster" family, we are just a family, just like the children who come into our care aren’t "foster children" they are just children, who deserve safety, stability and unconditional love."
Find out more about becoming a foster carer in the ACT here.
