Picture: Aaron, Jake & Kesie

Aaron cared for his neighbour’s now 21-year-old son Jake since 2019.

Jake was able to stay in Aaron’s care through the Department for Child Protection’s Over 18 Education Initiative.

Under the initiative, Aaron continues to receive basic carer payments and an education allowance for Jake, until he’s 25. Jake is one of almost 100 people with care experience taking part in the initiative.

“I had known Jake and his family for a long time,” Aaron, 58, said.

“His father was a neighbour.

“Jake had been living with an aunt for 13 years, but she wasn’t in a position to continue.

“I got a call from her to see if I could care for him for a weekend.”

Jake then spent a short time with his grandmother and another six weeks in residential care while Aaron applied for a clearance to become Jake’s carer.

“That was quite unsettling for him,” Aaron said of that time of uncertainty. “But five days before Christmas I got a call my clearances had come in, so I went and picked him up.

“I understand the importance of stability for Jake, and I told him he could stay as long as he liked.”

Aaron then set about helping Jake to get a part-time job in a supermarket, his licence and eventually a car.

He even reached out to a friend in the building industry to see if there was any full-time work.

Two years ago, Jake started a plumbing apprenticeship.

“He’s now quite successful and on his way,” Aaron said.

Jake, who didn’t really know his mother, said his life with Aaron has been a good one, and that he has learned a great deal under his guidance, particularly in what can be a challenging time for young people as they transition out of care.

He plans to stay with Aaron a few more years yet.

“He helped me with all the major milestones,” Jake said. “I’m definitely grateful.”

Aaron lives on a disability pension after suffering a spinal injury, but refuses to let that stop him leading an active lifestyle.

He’s determined to show Jake as much as he can.

He said the education initiative has been key to that, and that he hopes more foster families will benefit like his has.

“It’s all about experiencing new things and building confidence,” Aaron said.

“He has a girlfriend now, Kesie, and she has become part of our family as well.

“I just treat them like my own.

“I just took them to Sydney for the harbour bridge climb.

“I want them to feel welcome as long as they want.”

Aaron realises Jake will eventually want to find his own way, and he’s already making plans.

“It’s been an absolute privilege to care for Jake and guide him in the right direction,” Aaron said.

“It’s been exceptional. The reward for me is to see him succeed.”