Three years ago Ms Gearman took the plunge by registering as a foster parent on the advice of her daughter. "I had been talking about it for quite some time. My daughter put me to task [to] stop talking about it, and do something."

Parenting comes naturally for the couple, having raised five children between them. "It's [foster care] the best thing we ever did," she said.

"While it's not all smooth sailing, it's very enriching. Believe it or not, we get lonely when no kids are around, we have to start talking to each other again!"

Over the years, the couple have provided stability and shelter for about 30children. "It's all hands on deck, the most we've had at once is five children," Ms Gearman said. "The best part for us is the majority [of children] go home to their parents or family members."

The pair are regularly visited by a 14-year-old boy they once cared for, who is now living with his father. "We feel like surrogate grandparents; the kids love coming here, and we love having them."

As they see fit, the couple use Anglicare's respite services to take a break or find some time to recharge.

"It keeps us young and fit," Ms Gearman said. "Foster parenting is for anyone able to do it. Instead of thinking about it, do it."