Carer Recognition Awards Winner 2021 Barbara Wallisch

Last year, Barnardos nominated a number of our carers for the My Forever Family Carer Recognition Awards. Due to COVID, the awards were delayed and have only now been awarded. congratulations to the amazing Barbara Wallish who received an award. Below is her nomination, certificate and a video featuring her and her foster son Scott.

Barbara Wallisch has been a carer for Barnardos for over 24 years. Barbara has adopted two children (now aged 33 and 23) and has cared for siblings, a boy, now 20 years of age, and his sister 19 years of age, since they were three and two years of age respectively. These siblings have significant autism, and struggled in their younger years, requiring lots of support and special education.

Barbara has always believed in the importance of focusing on ability and not disability, with the result that the boy has obtained his license and has a job and his sister holds down a job as well. They have been supported from a young age that they can do anything that they put their mind to, and have been taught by Barbara independent living skills, and as such have the ability to cook and look after themselves in general.

In addition to the children as mentioned above, Barbara has always been available to take children who need a safe place to land on short notice, providing Intake care, respite care and crisis care. She is a carer that can always be relied upon to help out in a crisis. She is currently caring for a little two year old girl because her permanent placement has ended, until such time as she is moved into permanent care. In addition, Barbara runs family day care from her home and loves her work with young children.

Barbara has been a wonderful mother to her four children as mentioned above and to many many more children who have been touched by her love, compassion and care.

Congratulations Barbara Wallisch.

Certificate for Barbara Wallisch