Couple spread love to kids

Broome business managers Nat and Joe Giancono were among thousands of foster parents recognised for their dedication and support at a celebration for the Statewide Foster Carers Week.

Mrs Giancono, 42, and her 41-year-old husband attended a family event at Town Beach on Saturday, one of the many events held across the State.

The couple are fostering their 10th child and describe the experience as rewarding and enriching.

“The most rewarding thing about being a foster family is the capacity to love others,” Mrs Giancono said.

“It doesn’t matter how long a child stays with us for, we love them instantly and forever.”

Mr and Mrs Giancono have found the time to foster 10 children since 2013, as well as raising their daughters Amica, 11, and Cara, 9, and managing four businesses.

Their initial decision to foster came about when Cara invited every girl in her kindergarten class to her birthday except one because she “smelled bad”.

“I explained to Cara that this girl in her class was a foster child and didn’t have a mum and dad to look after her as she lived in a group home,” Mrs Giancono said.

“That little girl and my daughter became best friends and was the reason we became foster parents.

“We regularly cared for her and even though she now lives in Perth we have her come stay with us.

“She calls us mum and dad and she will always be part of our family.”

Mrs Giancono said the biggest challenge for her and her husband was saying goodbye when a child leaves them.

“It tears our hearts out when a child moves on,” she said.

“(But) I would rather grieve the loss of a child than not be there to help in the first place.”

The couple encouraged others to consider fostering as well, believing that if they can make it work, anybody can.

“Fostering is an experience that will enrich your lives far beyond what you could ever expect,” Mrs Giancono said. “There is no more rewarding feeling than helping someone in need, and when that someone is a child, the rewards are even greater.”

For more information on becoming a foster carer, visit Department for Child Protection WA website or call 1800 182 178.